Fans Outraged Over New Jesus Casting in Mel Gibson’s ‘The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One’
Mel Gibson’s upcoming film, The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One, has sparked a heated reaction online after fans learned about the new casting for Jesus.
The epic biblical drama is a sequel to Gibson’s 2004 hit, The Passion of the Christ. The movie stars Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus of Nazareth, replacing Jim Caviezel, who played the role in the original.
Mariela Garriga takes on the role of Mary Magdalene, stepping in for Monica Bellucci. Other major roles, including Mary, Peter, and Pontius Pilate, have also been recast, according to reports from multiple sources including Variety and Collider.
The film, directed and co-written by Gibson alongside Randall Wallace, explores Christ’s time in Hell, encounters with fallen angels, and the Harrowing of Hell. Gibson has described the project as an “a*** trip.” The sequel will be followed by The Resurrection of the Christ: Part Two, set to release on May 6, 2027.
Originally, Caviezel and Bellucci were set to return, with Caviezel being de-aged using CGI similar to the technology in The Irishman (2019). However, scheduling conflicts and the cost of de-aging effects led to a full recast. Ohtonen stepping into the role of Jesus has caused a particularly strong reaction among fans.
Many viewers have expressed anger on social media, criticizing the recast and the lightening of Jesus’ skin. One fan wrote, “Jim Caviezel is the only one. Even if you would film a thousand films … yet the only one called for being Jesús would be Jim. When your movies only be a memory, The Passion with Jim yet will stand in all the generations.” Another said, “He’s got big shoes to fill. I pray it can be done. Jim only wanted people to see Christ, not him. God bless him.”
Others echoed similar feelings about Caviezel’s unique connection to the role. “I don’t think he will be able to fill Jim’s shoes. Jim was built for the role even his initials were JC. But I hope the new actor does justice to the role,” one user posted. Another fan warned, “Jim Caviezel lived—not acted—this role 20 years ago. It’s deeply connected to him. I’m not sure if a change might be the smartest move. At least a lot of the fans of the first movie will boycott. That’s for sure.”
The backlash highlights how strongly fans associate Caviezel with the character of Jesus. Many viewers feel that the new casting could change the way the sequel is received, while others remain hopeful that Ohtonen will honor the role.
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