Jim Caviezel Won't Repreieve Role As Jesus Christ
Actor Jim Caviezel will not reprise his iconic role as Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson's highly anticipated sequel to "The Passion of the Christ," multiple sources confirmed on October 10, 2025. Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter reported that both Caviezel and Monica Bellucci, who played Mary Magdalene, have been recast for "The Resurrection of the Christ."
The sequel, which began filming last week at Rome's Cinecittà Studios where the original was shot, will explore the three days between Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. Gibson has described this period as "the most transformative story ever told." Lionsgate plans to release the film in two parts: Part One on March 26, 2027 (Good Friday) and Part Two on May 6, 2027 (Ascension Day).
According to sources close to the production cited by Page Six, the recasting decision came down to practical concerns. "They would have had to do all this CGI stuff, all this digital stuff, de-aging and all that, that would have been very costly," one source explained. "It made sense to recast the whole film." Since the sequel takes place just three days after the original film's events, the 21-year aging of the cast since 2004 presented significant technical challenges.
Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen, 36, will play Jesus in the new films. Cuban actress Mariela Garriga replaces Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene. Other key castings include Kasia Smutniak as Mary, Pier Luigi Pasino as Peter, and Riccardo Scamarcio as Pontius Pilate.
The news comes as a surprise given Caviezel's recent statements expressing eagerness to return. In an April 2025 interview on the "Arroyo Grande" podcast, the 57-year-old actor stated: "Now I get these bonus years and I had no idea [during the original film]. At the time, after I was done, it was done." He had been preparing intensively for the role, fasting, praying the rosary daily, planning to receive Communion daily on set, and reading C.S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters" to deepen his understanding of spiritual warfare.
"I want to enjoy this one more than I did the other one," Caviezel said in April, comparing the sequel to the original. "On the other one, I was concerned that it was not in Aramaic. I said, 'We're not doing this.' Well, that was a different world. But I really do trust what [Gibson] adds."
The original "The Passion of the Christ" became a cultural phenomenon and box office juggernaut when released in 2004. Made on a $30 million budget, it grossed $370 million domestically and over $612 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing R-rated film in North American history until last year. The film earned three Oscar nominations for Makeup, Cinematography, and Original Score.
Caviezel's portrayal of Jesus was widely praised for its intensity and authenticity. The actor endured significant physical challenges during filming, including being accidentally struck twice by lightning while on set, hypothermia during the crucifixion scenes, shoulder dislocation, and severe physical exhaustion from the demanding role.
The sequel has been in development for nearly two decades, with Gibson continuously discussing the project in interviews. Production was originally scheduled for 2023, then 2024, before finally moving forward in 2025. The extended development period contributed to the aging issue that ultimately led to the recasting decision.
Mel Gibson has not publicly commented on the recasting. Premier Christian News noted that Caviezel "is known to have a deep and personal faith" and has "spoken many times about how his Catholic faith is more than just belief," regularly praying the Rosary, going to confession, and receiving the Eucharist.
The recasting has generated mixed reactions online. Some expressed disappointment that the iconic pairing of Gibson and Caviezel would not continue, while others noted that biblically, witnesses to Christ's resurrection did not immediately recognize Him, providing scriptural precedent for a different actor portraying the resurrected Jesus.
