Cardinals Gerhard Ludwig Müller and Raymond Leo Burke have publicly endorsed The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson, on the occasion of the film’s upcoming return to theaters, originally released in 2004. Both appear in the new promotional material for the film, which will return to theaters between September 10 and 17, remastered in 4K.
«The Passion can be a help in conveying the Christian message,» Cardinal Müller states in the promotional video released this week. Burke, for his part, describes the film as a «truly monumental» story that «has deeply touched the hearts of many people.»
The Return of The Passion of the Christ
Lionsgate and Fathom Entertainment have prepared a new version of Gibson’s film, remastered in 4K and with Dolby Atmos sound, more than two decades after its release.
The re-release will also allow audiences to see a first behind-the-scenes preview of The Resurrection of the Christ: Part 1, the highly anticipated continuation of the story Gibson brought to the big screen in 2004.
Fathom Entertainment presents the film’s return as an opportunity for both those who saw it during its original release and a new generation of viewers.
Released in 2004 and starring Jim Caviezel as Jesus Christ, The Passion of the Christ recounts the final hours of Jesus’ earthly life, from the prayer in Gethsemane to his crucifixion and death, concluding with the Resurrection.
The film became an international cinematic phenomenon. It grossed more than $600 million worldwide and received three Oscar nominations. For twenty years, it also held the record as the highest-grossing R-rated film in the United States.
Its particularly explicit depiction of Christ’s sufferings sparked intense debate since its release, while various voices accused the film of antisemitism for its portrayal of some Jewish characters. Gibson rejected those accusations.
The Resurrection of the Christ Will Arrive in Two Parts
The return of The Passion of the Christ will serve as a prelude to Gibson’s new biblical project. Lionsgate and Icon Productions completed filming of The Resurrection of the Christ this year after 134 days of shooting in various locations in Italy, including Rome, Bari, Ginosa, Craco, Brindisi, and Matera.
The production will be divided into two films, both arriving in theaters to coincide with the solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord.
The Resurrection of the Christ: Part 1 will premiere on May 6, 2027, while the second part will arrive on May 25, 2028.
The dates represent a change from the originally announced schedule. The first film was planned for March 26, 2027, Good Friday, and the second for May 6 of the same year. Lionsgate ultimately decided to separate both installments by a year.
The new production stars Jaakko Ohtonen, who plays Jesus Christ in place of Jim Caviezel. The cast also includes Mariela Garriga, Pier Luigi Pasino, Kasia Smutniak, Riccardo Scamarcio, and Rupert Everett.
Gibson returns behind the camera to continue the story begun more than two decades ago. According to Lionsgate’s official description, the new film will address Christ’s victory over death after his sacrifice.
In Spain, Diamond Films will be the distributor of both parts of The Resurrection of the Christ, under the international agreement announced by Lionsgate for the release of the production.