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Ahead of filming the 2004 blockbuster, The Passion of Christ, its director, Mel Gibson, warned Jesus star Jim Caviezel that the film could cost him his career. Just days after its sequel was confirmed, Caviezel reflected on the first film and opened up about the stern warning he received about his future in Hollywood.
Although the stirring depiction grossed over $600 million worldwide and became the highest-grossing Christian film, The Passion of Christ also proved to be controversial. Following its release, critics claimed the movie was overly violent and antisemitic, which could have been career-destroying for its stars. However, ahead of production, Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus, shared that Gibson informed him that taking the role could dramatically change his reputation for the worse.
During an episode of Raymond Arroyo’s podcast, Arroyo Grande, the actor said that during a meeting about the film, which he initially thought was about surfing, “Mel Gibson shows up.”
Caviezel recalled: “We were talking about surfing movies and everything and then it pivots into Christ movies, Jesus movies. Well, that’s not a surfing movie. Jesus on a surfboard, how’s that going to work?”
To which he then realised where the conversation was going and asked Gibson: “You want me to play Jesus, don’t you?”
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After the director confirmed, Caviezel said he was “in” despite not seeing a script, but “two days later”, he received a call at home from the Braveheart star.
According to the Jesus star, Gibson warned him: “If you do this movie, you may never work in this town again.”
Despite this and the eventual controversy, Caviezel said he was determined and “wanted to make was what really happened” and so he was “okay with that.”
The Passion of Christ depicts the final twelve hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, on the day of his crucifixion and after more than two decades, the film will soon return to screens for a sequel.
The upcoming 2026 release will focus on the events that occurred over the three days between the crucifixion and resurrection.