Mel Gibson Reportedly Consulting With Excommunicated Archbishop on The Resurrection of The Christ

by

Mel Gibson is filming a follow-up to The Passion of the Christ in Italy, and the project is generating buzz due to his decision to consult with Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, a controversial figure who has been excommunicated by the Catholic Church.

— Arcivescovo Carlo Maria Viganò (@CarloMVigano) February 17, 2026

Archbishop Viganò previously worked as the Vatican’s ambassador to the United States. He became well-known for strongly criticizing Pope Francis and opposing changes made after the Second Vatican Council. Viganò sharply disagreed with Pope Francis’s more liberal views, even going so far as to call him a “false prophet” and “servant of Satan.”

The archbishop gained attention for publicly supporting President Trump, questioning the safety of vaccines, and opposing same-sex marriage. In 2024, the Vatican excommunicated him for refusing to acknowledge Pope Francis as the legitimate leader of the Church. Gibson publicly supported the archbishop’s views.

Viganò on Set

Photos and posts shared by Viganò online showed him talking to Mel Gibson and the film crew on set. These images quickly spread online, leading many to believe Gibson was getting advice from Viganò during filming.

According to a February 20th article in Variety, Mel Gibson sought advice from Archbishop Viganò while making The Resurrection of the Christ, and Viganò provided feedback during the film’s production.

Shortly after Variety reported that Archbishop Viganò was a formal consultant on the film, TMZ published a report questioning that claim. According to TMZ’s sources close to the production, Viganò visited the set to speak with Mel Gibson, but wasn’t acting as an official advisor.

Gibson did not respond to requests for comment when the report was published.

The Resurrection of the Christ

Despite varying reports, filming on The Resurrection of the Christ is progressing well. The movie is being filmed near Rome and continues Mel Gibson’s exploration of the story of Jesus Christ’s life and death.

The project will be released in two movies. The first, Part One, is planned for release on Good Friday, March 26, 2027, with the second film, Part Two, following 40 days later on Ascension Day. The movies will focus on the events after Jesus’s crucifixion, particularly the Resurrection and what happened afterward. Director Mel Gibson has described the films as having an unusual, almost dreamlike quality, suggesting a unique take on the story. While specific plot details are still being kept under wraps, Gibson has mentioned that the films will feature more supernatural and spiritual elements to emphasize the importance of this central event in Christianity.

The attention surrounding Archbishop Viganò’s involvement with the film has sparked a wider conversation about the relationship between religion and entertainment. Experts point out that Viganò has a history of publicly challenging religious doctrine and institutions, making his connection to the film – which deals with religious themes – particularly interesting.

Currently, neither Gibson nor anyone speaking for him has confirmed whether Viganò is involved with the project.

Read More

2026-02-25 16:56