Mel Gibson’s highly anticipated sequel to The Passion of the Christ is expected to be one of the biggest-budget films of the year, according to industry experts.

The two-part follow-up, titled The Resurrection of the Christ, is currently being filmed in Rome. Industry news site Deadline reports that each film could carry a budget “in the $100 million region”, making the combined project worth approximately $200 million (around £150 million).

The Resurrection of the Christ is likely to be the largest-budget project on offer at next month’s American Film Market (AFM), a major annual event where producers, buyers and distributors meet to buy and sell films and film rights.

The production made headlines this month after it emerged that Catholic actor Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus in the original 2004 film, will not be reprising his role. Instead, Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen will take on the part. Monica Bellucci, who played Mary Magdalene, will also not be returning; the role will be played by Cuban actress Mariela Garriga.

Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ was made for around $30 million (around £23 million] and went on to earn approximately $612 million (£460 million) at the global box office, making it one of the most profitable and highest-grossing R-rated films in Hollywood history.