Resurrection of the Christ 1 & 2, Day Drinker Get Release Dates

Why It Matters

Aligning releases with major holidays gives Lionsgate a strategic box‑office boost, while the reshuffle highlights the studio’s confidence in Gibson’s controversial epic and Depp’s comeback to drive audience interest.

Key Takeaways

• Resurrection Part 1 now releases May 6 2027 (Ascension Day).
• Resurrection Part 2 set for May 25 2028, spanning Memorial Day weekend.
• Johnny Depp’s Day Drinker takes former March 26 2027 slot.
• Jaakko Ohtonen replaces Jim Caviezel as Jesus in Gibson’s films.
• Lionsgate aligns releases with religious holidays to boost box‑office.

Pulse Analysis

Lionsgate’s decision to anchor The Resurrection of the Christ Part 1 to Ascension Day and Part 2 to the Memorial Day weekend reflects a calculated effort to tap into holiday‑driven attendance spikes. Religious observances often translate into higher theater footfall, especially for faith‑based narratives, and the studio appears to be positioning Gibson’s ambitious two‑part saga to capture both devout audiences and general moviegoers seeking a summer event. By spacing the sequels a year apart, Lionsgate also creates a sustained revenue stream that can mitigate the risk of a single‑release flop.

The Gibson project itself has generated buzz beyond its biblical subject matter. Casting Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus marks a notable shift from Jim Caviezel, signaling a fresh visual interpretation that may appeal to younger demographics. Gibson’s claim that the scripts venture into “acid‑trip” territory suggests a blend of traditional epic storytelling with experimental visual flair, potentially widening the film’s appeal beyond conventional faith‑based cinema. With a supporting cast that includes Mariela Garriga, Riccardo Scamarcio, and Lorenzo James Henrie, the production aims to balance star power with international talent, positioning the films for global distribution.

Day Drinker, starring Johnny Depp alongside Madelyn Cline and Penélope Cruz, fills the March 26 2027 opening previously earmarked for the first Resurrection installment. The move gives the supernatural revenge thriller a less crowded release window, allowing it to stand out ahead of the spring blockbuster rush. Depp’s involvement, his first major role since 2024’s Modì, adds a high‑profile draw that could rejuvenate his box‑office standing. For Lionsgate, the juxtaposition of a faith‑centric epic and a genre‑bending thriller diversifies its slate, hedging against market volatility and catering to distinct audience segments.