It’s never easy casting for projects that end up becoming unintentional fan favorites. Casting directors must choose a performer who will not only be adored by the public but also provide an outstanding performance.
It appears that many individuals online are not happy with one casting decision. The casting of Cynthia Enrivo as Jesus Christ in Jesus Christ Superstar is creating a lot of controversy on the internet.
Continue reading to learn more about what people are saying.
Cynthia Enrivo’s portrayal of Elphaba in the 2024 Wicked film adaption has made her a household name. It was revealed that Eviro’s next role will be playing Jesus Christ in the upcoming Jesus Christ Superstar.
The Hollywood Bowl Amphitheater will host the production from August 1–August 3, 2025. Stephen Oremus will serve as the film’s musical director, and Sergio Trujillo will serve as both director and choreographer. Although the rest of the cast and crew have not yet been revealed, many internet users appear to be offended by the notion that Eviro will dress as Jesus Christ. On her Instagram account, she made the announcement herself.
One irate person wrote, “Well, she ain’t got the part because of any ability to play a Jewish male.” Another said, “Consider getting hired based more on your skin than your skills.” The Hollywood Bowl’s website said, “This brand-new production sees Jesus Christ Superstar return to its rock roots and features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.”
With her Oscar nomination for Best Actress, Eviro has had an incredible year thus far. She will play in the well-known musical, where tickets range from $400 to $875, with the more expensive Pool Circle and Garden seats costing up to $1270 and $995, respectively.
Although many may have been offended by her casting, Eviro had previously been in a Jesus Christ Superstar production.
In 2020, she portrayed Mary Magdalene in an all-female production of the show. At the time, Morgan James was cast as Jesus.
“I feel incredibly honored that all of these amazing women said yes and arrived at the studio with such grace and teamwork,” James remarked.
John Legend previously portrayed the character in an NBC production of the show in 2018. Some may have been disappointed by Enrivo’s casting decision, but others were thrilled to see her chosen. People are excited to see her in another well-known musical role after she demonstrated her vocal prowess in Wicked.
Speaking about her role as Elphaba, Eviro described the difficulties faced by a “Black woman when nobody wants you there.”
“It’s a conversation about racism, but it’s also a conversation about anyone who’s been othered,” she said, describing how the witch’s green complexion makes her feel even more like a “other” than she already does. Regarding the role, she stated, “It’s a discussion about queerness.”
However, her critics have been vocal. “In reverse, it would be cultural and gender appropriation!” wrote one individual. Hollywood ought to feel embarrassed.
“Wait, Jesus was Black and female? Another person commented, “I believed Jesus was of Middle Eastern ancestry.”
“My favorite musical of all time was destroyed. “What a disgusting choice,” someone said. “These individuals can’t resist influencing everything they come into contact with with their politics.”
Cynthia Erivo’s name was misspelled in a previous edition of this article. It’s been fixed now.
