You’ve seen the headlines, right? Mel Gibson is either "back" or "gone" depending on which corner of the internet you’re scrolling through. But if you actually look at the production sheets for 2026, the reality is a lot weirder—and much more ambitious—than a simple comeback story. We’re talking about a guy who is currently juggling a massive biblical "acid trip" and a legacy sequel that has been stuck in development hell longer than some of his fans have been alive.
It’s easy to get lost in the noise. Honestly, most people still think he’s just doing small-budget action movies for a quick paycheck. But with Flight Risk behind him, Gibson is pivoting toward the kind of massive, risky projects that defined his early career.
The Resurrection of the Christ: Not Your Average Bible Story
If you think you know what to expect from a sequel to The Passion of the Christ, you’re probably wrong. Gibson has been vocal lately about how this isn't just a "Part 2." During his recent rounds on the podcast circuit, specifically chatting with Joe Rogan, he described the script for The Resurrection of the Christ as an absolute "acid trip."
That’s a hell of a way to describe a religious epic.
Basically, the movie isn't just staying on Earth. Gibson and screenwriter Randall Wallace (the Braveheart guy) are diving into other realms. They’re exploring what happened during those three days between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. That means we’re going to Hell. We’re going to Sheol. We’re seeing the "fall of the angels." It’s basically Dante’s Inferno through the lens of a $100 million budget and Gibson's notoriously visceral directing style.
The Release Date Drama
Lionsgate has officially stepped in to handle the distribution, and they aren't playing around with the release dates. Because the story is so massive, it’s being split into two parts.
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- Part One is locked for March 26, 2027 (Good Friday).
- Part Two follows shortly after on May 6, 2027 (Ascension Day).
Wait, 2027? Yeah. While filming is slated to hit high gear throughout 2026, the post-production on a movie involving "another realm" is going to be a nightmare of VFX and editing.
The Big Casting Shakeup
Here’s where things get kinda confusing. For years, Jim Caviezel was the only name anyone associated with this project. He was the face of the first one. He’s been telling everyone it would be the "biggest film in world history." But recently, some industry insiders and updated production listings have pointed to a complete overhaul.
Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen has reportedly been cast as Jesus, with Mariela Garriga taking over the role of Mary Magdalene from Monica Bellucci. Why the change? It likely comes down to the sheer physicality of the role and the de-aging tech that would have been required to keep the original cast looking like they did in 2004. Digging through the trades, it looks like Gibson opted for fresh faces to handle the heavy lifting of a two-part shoot.
Lethal Weapon 5: Is Riggs Too Old for This?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Lethal Weapon 5.
This thing has been "happening" since the Clinton administration. Or at least it feels that way. The legendary Richard Donner was working on it until he passed away in 2021 at the age of 91. Before he died, he basically handed the baton to Mel, telling him, "If I kick the bucket, you’re the one to finish it."
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Mel confirmed as recently as mid-2024 and early 2025 that he is directing. He’s taking the chair for the man who mentored him.
What’s the Hold-Up?
The script is apparently "really good." Gibson says they’ve kept much of what Donner wrote but polished it with writers like Jez Butterworth. The delay isn't the story; it's the corporate musical chairs over at Warner Bros. Discovery. New bosses, new budgets, and a "chopping block" mentality have left Riggs and Murtaugh sitting in the waiting room.
But here is the kicker: Danny Glover is in. He’s in his late 70s, and Mel is pushing 70. The movie is leaning into that. It’s not trying to pretend they’re still jumping off buildings in their 30s. It’s reportedly a very emotional, serious look at these characters while keeping the "funny" that made the first four iconic.
Expectations are that if the studio hurdles clear, 2026 will be the year they finally get the cameras rolling in Los Angeles.
Why These Upcoming Films Actually Matter
Gibson's career is in a weird spot. Flight Risk, his 2025 thriller starring Mark Wahlberg, didn't exactly set the world on fire at the box office. It made about $48 million globally on a $25 million budget. Not a disaster, but not a Braveheart-sized hit either.
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Because of that, the stakes for mel gibson upcoming films are massive. He needs a win.
- Directorial Style: He’s one of the few directors left who still shoots with a "muscular" style—very practical, very gritty.
- Legacy: Lethal Weapon 5 is a tribute to Richard Donner. If he fumbles it, he tarnishes a perfect 80s/90s run.
- Controversy: The Resurrection project is going to be polarizing. It just is. Anything religious or "acid trip"-like from Gibson is going to dominate the cultural conversation for months.
The "Flight Risk" Factor
A lot of critics panned Flight Risk for its use of AI-generated backgrounds and CGI Alaskian scenery. It felt "fake" to some. If Gibson is going to pull off a literal trip to Hell in the Passion sequel, he has to prove he can blend that tech without it looking like a video game cutscene. That’s the real technical hurdle for his 2026 projects.
What You Should Watch For
If you’re trying to keep track of these projects, don't just look for "Mel Gibson" in the news. Look for the production companies. Icon Productions is his baby, and they usually do the heavy lifting before a major studio like Lionsgate or Warner Bros. picks up the check.
Keep an eye on casting calls in Rome and Italy. The Resurrection of the Christ is expected to use Cinecittà Studios extensively. If you see news about "massive supernatural sets" being built in Rome, you’ll know the "acid trip" has officially begun.
For Lethal Weapon 5, watch for Danny Glover’s schedule. The man is busy, and aligning two stars of that caliber for a three-month shoot in California is a logistical nightmare.
Actionable Insights for Movie Fans:
- Don't expect a 2026 release: While he is filming in 2026, the big "Passion" sequel is a 2027 event.
- Expect a tone shift: These aren't standard popcorn flicks. They’re leaning into "legacy" and "experimental" vibes.
- Follow the trades: Sites like World of Reel and Deadline are more reliable than the "concept trailers" you see on YouTube that claim the movie is coming out next week.
Gibson is 69. He knows the clock is ticking on his ability to lead an action franchise or direct a 100-day epic shoot. That’s why 2026 is shaping up to be the most frantic year of his professional life. Whether he sticks the landing or crashes the plane, it’s going to be impossible to look away.