Cynthia Erivo’s new role playing Jesus sparks outrage and has people in ‘meltdown’

Cynthia Erivo has received backlash for her new role playing Jesus Christ (Picture: Getty Images)

Cynthia Erivo has revealed that she is set to play Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar – and the news has garnered all the wrong attention from fans.

It has been announced that the Wicked star, 38, will be playing Jesus Christ on stage from Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd August 2025.

It was announced by the Hollywood Bowl, the location of the performances: ‘Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl!

‘Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winner, and three-time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo is cast as Jesus.

‘The iconic musical returns this summer, featuring lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.’

Erivo shared the news on her Instagram story and wrote: ‘Just a little busy this summer, can’t wait.’

Unfortunately, fans have been divided by this news with many people on social media calling the move ‘blasphemous’.

Erivo has been nominated for various awards following her Wicked performance (Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage)

‘Absolutely friggin blasphemy. You’re mocking Christ the King,’ said brian_quik.

‘Is Hollywood trying to sabotage itself?’ asked 7Danny7.

‘Ridiculous. Outrageous. May God forgive Cynthia Erivo with her blasphemy,’ PearlOwns.

However, many fans were very excited and praised this casting decision.

‘Wow, CynthiaErivo as Jesus at the Hollywood Bowl? That’s going to be incredible! Her talent knows no bounds’ said Zeeshan_Ashfaq7.

‘Stunning and brave,’ said daddy18880.

Others just found it amusing to watch the divided comments.

‘Oh. People are going to be so normal about this,’ said MadisonMessiah on X.

Ohwellbyes joked they enjoyed ‘Watching people having a meltdown over Cynthia Erivo playing Jesus Christ in Jesus Christ Superstar.’

The star has performed in the musical before (Picture: AP)

Some fans pointed out that the role in the famous rock opera musical which has been running since 1971, has always featured a racially diverse cast.

‘This a thread of people who have never seen the movie or Broadway musical that is always with a racially diverse cast. She has the voice for it,’ said tereziamonae.

‘All those freaking out, maybe research and find out that this isn’t new and that JCS has literally pushed boundaries since inception. That’s the point,’ said Canhistoryrules.

The show has also gender-bend the cast of the show and in 2020 Erivo starred as Mary Magdalene in an all-female album version of Jesus Christ Superstar, titled She Is Risen.

Erivo is also no stranger to the stage and earned a Tony award in 2016 for best lead actress in the Broadway musical The Color Purple in which she played Celie Harris.

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