Los Angeles: Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ has returned to US cinemas more than two decades after its original release, with a limited theatrical engagement running from September 10 to September 17.
The 2004 biblical drama is being shown in a new 4K remaster with Dolby Atmos sound. The rerelease also includes a behind the scenes preview of Gibson's forthcoming sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One.
The return comes as work continues on the sequel, which is being made in two parts. The first part is scheduled for release on May 6, 2027, while the second part is scheduled for May 25, 2028.
The Passion of the Christ was first released on February 25, 2004. Directed by Gibson, the film stars Jim Caviezel as Jesus and follows the final hours of Jesus' life, including his trial and crucifixion.
The film became a major commercial success, earning about 610 million dollars worldwide against a reported production budget of 30 million dollars.
It also received three Academy Award nominations for cinematography, makeup and original score.
For 20 years, the film held the record as the highest grossing R rated film at the US domestic box office. That record was surpassed by Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024.
The rerelease comes ahead of the long planned continuation of Gibson's film. The Resurrection of the Christ is being produced as a two part story focused on events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus.
Principal photography for the sequel has already been completed. Production lasted 134 days and took place at several locations in Italy, including Rome, Bari, Ginosa, Craco, Brindisi and Matera.
The sequel will feature a different actor as Jesus. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen will play the role, while Mariela Garriga will portray Mary Magdalene.
The cast also includes Pier Luigi Pasino, Kasia Smutniak, Riccardo Scamarcio and Rupert Everett.
The release schedule has changed from earlier plans. Part One was previously expected to arrive in March 2027, while Part Two had been planned for May 2027.
The films are now scheduled to be released more than a year apart. Part One will arrive on May 6, 2027, followed by Part Two on May 25, 2028.
The current theatrical rerelease gives audiences an opportunity to see The Passion of the Christ on the big screen in its updated presentation while also offering an early look at the forthcoming sequel.
The September rerelease is currently confirmed for US cinemas. The sequel is scheduled to continue the story more than two decades after the original film was released.