‘Wicked’ Star Cynthia Erivo Cast as the Son of God in “Jesus Christ Superstar”
A prominent British actress and singer, best known for her role in the stage musical “Wicked,” has been chosen to portray Jesus in an upcoming production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Cynthia Erivo, 38, who previously took on the role of Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of “Superstar” in 2020, is no stranger to the Broadway classic. However, the announcement from the Hollywood Bowl on February 18, declaring her as the Son of God in this reimagined musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, has ignited controversy among certain pastors and Christian audiences.
Controversial Reactions to the Casting
Erivo’s achievements span across Emmy, Grammy, and Tony awards, and she has earned three Oscar nominations—including nods for Best Actress and Best Original Song for the 2020 film “Harriet,” a biographical drama about civil rights icon Harriet Tubman.
Although she attended a Catholic school in London during her childhood, Erivo has also established herself as an LGBT icon. Once seen in men’s attire paired with metallic accessories for a British fashion magazine cover in mid-2022, she openly identified as bisexual. The actress has addressed the seeming conflict between her LGBT identity and her spiritual beliefs. Emphasizing a broad understanding of faith, she remarked that her personal beliefs do not conform to restrictive interpretations. According to her, the essence of faith lies in loving others unconditionally and embracing personal change as times evolve.
One outspoken critic, Pastor John K. Amanchukwu Sr., argued strongly against her casting. He remarked that Erivo’s appearance and sexual orientation make her an unsuitable choice to depict Jesus, labeling the decision as an act of blasphemy.
This is not the first time a nontraditional actor has been chosen for the role in “Jesus Christ Superstar.” In 2018, NBC cast pop star John Legend as the lead in a production that aired on Easter Sunday. That rendition stirred mixed reactions, with some critics questioning both its stylistic choices and narrative decisions.
Erivo, along with her “Wicked” co-star Ariana Grande, has also discussed how reinterpreting traditional stories can reveal aspects of identity that transcend conventional labels. Grande shared that the character she portrayed in the film adaptation of “Wicked” carries an essence that goes beyond the boundaries of sexuality—an idea that resonates with the broader concept of love in all its forms.
Critics have also raised concerns over how the portrayal of same-sex attraction in productions like “Wicked” might influence younger audiences by normalizing nontraditional lifestyles. Some watchdog groups have argued that such portrayals represent a shift toward prioritizing political correctness over family-friendly storytelling.
With performances for “Jesus Christ Superstar” scheduled to begin at the Hollywood Bowl in August, and the release of “Wicked: For Good” set for November, the evolving nature of these productions continues to spark dialogue across audiences and communities alike.
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