Mel Gibson’s biblical drama “The Passion of the Christ” returns to theaters ahead of its 2027 sequel “The Resurrection of the Christ: Part 1.”
Lionsgate and Fathom Entertainment will bring “The Passion of the Christ,” newly remastered in 4K with Dolby Atmos sound, back to the big screen from September 10th to September 17th. Ticket buyers will get a sneak peek at “The Resurrection of Christ: Part 1,” which the studio describes as Gibson’s “most ambitious filmmaking feat” and “the greatest faith film ever to hit the screen.”
“‘The Passion of the Christ’ remains one of the most extraordinary theatrical experiences ever created. For millions of people, it was much more than just a movie, it was a powerful experience of sharing culture and faith,” said Kevin Grayson, President of Worldwide Distribution, Lionsgate Film Group. “Bringing this production back to theaters in a stunning restoration will allow longtime audiences to experience it in a whole new way, while also allowing a new generation to see it in theaters for the first time.”
The sequel has been split into two films, with “Part 1” scheduled to be released on May 6, 2027 and “Part 2” scheduled for release on May 25, 2028. Each film will be released in theaters on Ascension Day, the Christian holiday celebrating the ascension of Jesus into heaven. The press release details that the sequel will “tell the story of Christ’s victory over death after making the ultimate sacrifice, a moment that forever changed the course of humanity and continues one of the most profound and enduring stories in history.”
“The Resurrection of Christ” stars Jim Caviezel as Jesus of Nazareth and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene, and takes place after the events of “The Passion of the Christ,” which followed the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ before his crucifixion. The plot of the sequel, as the title suggests, will focus on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jako Otonen and Mariela Garriga, who will take over the roles of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, will co-star with Pier Luigi Pacino, Kasia Smutniak, Riccardo Scamarcio and Rupert Everett.
Until recently, “The Passion of the Christ” was the highest-grossing R-rated domestic release of all time, with $370 million. However, that record was replaced by Disney’s 2024 blockbuster Deadpool and Wolverine, which grossed $636 million at the domestic box office. The Passion of the Christ remains one of the biggest independent films of all time, grossing $610 million worldwide on a production budget of $30 million.
“Few contemporary films have had as profound an impact on the cultural landscape as ‘The Passion of the Christ,'” said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Entertainment. “Twenty years ago, faith-based and more secular-inclined audiences alike embraced Mel Gibson’s masterpiece film, making it a real success and ushering in an era of opportunity for future faith-themed projects.”
Lionsgate also announced that “The Resurrection of Christ: Part 1” will be executive produced by Cedar Hill and Mike Ilitch Jr. Productions. Both companies are investors in the film.
Gibson, whose career was derailed by several off-screen controversies, returned to studio filmmaking for the first time in eight years with last year’s Flight Risk. Lionsgate’s plane-set thriller starring Mark Wahlberg failed to set the box office on fire with just $48 million worldwide. Gibson has previously directed 2016’s Hacksaw Ridge, Braveheart and Apocalypto.
