Jim Caviezel to Star in Bolsonaro Biopic as Former President’s Son Launches 2026 Campaign

A biopic chronicling the life of Brazil’s imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro is currently in production, as confirmed by his son Carlos Bolsonaro on social media.

Carlos shared details about the project on X, praising American actor Jim Caviezel, who will portray the controversial Brazilian leader. In his post, Carlos described working with Caviezel as “one of the greatest gifts” of his life and praised the actor as someone whose legacy would be “admired by good people and envied by those who seek destruction.”

The film, titled “Dark Horse,” will focus on Bolsonaro’s successful 2018 presidential campaign and reportedly presents a heroic portrayal of the polarizing political figure. It is being directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh with a screenplay by former Bolsonaro Culture Secretary Mário Frias, suggesting the production will likely present a sympathetic view of the former president.

Caviezel, best known for portraying Jesus in Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” and for his role in “The Sound of Freedom,” has previously drawn attention for his connections to far-right conspiracy circles in the United States. His casting adds another dimension to a project already steeped in political significance.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment in Brazilian politics. Jair Bolsonaro remains incarcerated after receiving a 27-year sentence for attempting to overturn the 2022 election results that brought current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to power. Brazilian authorities determined Bolsonaro orchestrated a plot to invalidate Lula’s victory, leading to his imprisonment in September. A separate ruling has also barred Bolsonaro from holding public office until 2030, effectively ending his political career.

Despite these legal troubles, the Bolsonaro family continues to shape Brazil’s political landscape. In a significant development, Bolsonaro’s eldest son, Flávio, has entered the 2026 presidential race with his father’s endorsement. From prison, the former president issued a rare public statement naming Flávio as his preferred successor.

“It is with great responsibility that I confirm the decision of Brazil’s greatest political and moral leader, Jair Messias Bolsonaro, to entrust me with the mission of continuing our national project,” Flávio wrote on X. His Senate office confirmed he will challenge President Lula, who is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term. Flávio has described his decision to run as “irreversible” and has reportedly visited his father in prison to discuss his campaign.

The timing of the biopic’s production alongside these political developments suggests an attempt to maintain Bolsonaro’s public profile and political legacy despite his legal troubles. The film could potentially influence public perception ahead of the 2026 election, in which the Bolsonaro family hopes to reclaim power through Flávio’s candidacy.

Production on “Dark Horse” is expected to continue into 2026, with filming planned across locations in both Brazil and Mexico. The project represents a significant intersection of entertainment and politics in a country still deeply divided along ideological lines.

The film’s release will likely reignite debates about Bolsonaro’s controversial presidency, which was marked by environmental rollbacks in the Amazon, handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a governing style that critics characterized as authoritarian. For Bolsonaro supporters, however, the film may serve as a rallying point as they look to restore the family’s political fortunes in the upcoming election.