‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ Features All-New Cast
Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ,” had said he would reprise his role for Mel Gibson’s two-part follow-up. But “The Resurrection of the Christ” films feature an entirely new cast, due to scheduling issues and the cost of digitally de-aging the original actors.
Jaakko Ohtonen, who plays Jesus in the sequels, previously appeared in Netflix’s “The Last Kingdom.” Other new faces in “The Resurrection of the Christ” include Cuban actress Mariela Garriga as Mary Magdalene and Polish actress Kasia Smutniak as Mary, the mother of Jesus. Smutniak has made headlines for supporting abortion rights.
Italian actors Pier Luigi Pasino and Riccardo Scamarcio portray the Apostle Peter and Pontius Pilate, respectively. Openly gay English actor Rupert Everett is cast as Abraham.
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Filming on “The Resurrection of the Christ” occurred at some of the same Italian locations as 2004’s “The Passion of the Christ.” Gibson also used the same Cinecittà Studios in Rome.
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