Korean Netizens React To “Wicked” Cynthia Erivo Being Cast As Jesus In “Jesus Christ Superstar”

British actress Cynthia Erivo, recently known from Wicked, is in headlines for her latest role.

Metro reported that she was cast as Jesus in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, performed at the Hollywood Bowl in California this coming August.

As news spread online, netizens on social media had mixed reactions to the news: Some criticized the casting choice, stating “Jesus is neither Black nor female.” Meanwhile, others commended Cynthia’s talent and support her upcoming role.

Korean netizens reacted to the news positively: In a viral post, they flooded the comments with love for Cynthia.

• “I freaking love Cynthia, omg.”
• “People stay quiet when Jesus is portrayed as a man, but the moment a woman plays the role, they suddenly insist Jesus has no gender and get all upset. It’s just misogyny, plain and simple.”
• “Uh… wasn’t it already an unspoken rule that musicals don’t adhere to strict race or gender casting???”
• “Oh yeah? Have you seen Jesus yourself?”
• “Only those who have personally consulted with Jesus should be allowed to criticize.”
• “People have insisted for centuries that Jesus was a white man when he wasn’t, so let’s just call it even.”
• “Why are people making such a fuss over an acting role?”
• “I love gender-swapped roles like this! I wish we could have Cha Ji-yeon play Jekyll and Hyde in Korea— that would be absolutely electrifying.”