Jaakko Ohtonen Takes on Jesus in Mel Gibson’s ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’
Mel Gibson has once again captured headlines, this time with news about his upcoming epic, The Resurrection of the Christ . Fans of The Passion of the Christ learned earlier this month that Jim Caviezel would not return to play Jesus in the sequel. The reason, as explained by Gibson, is simply a matter of chronology—Caviezel has aged too much to portray Jesus only three days after the crucifixion. Instead, the role has been entrusted to Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen, who may be unfamiliar to many but has been steadily building a notable acting resume.
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Ohtonen’s most prominent role so far has been as Wolland, a cunning and ruthless mercenary, in the final season of Netflix’s historical drama The Last Kingdom . His character was involved in smuggling and assassination plots, showcasing a darker, manipulative side that contrasted with the heroic figures around him. This role cemented Ohtonen’s ability to portray complex, intense characters. He also appeared in Netflix’s Vikings: Valhalla as Johan, a show that explored the tensions between Viking descendants and native English, mixing pagan and Christian conflicts. And most recently, he starred in Disney+’s Swedish historical thriller To Cook a Bear , set in 1852, playing Roope in a suspenseful story involving a runaway boy and a dangerous bear. His past performances demonstrate both range and intensity, skills that will now be brought to one of the most iconic roles in film history.
The Resurrection of the Christ is planned as a two-part release, with the first film arriving on Good Friday in 2027 and the second following 40 days later on Ascension Day. Reports suggest that the project will be the biggest-budget film at next month’s American Film Market, with each part estimated around $100 million. The scripts are being closely guarded, adding a layer of mystery, though it’s expected that the story will be ambitious, exploring not only Christ’s resurrection but also otherworldly elements like battles between angels and demons and Christ’s descent into hell.
In addition to Ohtonen, the cast includes Cuban actress Mariela Garriga as Mary Magdalene, Kasia Smutniak as Mary, Pier Luigi Pasino as Peter, and Riccardo Scamarcio as Pontius Pilate. Despite some disappointment over the absence of original stars Caviezel and Monica Bellucci, the project has generated excitement among buyers, who anticipate strong interest given Gibson’s track record with films like The Passion of the Christ , Hacksaw Ridge , and Braveheart .
Mel Gibson, alongside screenwriter Randall Wallace, is directing and producing this ambitious follow-up under Icon Productions, with Lionsgate handling domestic distribution and international sales. The anticipation is palpable, as audiences prepare for what promises to be a visually spectacular and spiritually intense journey into the days following Christ’s crucifixion, brought to life by a relatively unknown actor stepping into one of the most iconic roles in cinematic history.
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