It took over two decades, but Mel Gibson finally got a sequel to 2004’s “The Passion of the Christ” off the ground and filming last Fall. There was, however, a notable absentee – Jim Caviezel.
The “Sound of Freedom” and “Person of Interest” actor starred as Jesus in Gibson’s original film, arguably changing the trajectory of his whole career as a result of that gig. For much of the time since the original, the expectation was that Caviezel would reprise his role when Gibson made the follow-up – even if it required some digital de-aging.
Then last year came word that Gibson and his Icon production company weren’t shooting one film, but rather a two-part feature titled “The Resurrection of the Christ” with an all new cast. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen (“The Last Kingdom”) was instead installed as the new Jesus.
Out promoting his new action film “Ghost Soldier,” Caviezel has now talked about Gibson replacing him on the Arroyo Grande podcast (via WoR). He revealed that Jesus is more of a supporting character in the new movies, but he was still interested nonethless:
“Well, honestly, I read the first and the second script. And Jesus really is not… he really didn’t need me. It’s a smaller role. And you put that against this action film [‘Ghost Soldier’] that has great substance, like Monte Cristo, and I was the main dude in it.
Did I want to do it [Passion 2]? Of course I did. I was heartbroken. I was supposed to do Jesus in the Resurrection, and you know, that had been talked about for over a decade, two decades. Icon went a different direction.”
The new films, which will be in English this time, begin three days after the crucifixion and Caviezel is now 58, considerably older than 33-year-old Jesus.
“The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One” arrives on May 6th 2027 followed by “The Resurrection of the Christ: Part Two” on May 25th 2028.
