Key Highlights
- Mel Gibson announced Jim Caviezel would not reprise his role as Jesus in “The Resurrection of the Christ.”
- Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen will portray Jesus in the film, set for a two-part release beginning on Good Friday in 2027.
- Ohtonen’s previous notable roles include Wolland in “The Last Kingdom,” Johan in “Vikings: Valhalla,” and Roope in “To Cook a Bear.”
The Shift in Casting for “The Resurrection of the Christ”
Recently, Mel Gibson made headlines when he announced that Jim Caviezel would not return to his role as Jesus in the sequel to “The Passion of the Christ.” The decision was straightforward: Caviezel has aged too much over two decades to portray a young Jesus, given that the film picks up only three days after the crucifixion. Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen will take on this challenging and significant role.
Jaakko Ohtonen’s Past Performances
Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen has been active in a variety of productions, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His most notable role so far is Wolland in the fifth season of “The Last Kingdom,” a British historical drama series based on Bernard Cornwall’s novel series “The Saxon Stories.” Ohtonen played Wolland as a mercenary and manipulative schemer who often orchestrated smuggling crimes and assassination plots.
He also portrayed Johan in the first season of Netflix’s “Vikings: Valhalla,” which aired its third and final season in 2024. Created by Jeb Stuart, this series follows the growing tensions between descendants of Vikings and native English people, with infighting over conflicting pagan and Christian beliefs.
In a more recent project, Ohtonen stars as Roope in “To Cook a Bear,” an adaptation of Mikael Niemi’s novel set in 1852. The six-episode historical thriller centers on a pastor, his family, and their foster son who team up to search for a killer bear in the nearby wilderness.
Industry Context and Future Implications
The casting of Jaakko Ohtonen as Jesus in “The Resurrection of the Christ” marks a significant moment in Hollywood history. His background in historical dramas and complex character roles suggests he is well-equipped to handle the nuanced portrayal required for such a pivotal role. Fans and critics alike will be eager to see how Ohtonen brings this iconic figure to life, especially given his previous experiences.
With “The Resurrection of the Christ” set for a two-part release beginning on Good Friday in 2027, industry analysts predict it could become another major event in Christian cinema. The film’s anticipated release date and the significant changes in casting underscore the continued relevance and evolving nature of religious filmmaking.
