The entertainment world is abuzz with the news of Cynthia Erivo, the acclaimed star of the upcoming “Wicked” movie, being cast as Jesus in the Hollywood Bowl’s remake of the iconic musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.” While many fans are celebrating this bold and inclusive casting choice, it has also ignited a firestorm of controversy, particularly among conservative Christian circles.The Christian Post, a publication known for its conservative and often homophobic stance, published an article with the headline, “‘Wicked’ star, self-identified bisexual actress Cynthia Erivo cast as the Son of God in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’” and a subtitle that reads, “Pastor blasts casting choice as ‘blasphemy’”. The article criticizes the decision to cast Erivo, who is openly bisexual and Catholic, as Jesus, with some religious leaders calling it an affront to their faith.
A Bold Casting Choice
Cynthia Erivo is no stranger to taking on iconic roles. From her Tony-winning performance as Celie in “The Color Purple” to her portrayal of Elphaba in the highly anticipated “Wicked” movie, Erivo has consistently proven her ability to bring depth and nuance to her characters. Her casting as Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar” is yet another example of her breaking barriers in the entertainment industry.However, this casting decision has not been without its detractors. The Christian Post article highlights the outrage from some conservative Christians, with one pastor quoted as saying, “This is blasphemy. Casting a bisexual woman as Jesus is a direct attack on Christian values”. The publication’s framing of Erivo’s sexuality and faith as central to the controversy underscores the ongoing tension between progressive representation in media and traditionalist viewpoints especially as it pertains to conservative Christians who voted for Trump.
Support from the Entertainment Community
Despite the backlash, many in the entertainment industry have rallied behind Erivo. TMZ reported that Ted Neeley, who famously portrayed Jesus in the original 1973 film adaptation of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” expressed his support for the casting choice. Neeley reportedly praised Erivo’s talent and said he was excited to see her bring a fresh perspective to the role . This support from a veteran of the musical underscores the importance of reimagining classic works for modern audiences. By casting Erivo, the production is not only challenging traditional norms but also opening the door for more diverse interpretations of iconic characters.
A Call for Inclusivity
The controversy surrounding Cynthia Erivo’s casting as Jesus highlights a broader cultural debate about representation and inclusivity in the arts. While some view this decision as a step forward, others see it as a challenge to their deeply held beliefs. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it’s clear that this casting choice has sparked an important conversation about the intersection of faith, identity, and art.If you’re as intrigued by this story as we are, be sure to follow along for more updates and discussions. Subscribe to our website, www.cocktailhourwcatrice.com, and follow us on social media @cocktailhourwcatrice for the latest in entertainment news and cultural commentary.
