Mel Gibson Officially Cancels “The Resurrection of the Christ” Film in August Amid $100 Million Investment Over Rumors of Cinecittà Studios’ “Woke” Support
In a shocking turn of events, Mel Gibson has officially canceled the highly anticipated sequel to his 2004 blockbuster “The Passion of the Christ,” titled “The Resurrection of the Christ.” The decision, announced just months before the film was slated to begin production in August 2025 at Rome’s historic Cinecittà Studios, has sent ripples through the entertainment industry and left fans of the original film reeling. With a reported budget exceeding $100 million, the cancellation marks a significant financial and creative loss for Gibson and his production company, Icon Productions. The reason behind this abrupt move? Rumors that Cinecittà Studios, Gibson’s chosen filming location, has embraced what some are calling a “woke” agenda, clashing with the director’s vision and principles.
For nearly two decades, “The Resurrection of the Christ” has been a passion project for Gibson, who directed and co-wrote the original film that grossed over $600 million worldwide. The sequel promised to explore the three days between Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, with Jim Caviezel reprising his role as Jesus. Gibson had described the script as an ambitious blend of historical narrative and supernatural elements, even likening it to an “acid trip” in a recent interview with Joe Rogan. The film was set to push boundaries, delving into otherworldly realms and the fall of angels, a vision that required extensive sets and stages—hence the partnership with Cinecittà Studios, a renowned facility known for hosting epic productions.
The cancellation comes after months of speculation and delays. Initially planned for 2023, then pushed to 2024 and later 2025, the project had already faced hurdles, including debates over which version of the screenplay—penned by Gibson, his brother Donal, and “Braveheart” writer Randall Wallace—would be used. Yet, just as pre-production seemed to gain momentum, with Cinecittà Studios CEO Manuela Cacciamani confirming an August start date earlier this year, rumors began swirling about the studio’s alleged shift in values. Sources close to Gibson claim that he grew increasingly uneasy about Cinecittà’s rumored support for progressive ideologies, often labeled as “woke” by critics. These ideologies, which emphasize diversity, inclusion, and social justice, reportedly clashed with Gibson’s traditionalist approach to the biblical story.
While neither Gibson nor Icon Productions has released an official statement detailing the decision, insiders suggest that the director felt the partnership with Cinecittà could compromise the film’s integrity. Known for his outspoken views and a history of controversy, Gibson has long positioned himself as a countercultural figure in Hollywood. His 2004 film faced accusations of anti-Semitism, yet it resonated deeply with Christian audiences, becoming the highest-grossing independent film of all time. “The Resurrection of the Christ” was poised to follow in its footsteps, targeting a similar demographic with its unflinching portrayal of faith. However, the rumored “woke” leanings of Cinecittà—whether substantiated or not—appear to have been a breaking point for Gibson, who has previously criticized what he sees as Hollywood’s liberal bias.
The financial implications of this cancellation are staggering. With over $100 million already invested in pre-production, including script development, location scouting in Italy and Malta, and preliminary set designs, the loss is a significant blow to Icon Productions and its backers. Industry analysts speculate that the decision could also strain Gibson’s relationships with other studios and investors, who may view the move as impulsive or driven by personal ideology rather than business sense. Cinecittà Studios, meanwhile, has remained silent on the matter, leaving observers to wonder whether the “woke” rumors hold any truth or if they were simply a convenient scapegoat for deeper issues plaguing the project.
For fans, the cancellation is a bitter disappointment. Many had eagerly awaited Gibson’s return to the story of Christ, hoping for a film that would match the raw emotional power of its predecessor. Social media platforms like X have buzzed with reactions, ranging from outrage at the perceived influence of “woke” culture to frustration with Gibson for abandoning the project. Some supporters argue that he should have pressed forward, finding an alternative location or partner, while others applaud his refusal to compromise his vision.
As of now, the future of “The Resurrection of the Christ” remains uncertain. Could Gibson revive the project with a different studio, or has this cancellation marked the end of his ambitious sequel? For a filmmaker known for resilience—having bounced back from personal scandals to direct acclaimed works like “Hacksaw Ridge”—it’s hard to imagine him letting go of this dream entirely. Yet, with $100 million already sunk and a high-profile fallout with Cinecittà, the road ahead looks daunting. For now, the resurrection of this particular Christ story remains on hold, leaving both Hollywood and its audiences to ponder what might have been.
