Semana Santa Brings Live Passion Plays in Brazil and Jesus Films on Streaming

Overview

• Nova Jerusalém in Pernambuco is presenting its long-running passion play through the weekend with a 450-person cast led by Dudu Azevedo as Jesus and a new aerial effect that lifts the lead above the set.
• In Fernando de Noronha, a local troupe of 78 stages 48 brief scenes in about 75 minutes, with performers moving through the crowd in the island’s historic center.
• Streaming guides this week spotlight films about Jesus, including The Passion of the Christ on Netflix and titles such as Jesus of Nazareth and The Young Messiah on Prime Video.
• Mel Gibson’s 2004 film remains influential for its outsized box office on a modest budget and for criticism over graphic violence and allegations it fostered hostility toward Jews.
• Industry coverage reports developing plans for two sequels targeted for 2027 with Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus, while Jim Caviezel is reported to star as Jair Bolsonaro in Dark Horse slated for 2026.