Jim Caviezel claims Jesus physically appeared, convinced him to star in ‘The Passion of the Christ’

November 13, 2026

Actor Jim Caviezel has claimed that Jesus Christ appeared to him more than 20 years ago as he was considering whether to take the starring role in Mel Gibson’s 2004 film “The Passion of the Christ.”

The Christian Post reports that during a Nov. 10 two-hour episode of Fox News host Sean Hannity’s podcast, Caviezel claimed a visit from Jesus at the foot of his bed convinced him to accept the grueling part.

Caviezel told Hannity, “There was a time when I may have not done ‘The Passion,'” after meeting with the film’s producer and initially deciding against joining the production.

Caviezel, who is Roman Catholic, related that as he was considering it, Jesus appeared in his room and the two discussed the opportunity.

The actor told Hannity, “About 5 something in the morning, this presence came over me, and I know it was Him,” Caviezel said.

“I was awake, but my eyes were closed, and He was sitting Indian-style on the foot of my bed, and He said, ‘It is not a requirement of you as a Catholic… to play this role.’ And I said, ‘Good, I won’t. Get somebody else.'”

According to the Christian Post, Caviezel said his willingness to turn down the role appeared to sadden Jesus, whose reaction prompted him to reconsider.

Caviezel said that Jesus explained that other actors would not inquire of Him like he would as he played the role, which Caviezel believes effectively ended his Hollywood career.

“Now immediately, I was like, ‘OK, this is part of the plan. I’m in.’ So that was a big gift for me,” Caviezel said.

The actor went on to lay out some of the physical afflictions he experienced while depicting the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life, which included dislocating his shoulder and briefly dying after being struck by lightning on the cross during the last day of shooting.

Photo: top, Credit: Screenshot/YouTube/Hang Out with Sean Hannity