Actor Jim Caviezel recently discussed a pivotal moment before filming The Passion of the Christ, highlighting a warning he received from director Mel Gibson.
The Passion of the Christ, released in 2004, was co-written by Benedict Fitzgerald and Mel Gibson, who also directed and co-produced the film.
Jim Caviezel portrayed Jesus Christ in the film, which centers on the final 12 hours leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. The film stirred significant controversy upon its release.
Before production began, Gibson initially contacted Caviezel about a potential “surfer movie,” prompting a meeting with him and Steve McAmedi in Malibu.
Gibson shared details about this meeting on Raymond Arroyo’s podcast, Arroyo Grande, explaining how the conversation shifted from a surfing film to the role of Christ, and the potential career implications for Caviezel.
Caviezel recalled, “Steve shows up and he has a book on Mavericks – it’s a big wave, I think – Tom Hanks was going to be involved in it somehow, producing it or whatever.”
Caviezel recounted reading the initial script, which was set to be directed by Kevin Reynolds, and while he had no surfing experience, he felt confident about learning.
Ultimately, Caviezel decided to pass on the movie, feeling the script wasn’t fully developed, though it eventually reached completion.
“Steve shows up and probably 40 minutes into the meeting, Mel Gibson shows up,” Caviezel continued. “[…] We were talking about surfing movies and everything and then it pivots into uh Christ movies – Jesus movies. Well, that’s not a surfing movie. Jesus on a surfboard, how’s that going to work?”
The project was far from a surfing movie, with Caviezel needing to do much more than just riding waves. He would be risking his career in Hollywood by taking on the iconic role.
Realizing Gibson’s intention, Caviezel asked, “You want me to play Jesus, don’t you?”
Gibson confirmed, and Caviezel agreed to the role without seeing a script or outline.
However, two days later, Gibson called Caviezel at home.
Gibson cautioned him, saying, “If you do this movie, you may never work in this town again.”
The warning stemmed from the controversial nature of playing Jesus Christ, especially among religious audiences.
Despite the risks, Caviezel was steadfast, expressing his desire to depict the true events and accepting the potential consequences.
Although it faced controversy and was labeled the “most disturbing film” by some viewers, The Passion of the Christ is set to have a sequel.