00:02Jim Caviezel, renowned for his portrayal of Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, won't be returning to play the role.
00:10His departure surprises fans and critics, given the film's success and the intense physical, emotional and spiritual challenges he endured for the role.
00:19No official statement or farewell from Caviezel, just silence and a new project, Archangel, an action film far removed from The Passion of the Christ.
00:29A few months ago, he expressed hope and eagerness for the sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ, emphasizing he wanted to enjoy it more than the original.
00:38Filming The Passion of the Christ was grueling for Caviezel.
00:42He was struck by lightning, dislocated his shoulder, caught pneumonia and hypothermia, carried a 68-kilogram crossbit his tongue and bled on camera.
00:51He later required two heart surgeries.
00:54Despite the ordeal, he said the experience deepened his faith.
00:57Few actors would return after such an ordeal, yet Caviezel was ready.
01:02The question remains, why recast him?
01:06Neither Caviezel nor the studio has explained.
01:09Speculation ranges from a new direction for the sequel to his outspoken conservative and Christian views making him controversial,
01:16reflecting Hollywood's history of quietly sidelining politically outspoken actors.
01:20After The Passion, Caviezel said roles dried up.
01:25As soon as I did Passion, other offers stopped coming in.
01:28He didn't complain, but he noticed.
01:31Now, with The Resurrection of the Christ set for release in two parts,
01:36Good Friday 2027 and Ascension Day 40 days later, the films are moving on without him.
01:42Fans, however, struggled to imagine the sequel without his iconic performance.
01:47Whether a creative or political decision, the story is far from over.
01:51And, Caviezel, he's not out of the spotlight just yet.
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