Jim Caviezel to play disgraced former Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, in celebratory biopic
Actor Jim Caviezel is set to play imprisoned former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro in a new biopic.
Caviezel, who starred as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s 2004 movie The Passion of the Christ, has reportedly already secretly filmed the new movie, titled Dark Horse, in Brazil for three months in 2025.
The upcoming film is directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh and written by Brazil’s former Culture Secretary under Bolsonaro, Mário Frias. According to The Guardian, Dark Horse offers a “heroic” portrayal of the divisive Bolsonaro, who is currently behind bars.
The right-wing politician served as president of Brazil between 2019 and 2023 before being sentenced to more than 27 years in prison in September 2025 after being found guilty of attempting to lead a conspiracy to overturn his election defeat to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Bolsonaro’s son, Carlos, confirmed the news on X, writing, “Jim Caviezel, thank you for everything. I know your legacy will continue to be admired by good people and envied by those who seek destruction – yet the message you imprint with every step leaves its mark on the world.”
He continued, “For me, one of the greatest gifts I’ve received was the opportunity to live unimaginable moments by your side. Receive my sincere and grateful embrace. God, Jesus and Freedom!”
Notably, Cavaziel is a supporter of Donald Trump, but has denied being a follower of Q-Anon after appearing at a series of conspiratorial events and podcasts to promote the 2023 child trafficking film, Sounds of Freedom.
The cast also includes Lynn Collins and Esai Morales. Filming has now wrapped in Brazil, but is expected to continue in 2026 in Brazil and Mexico.
News of Cavaziel’s involvement in the Bolsonaro biopic comes shortly after Mel Gibson axed him from his plans for his The Passion of the Christ sequel.
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