People furious over Cynthia Erivo cast as Jesus in musical

Casting for projects that are inadvertent fan favorites is always tricky business. Casting directors need to make sure they pick someone who will not only do a stellar job in their performance but will also be someone that the audiences love.

So it seems one casting choice is not going down well with a lot of people online. Cynthia Enrivo’s casting as Jesus Christ in Jesus Christ Superstar is causing quite a stir online.

If you want to know more about what people are saying, then keep reading.

Cynthia Enrivo has become a household name since her role as Elphaba in the 2024 movie adaptation of Wicked. it was announced that the next project Eviro will be taking on is as Jesus Christ in the new version of Jesus Christ Superstar.

The production will be held at the Hollywood Bowl Amphitheater from August 1 to August 3, 2025. Sergio Trujillo has been announced as both director and choreographer for the film, and Stephen Oremus as the musical director. As of yet, no other cast and crew have been identified, but the idea that Eviro will don the garb of Jesus Christ has seemed to upset many netizens. She announced the news herself on her Instagram account.

“Well, she ain’t got the part because of any ability of playing a Jewish male,” one agitated person wrote. “Imagine being hired because of skin rather than talent,” another added. “This brand-new production sees Jesus Christ Superstar returning to its rock roots and features lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber,” the Hollywood Bowl’s website stated.

Eviro who has been having a stellar year so far with her Oscar nomination for Best Actress will be starring in the popular musical where seats go for as much as $400 to $875, with the more expensive Pool Circle and Garden seats going for as much as $1270 and $995.

While her casting might have upset a lot of people, this is not Eviro’s first time in participating in a production for of Jesus Christ Superstar.

She previously played Mary Magdalene in 2020 in an all-female version of the show. Morgan James had been cast as Jesus at the time.

“I am so honored that all of these superstar women said ‘yes’ and came to the studio with such graciousness and sense of collaboration,” James shared.

Previously John Legend played the role in a 2018 version of the musical for NBC. While some might have been upset by Enrivo being the casting choice, others rejoiced at her selection. She has proven her vocal chops with Wicked and now people are thrilled to see her take on another popular musical role.

Eviro has spoken about playing Elphaba, how she portrayed the struggles of a “Black woman when nobody wants you there.”

She shared how the witch’s green skin makes her feel even more of an ‘other’ than she already is. “It’s a conversation about racism, but it’s also a conversation about anyone who’s been othered. It’s a conversation about queerness,” she said about the character.

But her detractors have been loud. One person wrote, “In reverse, it would be cultural and gender appropriation! Hollywood should be ashamed.”

“Wait, so Jesus was female and Black? I thought Jesus came from a Middle Eastern descent,” another person shared.

“My all-time favorite musical, ruined. Disgusting choice,” one person interjected. “These people can’t help but inject their politics into everything they touch.”

An earlier publication of this piece misspelled Cynthia Erivo’s name. It has now been corrected.