Mel Gibson’s ‘The Resurrection of Christ’ Set for 2026 Filming: A Cinematic Odyssey Awaits

After years of anticipation, Mel Gibson has confirmed that his long-awaited sequel to The Passion of the Christ is inching closer to reality. Tentatively titled The Resurrection of Christ, the film, which has experienced delays spanning several years, is now set to begin production in 2026—though no official start date has been set.

During an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Gibson revealed that the screenplay, co-written with his brother Donal Gibson and Braveheart scribe Randall Wallace, has undergone no fewer than six drafts. The final script will be a hybrid of two distinct versions, blending philosophical and poetic elements into what Gibson cryptically described as an “acid trip” through “other realms.”

A Sequel Two Decades in the Making

The original Passion of the Christ (2004) was a polarizing yet undeniably monumental film. Gibson's unflinching portrayal of the last 12 hours of Jesus' life was as brutal as it was emotionally searing. Passion was more than a movie—it was a cultural phenomenon that grossed over $612 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing R-rated film of its time.

Yet, Gibson's vision for the sequel ventures into uncharted territory. Unlike its predecessor's linear narrative, The Resurrection of Christ promises to explore the mystical and metaphysical. The sequel will reportedly focus on the 24 hours of Jesus' passion and the three days between his crucifixion and resurrection, with Jim Caviezel reprising his role as Jesus.

Gibson hinted that the film might be split into two chapters, delving into Jesus' descent into hell—a concept that offers an almost surrealist take on the biblical narrative. “It's going to roll in its own time,” Gibson shared, suggesting that the prolonged development has allowed the story to mature organically.

Philosophical Depth Meets Cinematic Brutality

Gibson's oeuvre has always leaned into visceral storytelling, often blurring the line between artistry and extremity. From the savage battlefields of Braveheart to the unrelenting survival tale of Apocalypto, his directorial work is a testament to his audacious vision.

With The Resurrection of Christ, Gibson seems poised to push these boundaries further. Describing the project as both “poetic” and “philosophical,” he appears intent on exploring the spiritual complexities of resurrection and redemption.

This approach could alienate some audiences who expect a straightforward continuation of The Passion, but it also holds the potential to elevate the film beyond its predecessor's stark brutality. The notion of a cinematic “acid trip” with Jesus venturing into alternate realms suggests a bold, almost experimental departure for Gibson.

Personal Impressions

As a critic, I'm both intrigued and apprehensive. On one hand, the ambitious scope of The Resurrection of Christ is undeniably compelling. Few directors possess the creative audacity to tackle a project of this magnitude, let alone one that reimagines one of history's most profound events.

However, ambition alone does not guarantee success. The original Passion thrived on its raw emotional power and brutal realism. Will this sequel, with its philosophical bent and surreal undertones, resonate as deeply? Or will it risk alienating its audience with an overly esoteric approach?

That said, Gibson's track record suggests he's unafraid to take risks, even at the cost of polarizing critics and audiences. If he can strike a balance between the visceral and the philosophical, The Resurrection of Christ might not just be a worthy sequel—it could redefine the religious epic for a new generation.

Does the concept of The Resurrection of Christ intrigue you, or do you think Mel Gibson is taking too many creative liberties with such a revered story? How do you feel about the potential for a more “philosophical” approach to this iconic tale?