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Social media users have shown their anger as Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo is cast to play Jesus

Social media users have shown their anger as Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo is cast to play Jesus

Sky News AU18-07-2025
Social media has sounded off over the 'woke' casting of Cynthia Ervio as Jesus in a live performance of Jesus Christ Superstar.
The cast, which also features Queen frontman Adam Lambert as Judas and Josh Gad as King Herod, has sent social media into meltdown amid accusations that the cast was woke.
One commenter said, 'Jesus was not a woman', with another agreeing, saying 'Am I the only person that thinks Jesus being played by a woman is just a bridge too far?'
Another fan wrote "This is beyond woke."
The criticism seems to stem that for the first time in the history of the production, Jesus won't be played by a man.
Miss Everio told Billboard that she wasn't going to please everyone.
'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.
Miss Erivo, who lives in London identifies as queer and bisexual is in a relationship with a woman.
She is set to reprise her role as Elphaba in Wicked: For Good, which is due in cinemas in November this year.
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