Cynthia Erivo Slams 'Jesus Christ Superstar' Casting Criticism: "The Gayest Place on Earth"

It’s fair to say Broadway musicals have always been Cynthia Erivo’s thing, but some might not be so certain about at least one of those.

Coming off all the accolades and box office success that Wicked’s movie adaptation received, Erivo secured a leading role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, with performances running from August 1 to August 3 at the Hollywood Bowl.

Despite a pretty limited time onstage, the actress got all the backlash possible at the time, though Erivo doesn’t really see a problem there — and actually wants fans to understand one thing.

Cynthia Erivo Hopes Fans Think About 'Jesus Christ Superstar' as "The Gayest Place on Earth"

Months after causing a controversy, the actress addressed the issue for the first time, suggesting that every piece of art like Jesus Christ Superstar can be reinterpreted several times, which she doesn’t see any issue with.

“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 realize, ‘Oh, it’s a musical, the gayest place on Earth”, Erivo said in an interview with Billboard recently.

For the actress, however, it won’t be the first time (and role) on Jesus Christ Superstar’s set since she already starred in the hit musical’s all-female version as Mary Magdalene back in 2020.

'Jesus Christ Superstar' Fans Are Divided Over Cynthia Erivo’s Role

Now that the actress is set to portray none other than Jesus Christ in a new adaptation of the legendary musical, some are pretty sure the whole thing is about to cause even more turmoil once the performances start.

“Personally I love Cynthia but I disagree with this. I think she's [ridiculously] talented but this is courting controversy not for the right reasons but for clout. That is so unnecessary especially right now politically in America. I wouldn't care if it was even someone like Evita but JESUS. You're going to be offending a huge demogragraphic no reason other than being edgy”, Redditor blackswan-whiteswan complained in a thread.

However, others came to Erivo’s defence, saying it might be the best timing for her to take on a traditionally male role.

“There's no reason why there shouldn't be a female Jesus in a major production. There have been female actors as male leads in mixed casts in mainstream theatre at least as far back as Sarah Bernhardt as Hamlet. Or that Tempest movie with Prospera. It's kind of a dead horse. And JCS has always had black leads”, another user reminded.

“1st- This is the perfect time in America to do this. Who gives a s—t if [racist] people are going to be mad. Why should we cater to them. 2nd- she knows what she is getting into accepting this role. She is almost 40 years old and has been in the industry for a while. 3rd- I know for sure she gonna EAT the "Whhyyyy should I die!””, Disastrous_Tie_7923 added.