Finnish actor Jaakko Ohtonen has risen as Mel Gibson’s choice to play Jesus Christ in the upcoming two-part sequel to The Passion of the Christ. To date, Ohtonen’s most notable credits are in the Netflix series The Last Kingdom and Vikings: Valhalla.
Ohtonen will replace Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus in the original Passion of the Christ film. Gibson had previously intended to bring back Caviezel for the sequels using de-aging technology, but due to cost concerns, he ultimately decided to recast all of the parts.
Mary Magdalene, portrayed by Monica Bellucci in Passion, will now be played by Mariela Garriga (Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning). The new cast also includes Kasia Smutniak as Mary; Pier Luigi Pasino as Peter; Riccardo Scamarcio as Pontius Pilate; and Rupert Everett in an unspecified role to be revealed.
The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One is set for release on Good Friday, March 26th, 2027, with Part Two following on 40 days later on Ascension Day, May 6th, 2027. The first sequel will pick up three days after the events of the first film.