Jun 18, 2025
On a recent episode of The Late Show, CBS host Stephen Colbert expressed enthusiastic support for actress Cynthia Erivo’s upcoming role as Jesus in a major Hollywood Bowl production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Colbert, a self-identified Roman Catholic, called the casting “long overdue,” noting that Erivo would be the first woman to play Jesus in a major rendition of the rock opera. During the interview, Colbert praised the musical as one of his favorites and asked Erivo what the role meant to her. The actress responded that the opportunity to portray Jesus at this stage in her life and career was deeply meaningful and described the experience as “very special.”
Erivo, who identifies as queer, added that stepping into this iconic role after a long hiatus from the stage felt “awesome.” Earlier in the month, she addressed criticism from those who called the casting blasphemous, joking to Billboard that critics should “realize, ‘Oh, it’s a musical, the gayest place on Earth.’” The dismissive response highlighted what many see as a double standard in the entertainment industry—where irreverence toward Christianity is often tolerated or celebrated, while similar treatment of other religions, such as Islam, is avoided. The decision to cast a female Jesus continues to stir debate over artistic expression, reverence for religious figures, and the boundaries of modern theater.
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SOURCE: Breitbart