Actor Jim Caviezel has spoken out about how taking on the lead role of Jesus in Mel Gibson’s movie ‘The Passion of the Christ’ had a devastating impact on his Hollywood career.
Caviezel revealed that he felt ostracized within the industry after portraying the son of God in the controversial film.
Despite the movie’s significant success at the box office, grossing over $400 million worldwide, it faced criticism for allegedly promoting anti-Semitic sentiments.
Gibson, the director of the film, faced backlash himself for making anti-Jewish comments following a DUI arrest.
Caviezel disclosed that Gibson had warned him against accepting the role, cautioning that it would effectively end his career in Hollywood.
Despite the warning, Caviezel chose to embrace the part, stating, “We all have to embrace our crosses.”
Following his portrayal of Jesus, Caviezel’s career trajectory took a downturn, with the actor only landing a few roles in subsequent years.
This was a stark contrast to his earlier success in films such as ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ and ‘Angel Eyes,’ where he was recognized as a rising star in Hollywood.
Before committing to play Jesus, Caviezel, a devout Roman Catholic, acknowledged the potential risks involved.
He emphasized that depicting Jesus remains a contentious and provocative subject even in contemporary times, drawing parallels to the controversies surrounding the figure over the past two millennia.
During a public address in Orlando, Florida, Caviezel reflected on the challenges faced by Gibson, urging compassion and understanding for the embattled director.
He emphasized the importance of faith in guiding his personal and professional decisions, underscoring the significance of his portrayal of Jesus.
Caviezel humorously noted the alignment of his age with that of Jesus at the time of his depiction, highlighting the symbolic connection.
At the event promoting an audio book of the Bible in which he stars, Caviezel juxtaposed ‘The Passion of the Christ’ with the new project, dubbing the latter as “The Passion on Steroids.”
In conclusion, Caviezel’s candid account sheds light on the complexities and repercussions of portraying an iconic religious figure in a cinematic context.
Despite the challenges he faced post-‘The Passion of the Christ,’ his unwavering faith and commitment to his craft continue to define his journey in the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood.
