‘Wicked’ Star Cynthia Erivo Cast as Jesus in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ Sparking Controversy
The actress who helped make Wicked into a blockbuster will become the first black woman to portray Christ in a production of Jesus Christ Superstar when that production lands at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles this summer. Tony Award-winning and Oscar-nominated actress Cynthia Erivo leaped into the national spotlight in 2024 with her portrayal of Elphaba in the Disney movie Wicked, a prequel to the well-known story The Wizard of Oz that was based on a stage play of the same name.
In recent days, the Hollywood Bowl announced that Erivo will play Jesus in an Aug. 1-3 production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater in Los Angeles known for its distinctive band shell setting. It has been a cultural landmark since its opening in 1922.
"Just a little busy this Summer. Can't wait," Erivo wrote in an Instagram story after the announcement.
Written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the rock-infused Jesus Christ Superstar debuted in the 1970s, telling the story of Jesus' final days through the eyes of Judas. The musical has been controversial for its sympathetic depiction of Judas and its omission of the resurrection. Rice said in 1970, "It happens that we don't see Christ as God but simply the right man at the right time at the right place." Erivo's casting, too, has been controversial. In addition to portraying Jesus as a non-Jewish woman, she is bisexual.
Pop culture commentator Gary Buechler, better known online as Nerdrotic, criticized Hollywood for casting Erivo as Jesus.
"Yes, they're playing to the home team," he said on Piers Morgan Uncensored. "This is going to be at the Hollywood Bowl. But playing to the home team is one thing -- they're trying to [tick] people off at this point."
Such a casting, Nerdrotic said, would never be attempted with an Islamic musical.
"I'm just going to say, as a believer in free speech and free expression, let's not stop there. I want to hear Muhammad Superstar. Let's do that play with a play by all women. …Come on, let's see what happens, Hollywood."
Morgan replied, "You raise a very good point because they would never dare do that. So it's one rule for Christianity and lampooning and satire."
Jesus Christ Superstar began as a concept album released in 1970, featuring rock-infused compositions that described the final days of Jesus' life. The album's success on the charts led to it being turned into a Broadway musical.
"Let's not stop there... I wanna hear 'Muhammad Superstar' played by all women."
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) February 21, 2025
Nerdrotic comments on Cynthia Erivo being cast as Jesus in a production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar'.
📺 https://t.co/GsCnKGc15v@piersmorgan | @TomiLahren | @nerdrotics | @MrErnestOwens pic.twitter.com/glfN979Kqb
Photo Credit: ©Instagram/cynthiaerivo
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published February 28, 2025.
