Mel Gibson is filming a sequel to The Passion of the Christ using IMAX cameras

The project will become the director's most expensive work and will be released as a duology).

At the Cinecittà film studios in Rome, filming continues for Mel Gibson's large-scale cinematic project—the continuation of the cult film The Passion of the Christ. As revealed by official sources, a significant portion of the film is being shot using digital IMAX cameras, indicating a planned wide release in this format. The duology is scheduled for release in 2027.

The use of IMAX cameras underscores the project's spectacular and epic scale. According to sources close to the production, the new films will heavily utilize visual effects, which significantly distinguishes the sequel from the more intimate first installment.

Mel Gibson himself described the project as "super ambitious," comparing it to an "acid trip." According to the director's vision, the narrative will extend far beyond traditional biblical cinema, incorporating large-scale battle scenes between angels and demons, as well as Jesus Christ's descent into Hell. The creators state that this visual richness and symbolic imagery justify the film's substantial budget.

The project is being realized as two separate films. The budget for each installment is estimated at $100–125 million, with the total production cost reaching approximately $250 million. Thus, the duology becomes the most expensive film in Mel Gibson's directorial career.

A significant departure from the original film will be the language choice. While The Passion of the Christ featured dialogue in Aramaic and Hebrew, the sequel's actors will speak in English. According to the creators, this is intended to make the film more accessible to a broad international audience and reduce the sense of cultural alienation for viewers.

Filming for the project began in October and, considering the scale of the production and complex visual scenes, will last until June 2026. The premiere of the first part is scheduled for March 26, 2027, which coincides with Good Friday. The second part will be released exactly 40 days later, on May 6, 2027, a Thursday, the day of the Feast of the Ascension.