Caviezel Drops ‘Resurrection’ Sequel Over Insufficient Salary for Iconic Role

In a twist laced with irony, Jim Caviezel — the actor who endured a lightning strike, hypothermia, and a dislocated shoulder to bring Jesus to life in Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” — has walked away from reprising his role in the upcoming two-part sequel. The decision reportedly stems from an allegedly insufficient salary offer for films centered on the ultimate act of selfless sacrifice.

Sources close to the production said Gibson offered Caviezel approximately $4 million to star in both installments of “The Resurrection of the Christ.” The 57-year-old actor considers this sum too modest given the original film’s record-breaking $610 million global box office and his enduring status as a cultural icon among Christian audiences.