Backlash Against Kasia Smutniak Over Casting in Mel Gibson’s Film

Polish actress Kasia Smutniak is reportedly experiencing criticism for her role as Mary in Mel Gibson’s upcoming film, Resurrection of Christ, largely due to her pro-abortion activism.

Reports indicate that “far-right Catholic groups” in Poland are leading this backlash, as noted by Variety.

According to Polish media, supporters of the conservative Pro-Life and Justice Party (PiS) have penned a protest letter against Smutniak’s casting under Gibson’s Icon Productions. They point to her involvement with the Strike Kobiet (Women’s Strike) movement, which advocates against Poland’s stringent abortion laws.

Mel Gibson has yet to comment on the situation. The actor and director has maintained a conservative stance in Hollywood for nearly three decades, collaborating with various talents across different political backgrounds. Notable figures like Jodie Foster and Robert Downey Jr. have remained friendly with him despite past controversies. It’s worth mentioning that Smutniak has not voiced any opposition to Gibson’s views.

As reported by Breitbart News, the new film Resurrection of Christ features an entirely recast main cast from Gibson’s earlier work, The Passion of the Christ. Finnish actor Jaako Otonen takes over the role of Jesus, while Mariela Garriga from Cuba replaces Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene. Sources indicate that Gibson considered using digital deaging for the original cast but ultimately decided against it.

“The CGI and digital processing would have been quite costly,” a source noted.

Interestingly, fans of the original The Passion of the Christ seemed unfazed by Monica Bellucci’s outspoken pro-abortion stance during her time in the film.