Christian faith leaders are encouraging audiences to return to Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ as the acclaimed film prepares for a special theatrical rerelease across the United States from September 10 to 17.
The film has been newly remastered in 4K by Lionsgate and Fathom Entertainment. The limited theatrical event will also feature an exclusive sneak peek at Gibson’s highly anticipated sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One, which is scheduled to open in cinemas on May 6, 2027.
Tickets for the rerelease are now available through Fathom Entertainment.
Faith leaders reflect on the film’s impact
Ahead of the rerelease, Christian leaders have spoken about the profound effect The Passion of the Christ had on audiences when it was originally released more than two decades ago.
Rev. Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse recalled feeling as though he had witnessed the Crucifixion while watching the film, saying that it sparked renewed interest in the Bible around the world.
Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the film had a powerful impact on him when he first saw it more than 20 years ago. He believes its return to cinemas could have a similarly strong effect on viewers who have never experienced it on the big screen.
Pastor Samuel Rodriguez of New Season Church and president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference described The Passion of the Christ as more than a conventional movie.
“There are movies that you watch and there are movies that you experience,” Rodriguez said, emphasizing the opportunity for Christians to come together through the theatrical event.
A new generation gets the chance to see the film
Many younger Christians have never seen The Passion of the Christ in a cinema, making the rerelease an opportunity for a new generation to experience the film’s portrayal of Jesus’ final hours, Crucifixion and Resurrection.
Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of Franciscan University of Steubenville, reflected on the teachings of Saint Francis and the importance of seeing and contemplating what God has done for humanity.
He encouraged individuals, families and Christian communities to return to the film ahead of the arrival of The Resurrection of the Christ in 2027.
Remastered in 4K
For its special theatrical presentation, The Passion of the Christ has been meticulously remastered from the original camera negative in 4K resolution.
The rerelease features a new color pass supervised by original Academy Award nominated cinematographer Caleb Deschanel, together with a Dolby Atmos audio mix reviewed and approved by Mel Gibson.
Audiences will also receive an exclusive behind the scenes preview of The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One.
The upcoming film will explore Christ’s victory over death following His Crucifixion and is expected to continue the story of one of Christianity’s most significant events.
Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke described the new project as a monumental work centered on a story that has profoundly touched countless people.
About The Passion of the Christ
Directed by Academy Award winning filmmaker Mel Gibson, The Passion of the Christ was released in 2004 and stars Jim Caviezel as Jesus of Nazareth.
The film depicts the final hours of Jesus’ life, including His trial, Crucifixion and Resurrection. It became a major international cultural phenomenon, earning three Academy Award nominations and attracting audiences around the world.
The film remained the highest grossing domestic R rated movie for two decades and became one of the most influential faith based films in modern cinema.
Its upcoming rerelease will give longtime viewers an opportunity to experience the film again while introducing it to audiences who were too young to see it during its original theatrical run.
The special theatrical engagement runs from September 10 through September 17, with tickets now on sale through Fathom Entertainment.
The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One is scheduled to arrive exclusively in theaters on May 6, 2027.
