Mel Gibson teams up with excommunicated Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, a vocal Trump supporter, for his bold sequel to “The Passion of the Christ,” defying Vatican authority in a stand for traditional faith.
Story Highlights
- Gibson, a sedevacantist rejecting modern papal authority, collaborates with Viganò, excommunicated in 2024 for similar defiance.
- Viganò visited the set in Matera, Italy, posting photos that sparked global media frenzy and conflicting reports on his consultant role.
- The film, shooting since October 2025, features a recast Jesus and Mary Magdalene, set for 2027 release, signaling unapologetic traditionalist theology.
- Prior to this, Gibson defended Viganò publicly, highlighting their shared rejection of Pope Francis’s progressive shifts.
- This partnership elevates conservative voices in Hollywood, countering woke cultural erosion of family values and faith.
Production Details and Set Visit
Mel Gibson began filming “The Resurrection of the Christ” in October 2025 in Matera, Italy, the same location as his 2004 hit “The Passion of the Christ.” The sequel splits into two parts, with releases scheduled for March 26, 2027, and May 6, 2027. Production recast key roles due to CGI de-aging costs. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen portrays Jesus, while Mariela Garriga plays Mary Magdalene. Jim Caviezel shifted to producer. On February 17, 2026, Viganò visited the set, posting photos with Gibson on his X account.
Gibson teams up with excommunicated Archbishop Viganò for The Resurrection of the Christ, stirring controversy over past Vatican warnings. #MelGibson #TheResurrection https://t.co/TlkioTIZZO
— Screen Sourced (@screensourced) February 20, 2026
Viganò’s Excommunication and Shared Ideology
Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, former papal nuncio, faced excommunication by Pope Francis in 2024 for rejecting papal authority. Viganò labeled Francis a “servant of Satan” and “false prophet,” aligning with sedevacantist views that Gibson and his late father held. Sedevacantists disavow post-Vatican II changes, favoring pre-1960s Catholic traditions. Viganò supports President Trump, opposes gay rights, and critiques vaccines—stances resonating with conservatives frustrated by globalist overreach and moral decay. Gibson previously defended Viganò with an open letter.
Conflicting Reports on Collaboration Role
Initial reports from February 20, 2026, in outlets like Variety claimed Viganò served as a formal theological consultant. TMZ countered that same day, citing production sources: Viganò merely visited and spoke with Gibson, not holding an official role. This discrepancy fueled rapid media coverage, with over 13 articles in 24 hours. Gibson’s team offered no comment. The ambiguity underscores tensions between traditionalist filmmaking and institutional Catholic pushback, mirroring broader fights against progressive dilution of faith.
Gibson’s “Passion” earned Oscar nods and R-rated box office records, despite violence and antisemitism critiques. His $60-70 million Holy Family Church promotes pre-Vatican II principles. This sequel advances his vision, potentially polarizing audiences: traditionalists applaud, mainstream Catholics decry schism. In Trump’s America, such projects affirm family values against woke agendas.
Implications for Faith and Culture
The partnership boosts Viganò’s reach into conservative circles, challenging Vatican modernism. It positions Gibson as a defiant artist prioritizing truth over conformity. Traditional Catholics see validation; others view schism. This religious cinema defies Hollywood norms, offering counter-narrative to government overreach and cultural erosion. With production advancing, expect debates on theology, authority, and expression as 2027 nears.
Sources:
Mel Gibson casts in Italy the sequel of The Passion of Christ with an excommunicated bishop
Mel Gibson’s Long-Awaited Passion of the Christ Sequel Taps Excommunicated Archbishop
Mel Gibson Consulting With Antisemitic Pope-Denier For His Passion Of The Christ Sequel
Mel Gibson NOT Consulting With Controversial Archbishop On ‘Christ’ Movie
