The Breakthrough on Netflix: Complete Cast and Character Guide

The Breakthrough: A Gripping Swedish Crime Drama on Netflix

The Breakthrough has emerged as one of the hottest new additions to Netflix, captivating audiences with its gripping narrative and intense performances. This Swedish crime drama draws inspiration from a notorious double murder case that shocked Linköping in 2004. Over the years, the mystery lingered, eventually being unraveled through advanced DNA technology—transforming this real-life horror into a compelling storyline now available for viewers worldwide. As it stands, The Breakthrough is set to join the ranks of Netflix’s finest crime dramas.

Launched primarily in Sweden and now distributed on Netflix, many of the cast members may be unfamiliar to American audiences. However, the series boasts a talented ensemble delivering stellar performances worth exploring. Following the release of the miniseries with its four episodic installments, viewers will find plenty of noteworthy work by these actors in various Swedish films and series that haven’t been widely recognized outside their local genre.

Peter Eggers as John Sundin

Born: January 14, 1980

Active since: 1995

Peter Eggers is a seasoned Swedish actor with nearly three decades of experience in film, television, and video game roles. He is perhaps best recognized for his lead role in the period drama Anno 1790, which highlights his diverse talents. In addition to this significant work, Eggers has appeared in titles like 100 Code, where he starred alongside Dominic Monaghan, as well as Fartblinda, Heder, Dröm, and Agatha Christie’s Hjerson. His filmography also includes notable appearances in Into the Darkness and the video game Wolfenstein: The New Order.

Notable Movies & TV Shows	Role
100 Code	Goran
Year 1790	Johan Gustav Dåådh
Evil	Von Rosen
Beck	Daniel Berggren

In The Breakthrough, Eggers portrays Detective John Sundin, modeled after real-life investigator Jan Egon Staaf. The series intricately weaves the personal and professional turmoil Sundin faces as he navigates the complexities of this unresolved murder case.

Mattias Nordkvist as Per Skogkvist

Born: January 31, 1978

Active since: 2009

Mattias Nordkvist boasts an extensive career, having starred in various high-profile films and TV series over the past two decades. His significant role in The Wife, alongside Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce, showcases his talent. He also gained acclaim in the acclaimed Swedish series The Restaurant, where he played a key character in its first three seasons, along with appearances in popular series like Deliver Me and Missing.

Notable Movies & TV Shows	Role
The Wife	Dr. Ekeberg
Missing	Erik Wester
The Machinery	Axel

As Per Skogvist, he assumes the role of a brilliant genealogist instrumental in using DNA profiling to track the perpetrator’s family history, illustrating the convergence of science and investigative rigor in the storyline.

Julia Sporre as Stina Eriksson

Born: December 23, 1992

Active since: 2009

Julia Sporre gained prominence with her portrayal of Young Harriet Vanger in the original film adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Since then, she has featured in a variety of Swedish cinema and television, including key roles in films like Stammisar and Shame on Dry Land. With The Breakthrough, she has landed her most significant television role to date, potentially paving the way for a more expansive career.

Notable Movies & TV Shows	Role
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo	Young Harriet Vanger
The Restaurant	Eva

In the series, Stina Eriksson serves as an ambitious investigative journalist whose sympathy for those affected by the case is intertwined with her pursuit of professional gain, adding layers to her character’s motivations.

Jonathan Rodriguez as Miran

Born: December 2, 1976

Jonatan Rodriguez as Miran in The Breakthrough

Active since: 1994

Jonatan Rodriguez has an extensive career that began in the early 90s. He became a household name after his role in the soap opera Tre Kronor, where he featured prominently over six years. His portfolio includes work in both films and TV, such as his participation in the original Netflix movie Cadaver and the series Kronprinsen som försvann and Thank You, I’m Sorry.

Notable Movies & TV Shows	Role
Still Looking	Magne
Cadaver	David

In The Breakthrough, Rodriguez plays Miran, the superior officer to John Sundin, providing pivotal support throughout the investigation.

The Breakthrough: Supporting Cast & Characters

Anna Azcarate as Gunilla: A veteran actress, Anna Azcarate has featured in various films and TV shows, including The Wife (2017) and The Guy in the Grave Next Door (2002).

Marley Norstad as Adnan: A budding child actor, Marley Norstad’s previous work includes a role in the film Ghabe (2019).

Bahador Foladi as Saad Abbas: This Iranian-Swedish actress has appeared in films such as Kandahar, sharing the screen with stars like Gerard Butler and Travis Fimmel.

Helen Al-Janabi as Elena: Since launching her career in 2019, Helen Al-Janabi has made appearances in series like Beartown and Quicksand.

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