Happy Easter to you all out there.
No hollywood studio wanted to produce the passion of the Christ. Too risky. Too controversial.
So Mel Gibson funded it himself, forming his own production company. He knew this would cost him everything.
When casting Jesus, Mel warned Jim Caviezel: “If you do this, you will be rejected by hollywood.”
Jim took a day to pray. Then he called back: “We have to make it. I am 33. My initials are J.C.”
Mel paused. “You are scaring me.” And hung up.
What followed was the most brutal role in hollywood history.
Caviezel lost 45 pounds, was struck by lightning twice, and whipped by accident leaving a 14-inch scar.
He dislocated his shoulder and developed pneumonia and hypothermia from hanging on the cross for hours.
Filming the crucifixion alone took 5 weeks. He later underwent two open-heart surgeries due to stress.
Jim’s goal was clear:
“I didn’t want people to see me. I wanted them to see Jesus. Conversions will happen through that.”
And they did. All over the world.
The film grossed $611 million worldwide and became the most successful R-Rated film in history.
But more than that, it brought Christ’s suffering to life and pierced hearts across the globe.
Pedro Sarubbi, who played Barabbas, said of Caviezel: “His eyes had no hatred. Only mercy and love.” He converted to Christianity.
Luca Lionello, who played Judas, was a former Atheist. After filming, he became a christian and baptized his children.
A muslim technician on set watched the filming… and gave his life to Christ.
The passion of the Christ didn’t just make headlines, it changed lives.
It sparked conversations in hollywood, conversions in living rooms, and tears in theaters around the world.
A film about his death led many to find true life.
Credit: Oluwatimileyin
