Cynthia Erivo is set to play Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar and people have thoughts

While some fans were excited about the "insane" cast, others claimed the casting decision was "beyond woke".

2 min read

July 17, 2025 - 11:03AM

Lifestyle

Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News.

While Wicked fans eagerly await the second part of the blockbuster flick, Wicked: For Good, Cynthia Erivo fans will be able to catch a glimpse of the star in another huge production. Albeit, Aussies will have to travel to see it.

Hollywood Bowl recently announced the cast for their upcoming production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Chris Superstar - including Cynthia as the lead.

Yes, Jesus Christ.

"JUST ANNOUNCED: @joshgad and @phillipasoo join the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar as King Herod and Mary Magdalene alongside @cynthiaerivo and @adamlambert," they announced, highlighting other huge names set to take the stage in the production.

"Don’t miss out on seeing the star-studded cast take the Bowl stage August 1-3."

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

The Hollywood Bowl announced the cast. Image: Instagram

People aren't sure about a woman playing Jesus

Directed and choreographed by Tony-winner Sergio Trujillo, the show marks the venue's grand musical comeback - and it’s already sparking conversation.

While fans agree Queen frontman, Adam Lambert, will make an electrifying Judas, people online are fiercely divided over the casting choice of Cynthia Erivo as Jesus.

Some are celebrating the bold, inclusive choice, while others have voiced their disapproval, arguing that a woman playing Jesus is very much unnecessarily crossing the line.

"Nothing against wonderful Cynthia... Why Jesus played by a woman? Just don't understand such decision," one person commented on Instagram.

"Why the hell is she playing Jesus my god," another agreed.

And another fan echoed: "This is beyond woke."

The star-studded new cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. Image: Instagram

Is this rewriting religion?

As some critics claim the role is traditionally male and should remain so, others take issue more broadly with what they see as “rewriting” religious narratives.

"Jesus is not a girl," one person insisted.

"Am I the only person that thinks Jesus being played by a woman is just a bridge too far?" another questioned.

And then there are those who are all for the change.

"OMG what a cast!!!!" one excited fan wrote.

"OMG I want to see this SOOOO bad," another shared.

Cynthia weighs in

While the announcement has prompted much discussion, Cynthia herself has addressed those who take issue with the casting choice.

“Why not? You can’t please everyone. It is legitimately a three-day performance at the Hollywood Bowl where I get to sing my face off. So hopefully they will come and realise, ‘Oh, it’s a musical, the gayest place on Earth," she told Billboard.

With a cast that blends stage royalty with a much-loved classic, this production of Jesus Christ Superstar is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about shows of the year, regardless of how fans are drawn to it - with curiosity, celebration, or controversy.