Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 15, 2025 · Entertainment

Holy Clash: Gibson's Sequel vs. TV Messiah The Chosen in Easter 2027 Showdown

Easter 2027 at the box office is preparing for a faith film takeover as two screen Messiahs go head to head to compete for the attention, and cash, of moviegoers; pictured The Chosen star Jonathan Roumie

THE BIBLE BECOMES A BESTSELLER: TWO MESSIAHS FACE OFF AT THE BOX OFFICE IN HOLLYWOOD'S LATEST FAITH-BASED FRENZY

Get ready for a showdown of epic proportions in the world of faith-based cinema! As Easter 2027 approaches, two biblical blockbusters are gearing up to go head-to-head at the box office, each vying for the attention - and cash - of moviegoers. And at the center of this holy war are none other than Mel Gibson and his long-awaited sequel to The Passion Of The Christ.

GIBSON'S GIGANTIC FOLLOW-UP IS FINALLY HERE!

Mel Gibson confirmed this month that his long-delayed follow-up to The Passion Of The Christ has started production in Rome; Gibson seen in Rome in September

After years of delays and rumors, Gibson's highly anticipated follow-up, The Resurrection of the Christ, is finally in production. And let's just say it's going big or go home - the film will be split into two parts, with the first installment premiering on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, followed by part two on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027.

But what's got everyone talking is the cast. And not in a good way. The original movie, which starred Jim Caviezel and Monica Bellucci, has had to recast due to... well, let's just say time isn't on their side. The new Jesus will be played by Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen, 36, while Cuban actress Mariela Garriga, 36, takes on the role of Mary Magdalene.

THE CHOSEN TO CHALLENGE GIBSON'S GIANT

Back in 2004 The Passion Of The Christ was a huge box office success, bringing in around $612 million globally on a $30 million budget; Jim Caviezel pictured as Jesus Christ

But Gibson's not the only one with a biblical blockbuster in the works. Amazon MGM Studios and 5&2 Studios are set to release the season six finale of their Christian TV juggernaut The Chosen, which has already made waves with its unique business model.

The show, which has been streaming on its own app since 2019, boasts an astonishing 200 million unique viewers across its platforms. And with a theatrical release for the season six finale depicting the crucifixion of Jesus, it's clear that The Chosen is here to stay.

JENKINS' MASTERPLAN

The Chosen is based on the gospel accounts of Jesus's life and ministry and has been an extraordinary underground success story

Creator Dallas Jenkins has been praised for his innovative approach to faith-based storytelling. By using crowdfunding and a subscription-based model, he's managed to raise nearly $100 million in production expenses - not bad for a small pilot launched back in 2017!

But what really sets The Chosen apart is its emotional resonance. As lead actor Jonathan Roumie puts it, "We've built a journey with these characters for five, six seasons... It's not just a reenactment of an iconic moment. It's more like losing a family member."

GIBSON VS JENKINS: THE BATTLE FOR HOLLYWOOD'S HEART

The show has also made its lead actor Jonathan Roumie a global superstar. He's visisted the Vatican twice, snapped a selfie with Pope Francis and is a regular speaker at stadium-sized Christian gatherings

So, what makes this showdown so juicy? For starters, both movies are tackling some of the most iconic moments in Christian history - Gibson's sequel explores the resurrection of Jesus, while The Chosen focuses on his crucifixion.

But it's not just about the plots. It's about the power of faith-based storytelling to captivate audiences and inspire a sense of community. As Jenkins puts it, "I don't even have to show blood and guts for us to be emotionally impacted by seeing Jesus, his friends, his mother, going through all of that."

LIONSGATE GETS ON BOARD

The Passion of the Christ starred Jim Caviezel, 57, as Christ, and Monica Bellucci, 61, as Mary Magdalene, but they've had to be recast due to the time gap; Maia Morgenstern and Bellucci seen as Mary and Mary Magdalene

And just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water... Lionsgate has acquired international distribution rights to both The Resurrection of the Christ and The Chosen. Talk about a holy union!

With box office numbers already high in the US, there's hope for better pick-up internationally with these faith-based blockbusters. And let's be real - if they can pull off what they're promising, it'll be a miracle.

THE BATTLE FOR HOLLYWOOD'S SOUL

The Resurrection of the Christ will star Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen, 36, in the role of Christ; He is seen in a still from The Last Kingdom

So, which team will come out on top? Will Gibson's sequel reign supreme, or will The Chosen prove that its unique approach is the key to box office success?

Only time (and Jesus) will tell. But one thing's for sure - this Easter season is shaping up to be one to remember.

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