Fans Are Outraged by Cynthia Erivo’s Casting as Jesus in ‘Wicked’

Cynthia Erivo is set to play the iconic role of Jesus in a new stage show, sparking mixed reactions among fans.

Many fans have differing opinions on casting a woman for a male religious figure like Jesus. Some people view this casting choice as “blasphemous,” while others support it based on the actor’s talent and singing ability.

Cynthia Erivo recently shared about the challenges she faced on her path to success, describing it as “tough.” She revealed that a significant motivator for her pursuit of success was the deep-seated desire “to be loved,” stemming from the emotional impact of her father’s abandonment during her childhood.

According to reports from Variety, Cynthia Erivo is slated to play the role of Jesus Christ in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s legendary musical production set to take place at the Hollywood Bowl this upcoming summer.

The British singer and actress took to her Instagram to tease her anticipation for the role, writing, “Just a little busy this Summer, can’t wait.”

The adaptation, titled “Jesus Christ Superstar,” would not be the first time Erivo is playing a religious icon as she previously played Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of the hit musical in 2020 and sang the popular number “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.”

Performances for the musical begin on August 1 and run through August 3, as more casting will be announced later.

Sergio Trujillo has been tapped to serve as director and choreographer for the show, while Tony winner Stephen Oremus will serve as musical director and conductor.

Erivo’s casting in the iconic religious role has left fans divided on social media. Some argue it’s seemingly “blasphemous” to the Christian faith, while others support it as a breath of fresh air.

“Disgusting. They are just trying to make a mockery of Christianity,” a fan wrote on X, while another commented, “Cynthia should be more careful about the roles she gets. This is just plain disrespectful.”

A third person said, “F-ck it. Whatever. Nothing matters. Set your money on fire, production company. I don’t care.”

“We really need to boycott Hollywood,” another fan wrote in protest against Erivo’s casting.

Meanwhile, others supported her role as Jesus, writing about their excitement to hear her sing some songs on the show.

“Cynthia Erivo as Jesus? That’s going to be a powerhouse performance! Can’t wait to see how she brings that role to life,” one X user penned.

Another wrote, “I’m here for it, THAT VOICE can have any role it wants. Long as Cynthia is singing, I don’t give a damn.”

One added, “YEAH! Cause WTF do y’all know about ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ !!!?! People are going to have things to say but [I don’t care], she’s gonna kill this.”

Erivo earned a Best Actress Oscar nominee for her role as Elphaba in Jon M. Chu’s big-screen adaptation of “Wicked.”

According to the Daily Mail, she recently opened up about how she feels the role is a representation of black and queer people because of her “otherness.”

Discussing the challenges of playing the role, she said, “It’s a green witch. But I think what they see also is so many parts of me.”

“There’s a deep understanding of what it feels like when you don’t fit, what it feels like to constantly want to be accepted and not be accepted,” she continued.

“What it feels like to know what your responsibility is and to have to be brave enough to take it, what it feels like to feel like you have more to offer, but nobody believes that you have that in you,” Erivo added.

Erivo’s summer is already getting cramped as she’s set to reprise her role as Elphaba in “Wicked: For Good,” in theaters this November from Universal Pictures.

She also opened up about how her role as Elphaba in the blockbuster film can be likened to racism.

“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,” Erivo shared.

She added, “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, so we can also really have the conversation about what it’s like to be a black woman when nobody wants you there.”

In an interview on CBS News, Erivo said that she brought her “vulnerability” and “humanity” to the role of Elphaba, adding she had to “finally own how I look.”

When asked what she meant, she clarified: “Well, I think we’re not necessarily told that, you know, dark-skinned Black girls are the prettiest girls.”

The actress added, “And the only person that really is telling you, thankfully, is your mother. It’s up to you to figure out that for yourself, and to start owning what beauty is to you.”