Mel Gibson's 'Passion' Sequel Moves Forward as He Splits from Longtime Partner

Key facts

• Mel Gibson, 69, and Rosalind Ross, 35, have separated after nine years together.
• Gibson says the sequel to 'The Passion of the Christ' is 'moving forward' and will start shooting in Rome with a new cast.
• Gibson's $14.5 million Malibu mansion was destroyed by the Palisades Fire while he was recording Joe Rogan's podcast.
• Gibson has nine children, including Lucia (14) with Oksana Grigorieva and Lars (7) with Rosalind Ross.
• Gibson called for the public to overthrow California Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass.
• Gibson faces backlash for casting a pro-choice actor as the Virgin Mary in his upcoming project.
• Gibson's film 'Flight Risk' reached No. 1 at the box office.
• Donald Trump has vowed to help 'troubled' Hollywood with Mel Gibson, Jon Voight, and Sylvester Stallone.

A Life in Transition: Personal and Professional Shifts

Mel Gibson, the 69-year-old actor and director, is navigating a period of profound personal and professional change. He has separated from his longtime girlfriend Rosalind Ross, 35, after nine years together, a split the couple described as 'sad to end this chapter in our lives' while affirming their commitment to co-parenting their son Lars, 7. Gibson also shares daughter Lucia, 14, with ex-partner Oksana Grigorieva, and has seven other children from previous relationships. Amid this personal upheaval, Gibson confirmed that the long-anticipated sequel to his 2004 blockbuster 'The Passion of the Christ' is 'moving forward.' An insider revealed that the film will begin shooting in Rome with an entirely new cast, including a new actor portraying Jesus. The project, which has been in development for years, marks a significant step in Gibson's return to high-profile filmmaking.

A Devastating Loss: The Palisades Fire Claims His Malibu Home

While Gibson was recording an episode of Joe Rogan's podcast, his $14.5 million Malibu mansion was consumed by the Palisades Fire. Surveying the rubble, he told NewsNation's 'Elizabeth Vargas Reports,' 'It's obviously devastating. It's emotional. You know, we have lived there for a long time.' Despite the loss, Gibson struck a resilient tone, saying, 'I'm OK with it. I'm OK. Don't look back. You look forward.' The fire, which destroyed numerous celebrity homes, has prompted an outpouring of aid, including a $15 million pledge from Disney for Los Angeles fire relief. Gibson's public demeanor in the face of personal catastrophe has drawn both sympathy and scrutiny, as he continues to court controversy with his political statements.

Political Firebrand: Calls for Overthrow and Trump Ties

Gibson has never shied from political provocation. He recently called for the public to overthrow California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a statement that amplified tensions with far-right groups who have previously targeted him. In a separate development, President Donald Trump vowed to help 'troubled' Hollywood with Gibson, Jon Voight, and Sylvester Stallone, naming Stallone and the band Kiss for Kennedy Center Honors and announcing plans to host an awards show. Trump also threatened a 100% tariff on foreign-made films, claiming the U.S. movie industry is dying, and proposed $100 million tariffs on movies and TV shows produced overseas. These moves signal a deepening intersection between Hollywood and politics, with Gibson emerging as a key figure in the conservative cultural sphere.

Box Office Success and Casting Controversies

Despite personal and political storms, Gibson's professional stock remains high. His film 'Flight Risk' reached No. 1 at the box office, outperforming 'The Brutalist' and other releases. However, his latest casting decision has sparked backlash: he hired a pro-choice actor to play the Virgin Mary, angering far-right groups who accuse him of betraying conservative values. This is not the first time Gibson has faced criticism over casting; his 2004 'Passion' was itself a lightning rod for debates about anti-Semitism and historical accuracy. Gibson's ability to attract both audiences and controversy underscores his enduring influence. As faith-based entertainment experiences a revival in Hollywood, his 'Passion' sequel could tap into a growing market, even as it reignites cultural wars.

The Road Ahead: Sequel, Family, and Legacy

With the 'Passion' sequel moving forward and a new chapter in his personal life beginning, Gibson stands at a crossroads. The film's production in Rome with a new cast represents both a creative gamble and a potential commercial juggernaut. Meanwhile, his role as a father to nine children, including young Lars and Lucia, remains a central priority, as evidenced by his rare red carpet appearance with them. Gibson's legacy, however, is deeply contested. From his 2006 anti-Semitic rant to allegations of domestic violence, his past continues to shadow his present. Yet his ability to secure box office hits and political allies suggests a resilience that defies conventional Hollywood ostracism. As one producer noted in a separate context, 'It's not a matter of can Kevin work again, but who will work with him' — a question that applies equally to Gibson.

The bottom line

• Mel Gibson and Rosalind Ross have separated after nine years, vowing to co-parent their son Lars.
• The sequel to 'The Passion of the Christ' is moving forward with a new cast and will shoot in Rome.
• Gibson's Malibu mansion was destroyed by the Palisades Fire while he was filming Joe Rogan's podcast.
• Gibson has called for the overthrow of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass.
• Donald Trump has enlisted Gibson, Jon Voight, and Sylvester Stallone to help revive Hollywood.
• Gibson's film 'Flight Risk' reached No. 1 at the box office, but his casting of a pro-choice actor as the Virgin Mary has sparked backlash.