The Resurrection of the Christ

After producing a blockbust movie called “Passion of the Christ” now Mel Gibson, the hardcore traditionalist Catholic has invested 250 million dollars to produce another possible blockbuster called the “The Resurrection of the Christ“

Mel Gibson and Cardinal Vigano on the sets of the movie

This time Jacklo Othonen will play Jesus

Jaakko Ohtonen (born 25 August 1989)[1] is a Finnish actor and voiceover artist. He has been cast in the role of Jesus Christ (replacing Jim Caviezel) in Mel Gibson’s The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One and Part Two (both 2027).
Career

Ohtonen studied film acting at Voionmaa College [fi] in Tampere during years 2008–2009. After that, he studied at the Department of Acting at the University of Tampere and graduated with a master’s degree in Theatre Arts in 2015.[2] After graduating, he has worked as a freelance actor.[1] Ohtonen started working at the group theatre Meriteatteri in 2015. Ohtonen has also acted at the Tampere Theatre and the group theatre Siperia [fi].[2][3]

Ohtonen’s acting television roles include Sunnuntailounas [fi] in 2018. The following year, he appeared in first season of the Finnish crime drama series All the Sins and provided the voice of the Finnish version of Big Brother reality television show. In 2020 he portrayed Jere in the Finnish television series Hotel Swan Helsinki [fi].[4] He also appeared in the medical series Syke.

In 2022, Ohtonen appeared again in the third season of Finnish crime drama series All the Sins.[5] Ohtonen portrayed Wolland in the final series of the historical television drama The Last Kingdom for Netflix.[6] He also appeared in the historical epic series Vikings: Valhalla.[7]

In 2025 he could be seen in the Swedish Disney+ original historical drama series To Cook a Bear.[8] That year, he was cast as Jesus Christ (replacing Jim Caviezel) in the Mel Gibson film The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One, the sequel to the 2004 film The Passion of the Christ, and commenced filming in the role in October 2025 in Italy.[9][10]

Budget and Visual Effects

The project is split into two movies. Each part carries a budget of about $100 to $125 million. Together the two installments cost roughly $250 million. This makes the film the most expensive project Gibson has ever directed. A large portion of the money will fund visual effects. Gibson describes the effects as super ambitious and like an acid trip. He plans massive angelic and demonic battles and a dramatic descent into hell. The visual scope matches the high budget and the IMAX format.

Mariela Garriga will play Mary Magdelene

Mariela Garriga (born 1989)[1] is a Cuban actress. Since moving in 2009 to Milan, she has featured in a number of Italian and American productions.[2] She plays Marie in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and its sequel Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
Early life

Born in Havana, Cuba in 1989, Garriga began working in theatre and TV as a teenager and appeared on the show Cuban Television Ballet.[dubious – discuss] Garriga stated that she is of Spanish ancestry.[3] In 2009, she relocated to Italy and became a model, and studied at Michael Rodgers Acting Studio in Milan. She then moved from Italy to the United States in 2016, and studied in New York City at the Terry Schreiber Studio, as well as The Actors Studio.[4] Italian productions Garriga starred in include Gli Uomini d’Oro directed by Vincent Alfieri as well as the comedy Chi m’ha visto directed by Alessandro Pondi. She had a recurring role in the Italian television series I delitti del Barlume, directed by Roan Johnson. Garriga was a series regular on The Last Defectors in 2017 and 2018.[5]

The original leads Jim Caviezel and Monica Bellucci will not return. New talent steps into the roles. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen plays Jesus. Cuban actress Mariela Garriga portrays Mary Magdalene. Polish born Kasia Smutniak appears as Mary. Italy’s Pier Luigi Pasino takes on the role of Peter. Riccardo Scamarcio plays Pontius Pilate. Rupert Everett joins the cast in a mysterious part.

Unlike earlier versions, the dialogue will be in English. Gibson believes English will keep audiences from feeling alienated. The decision also helps the film reach a broader market.

Mariela with Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible

Release Schedule

Lionsgate has set a two part release plan. Part One will open on Good Friday, March 26 2027. Part Two follows 40 days later on Ascension Day, May 6 2027. The close timing aims to keep viewers engaged with the story.

What This Means for Viewers

Fans can expect a visually stunning biblical epic that blends massive set pieces with modern technology. The use of IMAX cameras promises an immersive experience. The English script should make the story easy to follow. With a $250 million budget, the film aims to become a landmark in biblical cinema.

Overall, Mel Gibson’s Resurrection of the Christ film looks set to dominate the box office in 2027. The combination of a huge budget, IMAX technology, and a bold visual style could make it a cultural event.

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