Renowned for his action-packed performances in Mad Max and Lethal Weapon, as well as his Oscar-winning directorial work on Braveheart, Mel Gibson has long been a force in Hollywood. Rising to fame in the Australian New Wave of the early 1980s, he cemented his legacy with Mad Max (1979). Now, anticipation reaches a fever pitch as one of his most eagerly awaited sequels is finally set to begin filming.

With Mel Gibson’s track record of delivering cinematic epics, anticipation is at an all-time high as the long-awaited sequel to The Passion of the Christ prepares to begin filming this summer.

Mel Gibson’s highly anticipated sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ, is set to enter production this August at Rome’s renowned Cinecittà Studios, as confirmed by CEO Manuela Cacciamani. Speaking with Il Sole 24 Ore newspaper, Cacciamani revealed that Gibson and Icon Productions have locked in a summer 2025 filming schedule (via Variety). Cacciamani stated that the film “will be sh-- entirely in Cinecittà starting in August.” Additional scenes will also be filmed in Matera, Ginosa, Gravina, Laterza, and Altamura, enhancing its historical depth.

Jim Caviezel is set to reprise his role as Jesus in The Resurrection of the Christ, with Maia Morgenstern and Francesco De Vito also expected to return. Mel Gibson, speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast, described the film as surreal and unconventional. He previously hinted that the story would explore time, spiritual realms, and even hell. Despite past controversy, The Passion of the Christ became a massive box-office success two decades ago, paving the way for its long-awaited continuation.

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In recent years, epic films have consistently dominated the box office. In reality, this formula for success has endured for generations, proving that audiences remain captivated by suspense and the thrill of the unknown, and The Passion of the Christ's success is a testament of the same.

Back when it was released, The Passion of the Christ was the highest-grossing R-rated film in the US, at $370.8 million, a record which remained unbroken for 20 years until Deadpool and Wolverine broke the same. Mel Gibson's hit classic chronicled on Jesus of Nazareth’s final twelve hours, with Jim Caviezel in the lead role. The story opens with Jesus praying after the Last Supper, before Judas Iscariot’s betrayal led to his obstruction. Taken to Jerusalem, the religious authorities there accused him of blasphemy and sentenced him to eternal rest. 

Upon its release, The Passion of the Christ sparked sharply divided reactions. As of March 26, 2025, it holds a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its polarizing nature. While some critics lauded Mel Gibson’s biblical epic for its immersive storytelling, others condemned it as excessively brutal. Roger Ebert even described it as the most intense film he had ever watched. In 2006, Gibson dismissed criticism of the film’s vicious and controversial portrayal, but the backlash ultimately did not hinder its success. Now, with The Resurrection of the Christ on the horizon, audiences eagerly await whether its impact will match its predecessor’s staggering box-office success.

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