Mel Gibson's $200M 'Resurrection of the Christ' Sequel Heads to AFM Bidding War

In October 2025, Mel Gibson's long-awaited sequel to his 2004 blockbuster 'The Passion of the Christ' is generating significant buzz in the entertainment industry. Titled 'The Resurrection of the Christ', the film is currently being shot in Rome, Italy and will be released in two parts.

Each of the two films is expected to cost nearly $100 million, bringing the total production budget to a staggering $200 million. Despite the high price tag, the films will be presented at next month's American Film Market without any reference to the script, creating a rare incentive for independent film bidders to have faith in Gibson's ambitious project.

The first part of 'The Resurrection of the Christ' is set to be released on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, with the second part following 40 days later on Ascension Day. The film will pick up the story from Christ's crucifixion and continue through his resurrection, which occurred three days later. However, Gibson's vision for the film is described as an 'acid trip' and 'super ambitious', suggesting a departure from a straightforward literary translation of the biblical narrative.

The high production cost is reportedly due to the film's depiction of a battle between angels and demons in different realms, representing the eternal struggle between good and evil. This ambitious scope is a significant step up from the $30 million budget of 'The Passion of the Christ', which went on to earn $610 million at the box office and receive critical acclaim, despite also facing backlash over allegations of antisemitism and concerns about historical accuracy and graphic violence.