More than two decades after becoming a global box office phenomenon, “The Passion of the Christ” is returning to theaters in a newly restored format as audiences prepare for the release of director Mel Gibson’s long-awaited sequel.
Lionsgate and Fathom Entertainment announced Wednesday that Gibson’s 2004 biblical epic will return to theaters nationwide Sept. 10-17 in a newly remastered 4K presentation featuring Dolby Atmos sound.
The limited theatrical re-release comes less than a year before the planned debut of “The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One,” which Lionsgate recently announced will arrive exclusively in theaters on May 6, 2027.
Audiences attending the special screenings will also receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes preview of the upcoming sequel, which explores Christ’s resurrection and the events following His crucifixion.
The re-release marks the latest step in Lionsgate’s effort to build anticipation for Gibson’s return to “The Passion.” Earlier this month, the studio announced that principal photography on “The Resurrection of the Christ” had wrapped ahead of schedule after 134 days of filming across Italy.
“‘The Passion of the Christ’ remains one of the most extraordinary theatrical experiences ever created,” Kevin Grayson, president of worldwide distribution for the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement.
“For millions of people, it was far more than a film — it became a powerful shared cultural and faith experience,” Grayson said. “Bringing it back to theatres 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 theatres for the very first time.”
Starring Jim Caviezel as Jesus of Nazareth, “The Passion of the Christ” chronicles the final hours of Christ’s life, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection. Upon its release in 2004, the film became a cultural phenomenon, grossing more than $610 million worldwide against a reported $30 million budget and holding the title of highest-grossing R-rated film domestically for two decades.
The film also received three Academy Award nominations and helped usher in a new era of faith-based filmmaking in Hollywood.
The sequel, which will reportedly also explore Hell, Sheol, the fall of angels and the origin of Satan, is being positioned as the largest faith-based film production ever released. Lionsgate recently announced that the story will unfold across two films, with the second installment scheduled for release on May 25, 2028.
In a 2022 interview with CP, Gibson revealed he’s drawn to stories that highlight redemption and the need for a Savior.
“I’ve been taught from a young age that we’re flawed, and you’re going to make mistakes,” he reflected. “We’re broken, and we need help. Usually, the best way to get help is to ask for it. And well, who do we ask? We’re asking something better than us. And the minute you acknowledge that there is something better than you, you might get something that resembles humility, which is really the key to the whole thing.”
Tickets for the restored theatrical engagement of “The Passion of the Christ” will go on sale July 24 through Fathom Entertainment and participating theater box offices.
Leah M. Klett is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: [email protected]
