Cynthia Erivo to Play Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar
This summer, Los Angeles is set to be rocked by a bold new production of Jesus Christ Superstar, with none other than Cynthia Erivo stepping into the role of Jesus.
The actress, known for her stunning work in Wicked, is about to make waves in a groundbreaking casting decision that’s sparking conversations across the internet.
The Exciting Announcement
Erivo, 38, announced her casting on Instagram, sharing her excitement for the upcoming production.
The Wicked star, who recently earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Elphaba, is ready to tackle the male title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic musical.
The show is set to run at the Hollywood Bowl from August 1 to August 3, according to Variety.
She teased her fans with a post saying, “Just a little busy this Summer, can’t wait.”
This isn’t the first time Erivo has been part of the Superstar family.
In 2020, she played Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of the musical, alongside Morgan James as Jesus.
This new role, however, is making a much bigger splash.
Mixed Reactions From Fans
As expected, the news of a woman playing Jesus has divided audiences.
Some fans are outraged by the idea, calling it “blasphemous” and mocking the choice.
One comment read, “What the actual f**k is going on?” while another fan posted, “Absolutely friggin blasphemy.
You’re mocking Christ the King.
” Many expressed their frustration with comments like, “Hollywood really is just a fishbowl of likeminded individuals; good luck with this one,” and “Cynthia should be more careful about the roles she gets.
This is just plain disrespectful.”
On the other hand, many fans are excited by the unconventional casting choice, relishing the opportunity to see a fresh take on the classic musical.
Some embraced the idea of challenging traditional norms, even suggesting that it might “p**s off those MAGA snowflakes.
” One supporter tweeted, “She is extremely talented and no doubt slay and, doubly, if it pisses off the magabillies and Leon lovers this is GREAT NEWS.”
The Creative Team Behind the Show
This bold new version of Jesus Christ Superstar is being directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Sergio Trujillo.
Stephen Oremus will serve as the musical director and conductor.
With such a strong creative team at the helm, expectations for the show are high.
The role of Jesus has been portrayed by many notable actors over the years, including Ted Neeley in the 1973 film adaptation, Jeff Fenholt in the original Broadway production, and even John Legend in a live TV performance in 2018.
Erivo’s performance is sure to add her unique stamp to this historic character.
Cynthia Erivo’s Perspective on Representation
In addition to her work in Jesus Christ Superstar, Erivo has also spoken about the powerful representation of Black and queer people in her role as Elphaba in Wicked.
She sees the character of Elphaba as a symbol for anyone who feels “othered” by society.
As she shared in an interview with AnOther magazine, “The green skin is like the umbrella under which the ‘other’ lives.
So yes, it’s a conversation about racism, but it’s also a conversation about anyone who’s been othered.
It’s a conversation about queerness.”
For Erivo, playing someone like Elphaba—a character who has always been on the outside—resonates deeply with her own experiences.
She explained how the role allows for broader conversations about identity, belonging, and acceptance.
“The green sets Elphaba apart from everybody else.
She is the ultimate other.
And I think there’s this added responsibility because I’m a black woman underneath that green.”
A Star Who Gives Her All
Cynthia Erivo has always been known for her dedication to her craft.
She has shared how playing such deeply emotional and complex roles requires her to give a lot of herself.
She said she has to detach herself from her characters after the performance because she “cares deeply” about the roles she plays.
Her commitment to bringing authenticity and passion to each character is evident in every project she takes on.
As she prepares to take on one of the most iconic roles in musical theater, Erivo’s fans are eager to see how she will bring new layers to the character of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar.
Whatever the reaction may be, one thing is certain—this production is bound to be unforgettable.