Mel Gibson is filming a sequel to The Passion of the Christ using IMAX cameras
Mel Gibson’s upcoming project marks the most costly endeavor of his directing career and will be released as a two-part duology.
Filming is currently underway at the renowned Cinecittà studios in Rome for the highly anticipated continuation of the iconic film The Passion of the Christ. Official reports confirm that a substantial portion of the movie is being captured using cutting-edge digital IMAX cameras, signaling a strategic plan for an expansive IMAX release. The duology is slated to debut in 2027.
The choice to employ IMAX technology highlights the film’s grand and epic vision. Insider sources reveal that the sequels will heavily incorporate visual effects, setting them apart from the more intimate and grounded tone of the original movie.
Mel Gibson has described the project as “super ambitious,” likening the experience to an “acid trip.” His creative intent pushes the narrative beyond conventional biblical storytelling to include vast battle sequences between angels and demons, alongside dramatic portrayals of Jesus Christ’s descent into Hell. The filmmakers emphasize that such elaborate visual storytelling justifies the film’s hefty budget.
The production is structured as two separate films, each with an estimated budget between $100–125 million, culminating in a total investment of roughly $250 million. This makes the duology the most expensive project Mel Gibson has ever directed.
A notable change from the original is the language spoken. Whereas The Passion of the Christ featured dialogue in Aramaic and Hebrew, the sequel’s cast will deliver their lines in English. This decision aims to enhance accessibility for a global audience and diminish any cultural distance for viewers.
Principal photography began in October and, given the complexity and scale of the production, is expected to continue until June 2026. The first installment is set to premiere on March 26, 2027, coinciding with Good Friday, while the second will follow exactly 40 days later on May 6, 2027, aligning with the Feast of the Ascension.
