Mel Gibson<\/strong><\/a>\u2019s Passion of the Christ sequel just experienced a casting shakeup that certainly left fans of the original movie talking.<\/p>\n Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen<\/strong> will be playing the role of Jesus in The Resurrection of the Christ<\/a>, replacing Jim Caviezel<\/strong>, who portrayed the figure in the original 2004 film, per Variety<\/a>. Additionally, Mariela Garriga<\/strong> will be taking over the part of Mary Magdalene, which was previously held in the original film by Monica Bellucci<\/strong>. The outlet also reported Kasia Smutniak<\/strong> is replacing Maia Morgenstern<\/strong> as Mary, mother of Jesus, and Pier Luigi Pasino<\/strong> will be playing Peter.<\/p>\n Fans voiced their shock on X after the casting news was revealed, as many were rooting for Caviezel, 57, to come back to play Jesus.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened? What changed? Wasn\u2019t Jim hyping up this movie since forever?\u201d one person questioned, while another said, \u201cI\u2019m less interested in these films knowing that Caviezel isn\u2019t returning.\u201d<\/p>\n Stars Who Were Cut From Movies: Simone Ashley and More Celebrities Whose Scenes Were Axed<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cSorry, but this is an awful cast decision,\u201d a third person wrote, while a fourth questioned, \u201cWhat’s the reason? I know he’s 57, but really, it’ll be a tough job replacing him.\u201d<\/p>\n Others pointed out that Ohtonen, 36, could be a good fit for the part with a little help from the special effects and makeup teams.<\/p>\n \u201cEh. Add a beard, a fake nose, and I might be able to see it,\u201d one X user said. \u201cThose are some big shoes to fill. Caviezel was the best Jesus ever done IMO.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone complaining must have forgot movie makeup exists,\u201d another person commented. \u201cI want Caviezel back, but if he\u2019s too old for the role then it is what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n Newmarket\/courtesy Everett Collection<\/span><\/p>\n It was first reported on Friday, October 10, by Page Six<\/a> that Caviezel and Bellucci, 61, would not be returning to reprise their roles. At the time, replacements were not immediately named, causing mass speculation and outrage on social media.<\/p>\n \u201cRecasting Jesus is crazy \ud83d\ude2d,\u201d one person wrote on X after hearing the news, while a second person echoed, \u201cThis is QUITE shocking. Jim Caviezel has been talking about the The Passion of the Christ sequels for some time. Caviezel also mentioned a few times that the script he read was one of the BEST scripts of all time. Based on some reports, Caviezel also had multiple talks with Mel Gibson. Things do change, and it’s possible that Caviezel can’t handle the physicality the role requires, or it’s possible that he can’t commit to doing two sequels.\u201d<\/p>\n Others suggested Jonathan Roumie<\/strong>, who plays Jesus in The Chosen<\/a>, to take over the part.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n