AS Mel Gibson he is preparing to direct his own The Passion of Christ followed, now we have learned it Jim Caviezel AND Monica Bellucci he won’t be returning for the film, which is titled The Resurrection of Christ.
According to Deadline, the sequel to Gibson’s 2004 biblical epic is now in development in Rome and replacements are actively being sought for the roles of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene. The decision comes as the film heads into production without two of its original stars.
Both Caviezel and Bellucci were unable to return due to scheduling conflicts and the complications that would arise from digital de-aging, as it has been more than twenty years since the original film’s release.
They will be replaced by the Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen (The Last Kingdom) in the role of Jesus, and Cuban actress Mariela Garrigawho starred in Mission impossible: showdownwill play Mary Magdalene.
Actor of Polish origin Kasia Smutniak (Dominate) is replacing Maia Morgenstern like Mary; Peter is played by Italia Pier Luigi Pasino; and the role of Pontius Pilate will be played by Italy Riccardo ScamarcioAND Rupert Everett a small but important, unspecified role will appear.
In April, Caviezel expressed his interest in reprising the role of Christ, and reflected on his experience filming the original film and the idea of returning to it years later, saying:
“Now I have these bonus years and I had no idea [during the original film]. At that time, after I was done, it was finished,”
She also spoke about the fear and challenge that comes with taking on such a role again, saying:
“Am I scared? Yes. But if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t want to work with that actor. Of course I am, but I never will.” [go away] …but I was worried about the last one.”
Although Caviezel will not return to the role, The Resurrection of Christ is still moving forward under Gibson’s direction. The director’s ambitious plan is to release the two-part sequel through Lionsgate.
The first part will arrive on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, followed by the second part forty days later on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027.
Story details remain tightly under wraps, but the project is expected to pick up after the events of The Passion of the Christ, exploring the aftermath of the crucifixion and resurrection itself.
Gibson previously referred to the sequel as “an acid trip.” He went on to say that he had “never read anything like” the script, which Gibson co-wrote with him. Randall Wallace.
He went on to offer some details: “My brother and I and Randall all got together on this. So there’s some good ideas put together, but there’s some crazy stuff.
“And I think to really tell the story properly you really have to start with the fall of the angels, which means you’re in another place, you’re in another realm. You have to go to hell. You have to go to the Underworld.”
Gibson described the film as “very ambitious” and said the story not only covers “the fall of the angels” but also “the death of the last apostle.”
He said: “It’s about finding a way in that isn’t corny or too obvious. I think I have ideas about how to do that and how to evoke things and emotions in people from the way you describe it and the way you shoot it.
“So I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. It’s not going to be easy and it’s going to take a lot of planning and I’m not entirely sure I can do it, to be honest, it’s super ambitious.
“But I’m going to try because that’s what you’re supposed to do, right, step up to the plate, right?”
Gibson previously spoke about the film, saying it’s “not a linear narrative,” adding that “you have to juxtapose the central event that I’m trying to tell with everything that surrounds it in the future and the past and other realms, and that’s a bit of science fiction.”
Gibson’s original film was a cinematic phenomenon when it debuted in 2004. The film depicted the final 12 hours of the life of Christ and earned $370 million domestically and more than $610 million worldwide on a $30 million budget.
It became the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time in North America, a record it held for nearly two decades, and earned three Oscar nominations for Makeup, Cinematography and Original Score.
While the absence of Caviezel and Bellucci will undoubtedly change the dynamic of the long-awaited sequel, it will be interesting to see what Gobson does with it.
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
