Late-night host and outspoken Roman Catholic Stephen Colbert is stirring conversation in Christian circles after enthusiastically praising actress Cynthia Erivo’s upcoming portrayal of Jesus, a casting choice he called “long overdue.”
During a recent interview on The Late Show, Colbert expressed excitement over the Tony-winning actress, who identifies as bisexual and uses they/them pronouns, playing Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl this August.
“One of my favorite musicals of all time is Jesus Christ Superstar,” Colbert told Erivo. “I love that — and I’m so excited that in August, you’re going to be playing Jesus… First woman to play Jesus in a major production. Long overdue. I’ve said for years I’d love to see a woman in that part.”
Erivo, who previously portrayed Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of the rock opera in 2020, shared that the role is deeply meaningful to them.
“I think the idea that I can play this role, and I’ve been given the opportunity to play it in front of so many people at that place, at this time of my life, is a very special thing,” Erivo said. “It’s the first time I’ve been on stage in that way for a long time, so to do it with this role is awesome.”
Colbert also acknowledged the vocal and physical demands of portraying Jesus in the rock musical. “It’s an incredibly demanding part,” he said, “but you obviously have the range.”
The upcoming production, set for Los Angeles, features a diverse and unconventional cast, including singer Adam Lambert, who will portray Judas Iscariot. Lambert, known for his rise on American Idol and his openly gay identity, has also drawn attention to the casting.
Reactions to Erivo’s portrayal of Christ have been mixed — and in some cases, highly critical. Pastor John K. Amanchukwu Sr. condemned the casting, calling it “blasphemy” and stating that Erivo is “too bald, brown and bi[sexual]” to depict Jesus.
The show itself has a long history of controversy. First released as a concept album in 1970 by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar debuted on Broadway in 1971 and was later adapted into a film. It has often been criticized for portraying Judas Iscariot in a sympathetic light and omitting the Resurrection — a foundational belief in the Christian faith.
Colbert’s praise for the casting came just a day after he criticized the Trump administration during his opening monologue for not recognizing Pride Month. The segment highlighted his continued efforts to merge his faith with progressive activism, a balance that often draws both admiration and backlash.
For Erivo, however, the role represents more than just a performance — it’s a moment of visibility and artistic challenge. “To do it at the Hollywood Bowl, in a story that’s so rich and controversial, is a big deal,” they said.