"Jesus as a Black Woman?"... Controversy Grows Over Jesus Role in Broadway Musical

Controversy Grows Over Casting Black Actors in Traditionally White Roles
Elon Musk Also Criticizes the Issue on Social Media

Cynthia Erivo, who played the green witch Elphaba in the musical film 'Wicked,' has been cast as Jesus in a Broadway musical, sparking backlash against the portrayal of a Black Jesus. According to foreign media including the UK's Daily Telegraph on the 19th (local time), Erivo was cast as Jesus in the musical 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' which will be performed at the Hollywood Bowl in California this August. This work is a famous play that first premiered on Broadway in 1971, reinterpreting the week before Jesus' crucifixion from Judas' perspective.

Cynthia Erivo, who played the green witch Elphaba in the musical film "Wicked," is now taking on the role of Jesus in a Broadway musical, sparking backlash against a Black Jesus. Photo by AP and Yonhap News

Erivo shared the casting news on her social media, expressing her excitement by saying, "This summer is just going to be busy. I can't wait." However, after the news of Erivo's casting was announced, controversy arose online. Some netizens criticized the casting of a Black woman as Jesus, arguing it was inappropriate.

When Erivo was cast as Jesus, various public figures expressed their opinions. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), posted on social media, "Imagine if they did this to other religions," adding an emoji raising one eyebrow. Australian politician Ralph Babet also criticized it as "blasphemy," stating, "This is not about creativity but a direct attack on Christianity, a deliberate insult to our faith and traditions." He added, "They mock the sacred and believe there will be no consequences." On the other hand, some supported Erivo, saying things like, "Is there a law that Jesus must only be a white male?" and "What era are we living in that this is even controversial?"

This is not the first time a non-white actor has played Jesus in this musical. In 2018, NBC aired 'Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert' for Easter, where Black artist John Legend played Jesus. Also, artist Declan Bennett, known to be gay, has played Jesus in this production.

In the United States and other countries, there is still ongoing debate over Black actors playing roles traditionally portrayed by white actors. The live-action film "The Little Mermaid," released in 2023, starred Black actress Halle Bailey. However, it faced criticism for the image of the mermaid not matching the original and for the lead character being perceived as objectively unattractive despite being a princess, leading to its failure at the global box office. Photo by EPA and Yonhap News.

Meanwhile, in the U.S. and elsewhere, debates continue over Black actors playing roles traditionally portrayed by white actors. The upcoming live-action Snow White film has also raised concerns as it was produced with a concept different from the original, which featured white skin and a beautiful appearance. Latinx actress Rachel Zegler has faced ongoing criticism for not fitting the Snow White image. Comparisons have even been made between Gal Gadot, who plays the villainous queen, and Zegler's appearance. In this context, the 2023 live-action film 'The Little Mermaid,' starring Black actress Halle Bailey, faced controversy for not fitting the original image of the mermaid and for being objectively considered not pretty despite being a princess, leading to evaluations of its failure at the global box office.