Jim Caviezel Reveals Why He Won't Return as Jesus in 'The Passion of the Christ' Sequel

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James Patrick Caviezel Jr., known as Jim, played Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ” in 2004. As “The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One” is set for release in 2027, many were initially shocked and disappointed to learn that Caviezel won’t be returning to play Jesus in the sequel.

During an interview with Raymond Arroyo, Caviezel stated that after reading the film's script, he decided he would not be back, saying he was not needed.

Though “The Passion of the Christ” has been around for more than twenty years, and many expected Caviezel to return as usual, the actor told Arroyo, “Honestly, I read the first and the second script, and Jesus really is not—he really didn’t need me. It’s a smaller role.  The first one, it was critical; every play."

Believing that his job in portraying Jesus ended with the first film, however, Caviezel added, “What we did in that movie, they can’t touch it,” he said. “Nothing. When I’m dead and gone, that’s an annuity. People are going to keep coming back and finding God. And I did my job, and I did it well.”

While he will not be returning to play Jesus in the sequel, he did wish the man who will be taking over the role of Jesus in "The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One," Jaakko Ohtonen, nothing but the best. 

“Good luck to the new guy, cuz it’ll be really hard,” he said. “As I said earlier, it’s a hell of a lot harder to play Jesus than Superman.”

Describing the role in the first film as critical for every play, he compares the second Jesus movie to something he wasn’t really needed for. If he had agreed to the second movie, Caviezel would’ve missed out on larger roles in “Ghost Soldier” and Angel Studios’ “Zero A.D.,” set to release in November and December.

When Arroyo asked Caviezel if returning to play Jesus would’ve prevented him from working on his other films, he agreed.

“No, I couldn’t have done it. I couldn’t have done these films,” Caviezel said. “But did I want to do it? Of course I did,” he said.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Ilya S. Savenok/Stringer

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.

Originally published November 10, 2026.