'The Passion of the Christ' returns to theaters in 4K with a 'Resurrection of the Christ' sneak peek
Mel Gibson's biblical blockbuster "The Passion of the Christ" will return to theaters nationwide for a limited-time run this September ahead of the release of its highly anticipated sequel in 2027.
Lionsgate and Fathom Entertainment announced Wednesday that the 2004 film, which depicted the final 12 hours of Jesus' life leading up to his crucifixion, will return to the big screen from Sept. 10 through Sept. 17. The movie has been remastered in 4K and Dolby Atmos sound.
Audiences will also get an exclusive sneak peek of the sequel to "The Passion," "The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One," which will be released on May 6, 2027. "The Resurrection of the Christ: Part Two" is scheduled to debut May 25, 2028, over Memorial Day weekend.
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"The Passion of the Christ remains one of the most extraordinary theatrical experiences ever created," Kevin Grayson, president of worldwide distribution for Lionsgate, said in a press release. "For millions of people, it was far more than a film — it became a powerful shared cultural and faith 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 discover it in theaters for the very first time."
"The Passion of the Christ" was a hit with audiences, grossing more than $610 million worldwide on a reported $30 million budget. It also earned Academy Award nominations for its makeup, score and cinematography.
The film also drew controversy at the time for its graphic violence and subject matter. For 20 years, "The Passion" held the record for the highest-grossing domestic R-rated film of all time, before being surpassed by 2024's "Deadpool & Wolverine."
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Lionsgate dropped a new full-length theatrical trailer as a way to celebrate "The Passion's" return to theaters.
Tickets will be available starting July 24, online and at participating theaters. A list of theaters can be found on Fathom Entertainment's website.
"Few modern-day films have made as much of an impact on the cultural landscape as The Passion of the Christ," Ray Nutt, chief executive officer for Fathom Entertainment, said in a press release. "Twenty years ago, faith-based and more secular-leaning audiences alike embraced Mel Gibson’s film cinematic masterpiece and made it a true success, ushering in an era of opportunity for future religious-themed projects."
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Actor Jim Caviezel, who was lauded for his portrayal of Jesus Christ in the original movie, was recast for the sequels due to challenges of de-aging technology and scheduling conflicts. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen will portray Jesus in the new films, while Mariela Garriga will play Mary Magdalene, taking over the role from Monica Bellucci.
Gibson has said that the upcoming sequels will explore "the spiritual realms" and the battle for the "soul of mankind."
The director recently hailed the projects as coming to life "exactly as I envisioned it."
"This film represents a major part of my life’s work, and it has demanded everything of me as a filmmaker and as an artist," he said in May about "The Resurrection: Part One." "This is far more than a film to me. It’s a mission I’ve carried for over 20 years to tell what I believe is the most important story in human history."