Mel Gibson’s Ardour of the Christ sequel simply skilled a casting shakeup that definitely left followers of the unique film speaking.
Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen will probably be taking part in the function of Jesus in The Resurrection of the Christ, changing Jim Caviezel, who portrayed the determine within the authentic 2004 movie, per Selection. Moreover, Mariela Garriga will probably be taking up the a part of Mary Magdalene, which was beforehand held within the authentic movie by Monica Bellucci. The outlet additionally reported Kasia Smutniak is changing Maia Morgenstern as Mary, mom of Jesus, and Pier Luigi Pasino will probably be taking part in Peter.
Followers voiced their shock on X after the casting information was revealed, as many have been rooting for Caviezel, 57, to return again to play Jesus.
“What occurred? What modified? Wasn’t Jim hyping up this film since endlessly?” one particular person questioned, whereas one other mentioned, “I’m much less excited about these movies figuring out that Caviezel isn’t returning.”
“Sorry, however that is an terrible forged determination,” a 3rd particular person wrote, whereas a fourth questioned, “What’s the rationale? I do know he’s 57, however actually, it’ll be a troublesome job changing him.”
Others identified that Ohtonen, 36, may very well be a very good match for the half with just a little assist from the particular results and make-up groups.
“Eh. Add a beard, a faux nostril, and I would be capable to see it,” one X person mentioned. “These are some huge footwear to fill. Caviezel was one of the best Jesus ever finished IMO.”
“Everybody complaining will need to have forgot film make-up exists,” one other particular person commented. “I would like Caviezel again, but when he’s too outdated for the function then it’s what it’s.”

It was first reported on Friday, October 10, by Web page Six that Caviezel and Bellucci, 61, wouldn’t be returning to reprise their roles. On the time, replacements weren’t instantly named, inflicting mass hypothesis and outrage on social media.
“Recasting Jesus is loopy 😭,” one particular person wrote on X after listening to the information, whereas a second particular person echoed, “That is QUITE stunning. Jim Caviezel has been speaking concerning the The Ardour of the Christ sequels for a while. Caviezel additionally talked about just a few occasions that the script he learn was one of many BEST scripts of all time. Primarily based on some studies, Caviezel additionally had a number of talks with Mel Gibson. Issues do change, and it’s potential that Caviezel can’t deal with the physicality the function requires, or it’s potential that he can’t decide to doing two sequels.”
Others instructed Jonathan Roumie, who performs Jesus in The Chosen, to take over the half.
Throughout an look on the “Arroyo Grande With Raymond Arroyo” podcast in April, Caviezel hinted that he could be a part of the sequel.
“I need to take pleasure in this yet another than I did the opposite one, I acquired too far over my skis,” Caviezel mentioned through the episode. “On the opposite one, I used to be involved that it was not in Aramaic, I mentioned, ‘We’re not doing this.’ Properly, that was a special world. However belief, I actually do belief what [Gibson] provides.”
Caviezel then defined why he was constructing a psychological journal of his expertise taking part in Jesus, telling Arroyo, “So, actually experiencing the resurrection, as a result of you understand you’re not going to get this many pictures. You realize, I’m by no means going to get one other shot at this once more. And I keep in mind any person telling me you need to take a journal. I mentioned, my journal is true right here. I keep in mind all of it, however I want I had, you understand, documented among the stuff that I went by means of.”
The Resurrection of the Christ will probably be damaged up into two components, with the primary half due out on Good Friday, March 26, 2027. The second half will probably be launched 40 days afterward Ascension Day, Could 6, 2027.