As he prepares to step once more into the role of Jesus for the upcoming sequel to “The Passion of the Christ,” actor Jim Caviezel is immersing himself in spiritual discipline and theological study, drawing inspiration from C.S. Lewis. The project, titled “The Resurrection of the Christ”, marks a return nearly two decades after Mel Gibson’s groundbreaking 2004 film.
In a recent interview on the Arroyo Grande show, Caviezel reflected on his mindset heading into the sequel, describing the process not just as a performance, but a spiritual confrontation. “I’m not acting as Jesus,” he explained. “I’m asking Him to work through me.”
Production for the film is scheduled to begin this August in Rome, with a tentative release set for 2026. Director Mel Gibson recently told Joe Rogan that the movie will take a deeply imaginative and emotionally intense approach, calling it an “acid trip” that delves into the spiritual mysteries surrounding the Resurrection.
Now 56, Caviezel will undergo digital de-aging to portray Jesus at age 33. Still, when Gibson approached him about the sequel, Caviezel didn’t hesitate. “You want me to be Jesus again, don’t you?” he recalled asking. “I’m all in.”
Last year, Gibson cryptically tackled how he would deal with Caviezel having aged 20 years since the first film. It turned out, Gibson wasn’t worried one bit, he had a plan, but he wasn’t saying what it was.
So it's like, you know, I have ways of dealing with that, because, you know, twenty years ago is [supposed to be] three days later. So it has its own peculiar set of problems, which I think I can solve.
Turns out he’ll be doing the good ol’ ‘Irishman’ treatment on Caviezel.
To prepare, Caviezel is fasting, praying the rosary, and plans to receive Communion daily while on set. He’s also been reading “The Screwtape Letters,” Lewis’ satirical exploration of spiritual warfare from the perspective of a senior demon mentoring a junior one. Caviezel says the book helps him understand the subtle influence of evil and deepen his portrayal. “I’m not a sheep,” he said. “I was a wolf who’s been changed.”
He describes the experience as stepping into battle: “This is a war,” he emphasized
Since playing Christ, Caviezel has said he was effectively blacklisted in Hollywood, but he’s continued pursuing roles aligned with his faith. These include “Paul,” “Apostle of Christ,” and the surprise hit “Sound of Freedom,” distributed by Angel Studios.
Alongside Caviezel, ‘The Resurrection’ will feature Maia Morgenstern reprising her role as Mary and Francesco De Vito returning as Peter. Gibson will once again direct and co-wrote the screenplay with his brother, Donal, and “Braveheart” collaborator Randall Wallace.
Of course, we all know the rule: take these reactions with a grain of salt rather than treating them as gospel. Still, I will say that the film tested like gangbusters earlier this year, and Lionsgate clearly has confidence.