New Report Reveals Massive Budget Behind Mel Gibson’s The Resurrection of Christ
Mel Gibson is going all in on his long-awaited return to biblical storytelling, and new reports suggest the scale is much bigger than many expected.
According to recent industry reports, The Resurrection of Christ will be made as two separate films with a combined budget of more than $250 million. Each part is said to cost around $125 million. The project is backed by Lionsgate, which plans to release both films in premium theaters, including IMAX.
Sources close to the production say the high cost comes from heavy visual effects and ambitious storytelling. The films will reportedly include large-scale sequences with angels and demons, intense spiritual battles, and scenes showing Jesus’ descent into hell. Gibson himself has described the project as an “acid trip,” hinting at how far he plans to push the visuals and themes.
🚨 Breaking, Mel Gibson’s The Resurrection of Christ is shaping up like the Christian Avengers: Endgame.
— Movies Scenes 🎫 (@SceneinCinema) December 30, 2025
New reports say the project will cost $250M+, split into two films, each around $125M. And now we know why — massive VFX, IMAX cameras, battles between angels and demons, and… pic.twitter.com/C0p4XeDbJM
Part One is set to arrive in theaters on March 26, 2027. Part Two is scheduled to follow just weeks later on May 6, 2027.
This new chapter follows The Passion of the Christ from 2004 and serves as the second installment in a planned trilogy. Gibson directed the film and co-wrote the script with Randall Wallace, based on a story developed with his brother Donal Gibson. Gibson is also producing the film alongside Bruce Davey.
The cast has been fully recast. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen, known for The Last Kingdom, will play Jesus. Mariela Garriga takes on the role of Mary Magdalene. Other cast members include Kasia Smutniak as Mary, mother of Jesus, Pier Luigi Pasino as Peter, Riccardo Scamarcio as Pontius Pilate, and Rupert Everett in an undisclosed role.
Earlier reports confirmed that Jim Caviezel and Monica Bellucci would not return. By October, it was revealed that the entire original cast had been replaced due to scheduling issues and the high cost of using de-aging effects. Ohtonen’s casting sparked debate online, while Smutniak also faced criticism from some groups because of her past political views.
Filming began on October 6. Production is taking place mainly at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, with additional filming planned across several locations in Italy. The two films are being shot at the same time. Earlier announcements had listed the budget at $100 million, but newer reports now point to a much higher total cost for the full project.
This project is clearly one of the biggest and boldest faith-based films ever attempted. Gibson is not playing it safe, and the reaction will likely be strong on all sides once it hits theaters.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!