Cynthia Erivo will play Jesus Christ, but netizens don’t seem too thrilled about the news, calling the casting blasphemous. The Hollywood actress, who was last seen in the Oscar-nominated movie Wicked, is set to portray Jesus in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl this summer.

Taking to her Instagram handle, the prolific actress wrote, “Just a little busy this summer, can’t wait.” 

For the unversed, Erivo is no stranger to the musical, as she has priviously been part of the cast. 

Previously, the British actress 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." 

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While Erivo has been involved in Jesus Christ Superstar before, this will be her first time portraying Jesus. However, it seems the casting decision has not sat well with many netizens, who were quick to criticise it.

Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo will be directing and choreographing the musical that will premiere from August 1 to August 3. Stephen Oremus will serve as musical director.

The casting news has amassed mixed reactions from the netizens, while some hailed Erivo's casting, others were not much enthralled with the point that a woman will play a male god.

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One user wrote, "Blasphemous. This is not acceptable. Clear mockery of our lord Jesus Christ. Plus how can a woman play the role of Jesus Christ 🙄??"

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Another wrote, ''I do not take it lightly when my Savior is mocked. This is blasphemous, disgusting, and offensive. This is trash !!!''

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The third user wrote, ''This is outrageous. Mocking God is not good.''

'This is blasphemy. Jesus Christ is not a woman,'' another user wrote. 

Meanwhile, Cynthia is currently nominated for the Best Actress award at the Oscars next month. She has received a nomination for her performance as Elphaba in the blockbuster.