Mel Gibson has announced the release date for the sequel to "The Passion of the Christ." There's also some news.

Plans to film a sequel to Mel Gibson's controversial film have been rumored for years. In the spring, news broke that work on the sequel to "The Passion of the Christ" had accelerated, with filming set to begin this summer. Lionsgate has just announced that the upcoming spectacle will be split into two films, which have received official release dates.

In 2004, Mel Gibson's biblical drama "The Passion of the Christ" debuted on the big screen. The production recounts the last 12 hours of Jesus of Nazareth's life: from his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, through his martyrdom, to his resurrection. Nominated for three Oscars, the film sparked considerable controversy, particularly among Jewish circles, who saw strong anti-Semitic overtones in the film, which directly blamed Jews for Christ's death.

"The Passion of the Christ," however, was a huge commercial success – on a budget of $30 million, Gibson's film grossed over $611 million worldwide and remains one of the highest-grossing films in North America for audiences over 17. It's no surprise, then, that rumors of a sequel have long circulated. This spring, it was revealed that a sequel would indeed be made.

"The Resurrection of the Christ" will be produced by Lionsgate in collaboration with Rome's Cinecittà studio and Gibson and Bruce Davey's Icon Productions . Meanwhile, an announcement regarding the show's premiere has appeared on the film's official Instagram profile.

It will be divided into two parts, which will be released in 2027. The first chapter of the film story of Jesus' resurrection will hit theaters on March 26, Good Friday, while the second will debut on the big screen on May 6 , the day when the Lord's Ascension is celebrated.

Gibson co-wrote the script with his former collaborator Randall Wallace , who wrote the cult historical drama "Braveheart," which he directed. Jim Caviezel, who plays Jesus, and Monica Bellucci, who portrayed Mary Magdalene, will reprise their roles . In an interview, the director of the upcoming film announced that the actors will be digitally rejuvenated using advanced technology. Gibson also revealed that the production will feature scenes that will "shock audiences," comparing the film to an "acid trip."