Jim Caviezel didn’t just play Jesus — he lived through a kind of crucifixion himself. And now, in a Hollywood twist that has fans scratching their heads and critics whispering about politics behind the scenes, it looks like Caviezel won’t be returning to the role that defined his career.
It’s the kind of casting shake-up that hits differently. Not just because The Passion of the Christ became one of the highest-grossing faith-based films of all time. Not just because Caviezel’s performance was haunting, intense, and unforgettable. But because the man suffered for the role — physically, emotionally, spiritually — and still said he was ready to do it all again.
Now? He’s out.
Mel Gibson’s long-awaited sequel to The Passion of the Christ has officially started filming—but with a new Jesus.
Jim Caviezel is out. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen (The Last Kingdom) is in, after de-aging Caviezel was deemed too costly.
Filming is underway in Rome. pic.twitter.com/3boHqKLKMx
— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) October 14, 2025
No official statement. No grand farewell. Just silence from Caviezel — and a new film project, Archangel, an action flick that feels a world away from dusty roads and Roman whips.
It was only a few months ago that Caviezel spoke about The Passion sequel, called The Resurrection of the Christ. He sounded hopeful. Ready. Eager to do it again, but on his terms this time. “I want to enjoy this one more than I did the other one,” he said.
That wasn’t exactly a light statement.
Caviezel’s first experience filming The Passion wasn’t just rough — it was borderline catastrophic. He was struck by lightning while filming the Sermon on the Mount. People on set screamed because they saw fire coming from both sides of his head. His shoulder dislocated. He caught pneumonia and hypothermia. He fell under the weight of a 68-kilo cross, bit through his tongue, and bled through a scene. And somehow, that wasn’t even the full list. He ended up needing two heart surgeries after production.
And yet, despite all of that, despite openly admitting he went through things “I can’t even talk about,” he said the experience deepened his faith.
Not many actors would return to something like that. Caviezel was ready to.
So the obvious question is… why the recast?
Why pass over a man who literally bled for the role, who kept his faith intact through it all, and who wasn’t just willing — but wanted — to return?
We don’t know yet. Caviezel hasn’t commented. The studio hasn’t explained. But in the void, speculation is running wild.
Some say it’s about “a new direction” for the sequel. Others suggest Caviezel’s more outspoken political views — including his alignment with conservative and Christian causes — made him too controversial for the project’s backers.
And if that’s the case? Well, it wouldn’t be the first time Hollywood sent a quiet message to actors who go off-script politically.
After The Passion, Caviezel himself said the roles dried up. “As soon as I did Passion, other offers stopped coming in.” He didn’t whine about it. He didn’t play the victim. But he noticed.
Now, with The Resurrection of the Christ split into two parts and release dates already set — Good Friday 2027 and Ascension Day 40 days later — the show is moving on without him.
But the fans haven’t.
Caviezel’s performance meant something to millions of people. It wasn’t just a role — it was a moment. And for many, it’s impossible to imagine The Resurrection without him at the center of it.
Whether this was a creative decision or something more political, one thing’s certain: this story is far from over.
Mel Gibson, on The Joe Rogan Experience, discussed his upcoming film The Resurrection of the Christ, a sequel to The Passion of the Christ.
What are your thoughts is Mel onto something? pic.twitter.com/219WSZUyJV
— Tim (@TimBR_X) April 16, 2025
And Caviezel? He’s not out of the spotlight just yet.
