The Breakthroughis one of the latest new releases that’s trending on Netflix, and there are a number of compelling actors in it that audiences may not be familiar with. The new Swedish crime drama is inspired by an infamous real-life double homicide that occurred in 2004 in Linköping. Though tragic, the case was fascinating in that it took nearly two decades to solve, with new DNA technology finally bringing new information forward. The new adaptation looks to be considered among thetop crime shows on Netflix.
Due to the project being developed in Sweden before being distributed by Netflix, much ofThe Breakthrough’scast will be unfamiliarto audiences in the US. That said, there are some talented actors giving fantastic performances in the series, and their previous work is worth exploring after the four episodes in the miniseries.The Breakthroughoffers binge-worthy drama, and many of its actors have decades of similarly excellent work on films and shows made in Sweden that haven’t been pushed in front of the same potential audience pool.
Peter Eggers as John Sundin
Born August 10, 2025
Actor:Peter Eggers is a Swedish actor who’s appeared in films, TV shows, and video games for nearly three decades.His most notable role was inAnno 1790, a period drama set in the late 18th century, where he played the lead in all ten episodes. Eggers also played roles in TV shows like100 Code, where he appeared behind Dominic Monaghan,Fartblinda,Heder,Dröm, andAgatha Christie’s Hjerson.He’s appeared in films likeInto the DarknessandOut of the Darknessand video games likeWolfenstein: The New Order.
Beck
Daniel Berggren
Character:InThe Breakthrough, Peter Eggers plays Detective John Sundin, a character based on real-life detective Jan Egon Staaf, the primary investigator behind the central double homicide. While the series is about the investigation, it’s also about the characters involved, examining how Sundin’s personal life starts to collapse in the midst of the investigation.
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Mattias Nordkvist as Per Skogkvist
Born July 14, 2025
Actor:Mattias Nordkvist has beenappearing in films and television shows for over two decades, including some prominent titles likeThe Wife, where he appeared alongside Glenn Close, Jonathan Pryce, and Christian Slater. He also had a prominent role in the first three seasons ofThe Restaurant, a prominent and highly celebrated Swedish series. Other notable television titles includeDeliver Me, another successful series on Netflix,The Machinery,White Wall, andMissing.
The Machinery
Axel
Character:Per Skogvist, a genealogist who helps the authorities by using an ingenious method of DNA profiling to assess the assailant’s family tree, gathering information on him over time. Per fills the role of the genius outcast, pushed aside by society for his aptitude for irregular ideas.
Julia Sporre as Stina Eriksson
Born August 16, 2025
Actor:Julia Sporre is a Swedish actress who broke out with a role as Young Harriet Vanger in the original version ofThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. She’s continued to appear in various movie, television, and short film roles. In the 2020s, she’s been in Swedish films likeStammisarandShame on Dry Land. She’s also appeared in an episode ofThe Restaurantalongside herThe Breakthroughco-star Mattias Nordkvist.The Breakthroughis her most prominent TV series yet, so it could lead to more career success for her.
The Restaurant
Eva
Character:Stina Erikkson is an investigative journalist who plays a complex role inThe Breakthrough’sstory. While she expresses sympathy to those involved in the case, she also works the situation to her advantage for the purpose of her career.
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Jonatan Rodriguez as Miran
Born July 01, 2025
Actor:Jonatan Rodriguez is a Swedish actor who’s been acting since the early 1990s.His breakthrough came on the soap operaTre Kronor, where he appeared in 99 episodes over the span of six years.Since then, he’s appeared in both films and TV shows in his home country, including the original Netflix filmCadaver.He’s also had roles on TV shows likeKronprinsen som försvann,Thank You, I’m Sorry, and the 2024 miniseriesStill Looking.
Cadaver
David
Character:Miran is John Sundin’s superior inThe Breakthrough, who helps see the case through to its finish.
The Breakthrough Supporting Cast & Characters
Anna Azcarate as Gunilla:Anna Azcaarate is a Swedish actress who’s appeared in films and TV shows for decades, including 2017’sThe Wifeand 2002’sThe Guy in the Grave Next Door.
Marley Norstad as Adnan:Marley Norstad is a child actor whose only role prior toThe Breakthroughwas in the 2019 filmGhabe.
Bahador Foladi as Saad Abbas:Bahador Foladi is an Iranian-Swedish actress who’s appeared in movies likeKandahar, an action-thriller starring Gerard Butler and Travis Fimmel.
Helen Al-Janabi as Elena:Helen Al-Janabi is a Swedish actress who’s appeared in shows likeBeartownandQuicksandsince beginning her career in 2019.
The Breakthrough
The Breakthrough is a crime drama that follows a detective joining forces with a genealogist to solve a 16-year-old double homicide before it becomes a cold case, piecing together the mystery in a race against time.
