In July 2023, Gibson stated that he has two versions of the script that he is working on; one is more grounded, whereas the other explores various realms and includes
fallen angels in
hell. Gibson states, "I have two scripts and one of them is very structured and very strong script and kind of more what should expect and the other is like an
acid trip. Because you’re going into other realms and stuff. I mean you’re in hell and you’re watching the angels fall. It’s like crazy."[7]
According to Edward Pentin from the National Catholic Register, the film will "cover step-by-step the events leading up to the Resurrection as experienced by the
Apostles, but will also follow the intrigues that took place in
Herod's palace and end with the events that took place in
Jerusalem on
Resurrection Sunday".[8] Furthermore, Resurrection will be a
nonlinear, introspective film, where "other realms" and "dimensions" would be explored.[9] The film's title implies a Part 2 is coming and will be released at a later date; according to Caviezel, "...It might be two films. Could be three, but I think it's two".[10]
In June 2016, writer
Randall Wallace stated that he and Gibson had begun work on a sequel to The Passion of the Christ which will focus on the
resurrection of Jesus, and the events surrounding the resurrection.[11] Wallace previously worked with Gibson as the screenwriter for Braveheart (1995) and director of We Were Soldiers (2002).[12] In September of that year, Gibson expressed his interest in directing it. He estimated that release of the film was still "probably three years off", stating that "it is a big project".[13]
In January 2018, Caviezel was in negotiations with Mel Gibson to reprise his role as Jesus in the sequel.[14] In March 2020, Caviezel stated in an interview that the film was in its fifth draft.[15] Later that year, Caviezel said that Gibson had sent him the third draft of the screenplay.[8][16] Caviezel stated that "the film will shock audiences" and predicted that "it will be the biggest film the world has ever seen."[17][1]
Filming
In January 2023, a report stated that the film would begin production in mid-2023, around spring, with Jim Caviezel set to return in the role of Jesus.[18][19][20][21][2]Christo Jivkov was reported to reprise his role as
John the disciple,[18] before passing away in March 2023 from cancer.[22]