The Passion of the Christ is set to come back from the dead this summer!

Mel Gibson's long-awaited sequel, titled The Resurrection of the Christ, is officially gearing up for production. The filming is set to commence this August at the iconic Cinecittà Studios in Rome, as revealed by CEO Manuela Cacciamani in an interview with the Italian financial newspaper, Il Sole 24 Ore.

After the monumental success of the original 2004 film The Passion of the Christ, which grossed nearly $612 million and held the title of the highest-grossing independent film ever, anticipation is through the roof for this follow-up. According to multiple sources speaking to Variety, filming is expected to commence in summer 2025, focusing on the newly constructed Studio 22 at Cinecittà.

The sequel will not only return to Cinecittà but also venture into the ancient town of Matera, known for its stunning historical architecture, to capture the essence of the biblical narrative. Additionally, Gibson plans to shoot in various picturesque locations throughout Southern Italy, including Ginosa, Gravina Laterza, and Altamura, enhancing the film's authenticity.

Reprising his role, Jim Caviezel is expected to portray Jesus once again, while Maia Morgenstern, the actress who played Jesus' mother, and Francesco De Vito, who portrayed Peter, are also rumored to join the cast. Fans are eager to see how these beloved characters will be depicted in this ambitious sequel.

In a recent episode of Joe Rogan’s podcast, Gibson described the film as having an “acid trip” quality, emphasizing the unique narrative style he and Braveheart screenwriter Randall Wallace adopted. Gibson noted, “I’ve never read anything like” the script, hinting at its unconventional storytelling. He elaborated in a 2022 interview with the National Catholic Register, explaining that The Resurrection will weave together multiple timelines and realms, suggesting a complex narrative enriched with spiritual and sci-fi elements.

Gibson's vision seems to be expansive, saying, “To tell the story properly, you have to start with the fall of the angels,” which implies that the film will explore deeper theological realms, potentially including scenes set in hell.

It's important to remember that while the original The Passion of the Christ drew criticism for its portrayal of Jewish leaders during Jesus' trial and crucifixion, the controversy only heightened public interest in the film. With churches booking entire theaters for viewings in 2004, there is a significant chance that The Resurrection will reignite similar responses.

As anticipation builds, fans can't help but wonder: will The Resurrection of the Christ redefine spiritual cinema once again? Mark your calendars for this summer, as the journey to bring this monumental story back to the big screen begins at Cinecittà Studios!