Mel Gibson The Passion of Christ returns to theaters this September in a newly remastered format, building anticipation for the long-awaited sequel due next year.
Lions Gate And Fathom Entertainment will bring the biblical drama back to the big screen September 10-17, newly remastered in 4K with Dolby Atmos sound.
Ticket buyers will also receive a preview of The resurrection of Christ: part onewhich Lionsgate describes as Gibson’s “most ambitious cinematic achievement” and the “greatest religious film ever brought to the screen.”
Kevin Grayson, president of worldwide distribution for Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said the re-release aims to give existing fans a new experience while reaching a new generation.
“The Passion of Christ remains one of the most extraordinary theatrical experiences ever created. For millions of people, it was more than a film, it became a powerful shared cultural and religious experience.
Bringing it back to theaters in a stunning new restoration allows longtime audiences to experience it in an entirely new way while inviting a new generation to experience it in theaters for the very first time. »
The sequel was divided into two installments.
The first part opens on May 6, 2027 and the second part on May 25, 2028, each starting on Ascension Daythe Christian holiday marking the ascension of Jesus into heaven.
The sequel picks up where the original left off, focusing on the resurrection of Christ after his crucifixion.
The original film starred Jim Caviezel as Jesus and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene, chronicling the last twelve hours before the crucifixion.
The sequel brings in new lead actors, with Jaakko Ohtonen and Mariela Garriga taking on the central roles, alongside Pier Luigi Pasino, Kasia Smutniak, Riccardo Scamarcio and Rupert Everett.
THE Passion of Christ remains one of the most commercially notable films ever made, grossing $610 million worldwide against a production budget of $30 million.
It held the record for the highest-grossing R-rated domestic release of all time with $370 million until Disney. Deadpool and Wolverine surpassed it with $636 million domestically in 2024.
Fathom CEO Ray Nutt noted the film’s enduring cultural significance.
“Twenty years ago, audiences, both religious and secular, embraced Mel Gibson’s cinematic masterpiece and made it a smash hit, ushering in an era of opportunity for future religious-themed projects.”
Gibson’s latest directorial effort, the Mark Wahlberg thriller Risk of theftgrossed just $48 million worldwide last year.
THE Resurrection of Christ represents his most ambitious return to the director’s chair since Hacksaw crest in 2016.
