Renowned filmmaker Mel Gibson has returned to Matera, Italy, to work on the sequel to his 2004 hit film 'The Passion of Christ,' which is titled 'The Resurrection of the Christ.' The project is notable not only for its connection to Gibson's earlier work but also for featuring Carlo Maria Viganò, a former archbishop recently excommunicated for his refusal to recognize Pope Francis as the legitimate pope. This controversial association brings additional attention to the film's production, which resumes filming in the historically and aesthetically significant landscape of Matera, a city known for its rocky outcrops and ancient cave dwellings.

The filming is set to take place over two days in the area surrounding the Murgia National Park, a region that has been a backdrop for other productions relating to the life of Jesus, including Gibson's original 'Passion' and Pasolini’s 'Il Vangelo secondo Matteo.' The authorities overseeing the park have granted permission for the shoot under strict conditions to ensure there are no alterations to the pristine natural habitat of the area. This careful regulation reflects wider concerns about the environmental impact of film productions on sensitive landscapes.

The sequel is expected to be released in 2027 and its development raises questions about the portrayal of religious narratives in cinema, especially when intertwined with figures like Viganò, whose excommunication signifies deeper schisms within the Catholic Church. As anticipation builds for the film, public discourse will likely explore both its cultural implications and the broader implications of Gibson's collaboration with a controversial religious figure, stirring debates about faith, art, and the portrayal of scriptural events in modern media.