Mel Gibson’s Film Sparks Backlash Over Actress’s Abortion Views

The highly anticipated sequel to Mel Gibson’s 2004 biblical epic, “The Passion of the Christ,” titled “The Resurrection of the Christ,” has begun filming, but not without generating significant controversy. The casting of Polish-born Italian actress Kasia Smutniak as Mary, the mother of Jesus, has sparked considerable backlash from far-right Catholic groups in her native Poland due to her publicly known pro-abortion stance and activism.

The Resurrection of the Christ: A New Chapter

Mel Gibson returns to direct “The Resurrection of the Christ,” a two-part film that will explore the three-day period between Christ’s crucifixion and his resurrection. The production commenced in early October at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios, the same location used for “The Passion of the Christ.” Notably, the main ensemble cast has been entirely recast for this sequel. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen takes on the role of Jesus, replacing Jim Caviezel, while Cuban actress Mariela Garriga plays Mary Magdalene, a role previously held by Monica Bellucci. Kasia Smutniak steps into the role of Mary, which was portrayed by Maia Morgenstern in the original film.

Backlash from Polish Far-Right Groups

The announcement of Smutniak’s casting quickly ignited a firestorm of criticism from conservative and far-right Catholic organizations in Poland. These groups have reportedly sent letters to Gibson’s Icon Productions, protesting the choice, citing Smutniak’s vocal support for abortion rights. Polish media have highlighted that supporters of the conservative Law and Justice party (PiS) are among those expressing outrage.

The core of the objection stems from Smutniak’s association with the Strajk Kobiet (Women’s Strike) movement, a prominent nationwide campaign against Poland’s stringent abortion laws. Images of Smutniak with slogans like “human right,” “right to abortion,” “my body,” and the red lightning bolt symbol of the Women’s Strike movement have circulated widely on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

Critics argue that an actress with such pronounced pro-choice views is unfit to portray the Virgin Mary, a figure of immense religious significance, especially within conservative Catholic doctrine. Some Polish internet users have directly appealed to Mel Gibson on social media, urging him to reconsider the casting and even threatening a boycott if Smutniak remains in the role.

Kasia Smutniak’s Activism and Views

Kasia Smutniak is an acclaimed Polish-Italian actress known for her extensive work in Italian cinema and television. Beyond her acting career, she has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and a critic of restrictive abortion laws. Her support for the Strajk Kobiet movement is well-documented, with her having shared social media posts featuring protest symbols and strong statements against the erosion of reproductive rights in Poland.

In addition to her stance on abortion, Smutniak has also engaged in other humanitarian work, including directing the 2023 documentary “Walls” (Mur), which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. This film documents the humanitarian crisis at the Polish-Belarusian border, further showcasing her commitment to social and political issues.

Gibson’s Previous Casting Choices and Personal Stance

Mel Gibson himself is known for his conservative Catholic beliefs and has publicly expressed his opposition to abortion, referring to it as “human sacrifice.” Given his personal views, the casting of a pro-abortion activist like Smutniak might seem unexpected to some. However, this isn’t the first instance of actors with differing personal convictions being cast in his religious films.

For example, while Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ,” is an outspoken Catholic and anti-abortion advocate, Monica Bellucci, who portrayed Mary Magdalene in the same film, has expressed support for a woman’s right to choose. This suggests that Gibson’s casting decisions may prioritize artistic interpretation and talent over aligning strictly with the actors’ personal political or moral stances, though the current controversy highlights the heightened scrutiny surrounding such roles.

Conclusion

The casting of Kasia Smutniak as Mary in Mel Gibson’s ‘Resurrection of the Christ’ has created a notable division, particularly within Poland’s conservative circles. While the film aims to continue a significant biblical narrative, the controversy surrounding Smutniak’s pro-abortion views underscores the ongoing tension between artistic freedom, personal beliefs, and public expectations concerning religious portrayals. As production continues, it remains to be seen how this backlash will impact the film’s reception, especially among devout audiences.