Boom. Two decades of rumors, six script drafts, and enough delays to make The Flash's production look smooth. Mel Gibson's The Resurrection of the Christ—the sequel to his 2004 biblical gut-punch The Passion of the Christ—is actually filming this August. Maybe. Probably. Unless it gets pushed to 2027.
The Third (Fourth?) Time's the Charm
Manuela Cacciamani, CEO of Rome's Cinecittà Studios, just confirmed the shoot dates to Il Sole 24 Ore. Gibson's team will take over the iconic lot, building “many theaters and stage constructions” for what's been described as a metaphysical deep dive into Jesus' post-crucifixion journey. Translation: The Passion meets Apocalypto meets… Doctor Strange?
Gibson's own words to Joe Rogan hinted at chaos: Resurrection will be an “acid trip” with Jesus exploring “other realms.” Cue theological debates and Vanity Fair hot takes.
Why the Hold-Up?
- Script Wars: Since 2016, Gibson's been wrestling drafts with his brother Donal and Braveheart scribe Randall Wallace. Six versions. Six. That's Lord of the Rings-level indecision.
- Gibson's Perfectionism: The man doesn't half-ass violence (Braveheart's disembowelments, Apocalypto's heart-ripping). If he's making Jesus hallucinate, he'll want it visceral.
- The Shadow of Passion: The original grossed $612 million on a $30 million budget—a miracle by Hollywood standards. Replicating that fervor (and controversy) is a risk.
The 2026 Easter Gamble
Rumors point to an April 3, 2026 release. Perfect timing? Or a Heaven's Gate-level misfire? Passion divided critics but electrified audiences. This time, Gibson's playing with cosmic stakes—literally.
Closer: Betting on Blood and Revelation
Love him or loathe him, Gibson doesn't make safe art. Resurrection could be a transcendent masterpiece or a bonkers mess. Either way, it's happening. Probably.
Your move, Hollywood.
