Mel Gibson took an unexpected break from controversy this week — and spent it in remarkably peaceful company. The actor-director was spotted in Rome casually socializing with a group of local nuns while in the city filming his long-awaited and highly debated project, Resurrection of the Christ.
The sight of Gibson laughing and chatting with religious sisters quickly caught attention, especially given the storm surrounding the film itself. The sequel follows his 2004 blockbuster The Passion of the Christ and revisits the story not of the crucifixion, but of the days immediately after — a creative decision that has reignited intense public scrutiny more than two decades later.
Production is now underway in Italy, but the project has already divided audiences. One of the biggest flashpoints has been the decision to completely replace the original cast. The first film starred Jim Caviezel as Jesus and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene — performances that became iconic for many viewers. This time, however, the roles have gone to a new generation of actors.
Finnish performer Jaakko Ohtonen has stepped into the role of Jesus, portraying the events following the crucifixion, while Cuban actress Mariela Garriga takes on Mary Magdalene. Industry insiders have explained that keeping the original cast would have required extensive and costly digital de-aging, making a full recast the more practical choice.
The reaction online has been explosive. Some fans accused the production of disrespecting the original film, with critics calling the recasting unnecessary or even offensive. Others lamented that Caviezel, who had openly spoken about the sequel for years, would not be returning. Still, a portion of the audience defended Gibson’s decision, arguing that storytelling should come before nostalgia — and that heavy CGI would have undermined the film’s authenticity.
Despite the online uproar, filming continues, and Gibson appears unfazed. His quiet moment with the nuns offered a striking contrast to the digital outrage — a reminder that while the internet debates, life in Rome moves on. Whether seen as ironic, symbolic, or simply human, the encounter added yet another layer to a project already steeped in emotion, faith, and controversy.
Resurrection of the Christ is currently slated for release in March 2027, with Rupert Everett also set to appear. Until then, Gibson’s blend of devotion, defiance, and unpredictability ensures the film will remain one of Hollywood’s most closely watched — and argued over — releases.
