Mel Gibson’s upcoming sequel to The Passion of the Christ is already causing chaos—long before cameras even start rolling.
The 69-year-old director is reportedly under intense security watch after casting Polish actress Kasia Smutniak as the Virgin Mary in The Resurrection of the Christ. The controversial decision has triggered backlash from religious groups who are furious over Smutniak’s outspoken support for abortion rights in her home country—where the issue remains deeply polarizing.
Insiders say the outrage has morphed into something far darker.
Sources close to the production say Gibson, who recently split from his longtime partner Rosalind Ross, is now considered vulnerable—and potentially a target.
“There are people calling this an insult to the Virgin Mary,” one source said. “This has turned into spiritual warfare for some. They’re openly discussing punishment. It’s terrifying.”
Another insider claimed chatter online has escalated into a “real assassination threat,” not just internet trolling.
Smutniak, 46, is no stranger to controversy in Catholic-majority Poland. She’s repeatedly blasted the government’s near-total abortion ban and stood with the Women’s Strike movement, often posting images in support of abortion rights.
That history has made her a lightning rod—and now some conservative voices are directly targeting Gibson.
“Millions of believers will feel betrayed,” one viral post warned. “Would you really want someone like her portraying the mother of Jesus?”
Others claimed the casting was “offensive,” while a few prayed the role might “change her heart.”
Despite the threats, Gibson is pushing forward. He told Joe Rogan earlier this year that the film will be “very ambitious,” covering everything from the fall of the angels to the death of the last apostle.
“You need to go to hell to tell this story,” he joked at the time—perhaps not realizing how literal that might feel now.
The Resurrection of the Christ is slated to release in two parts—first on Good Friday 2027, and the second on Ascension Day that May. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen will star as Jesus, while Cuban actress Mariela Garriga plays Mary Magdalene.
As of now, filming will take place in both Italy and the U.S.—with beefed-up security reportedly already in place.
Fire her! She’s unworthy!
“Pro-choice” is not a GOOD choice.
Abort em both
Her views are irrelevant. Is she a good actress? I’m more concerned about the writer of the script.
That vicious Nazi should not be working at all. He needs to sit in the corner for the rest of his miserable life.