WICKED star Cynthia Erivo has conjured up a religious storm by being cast as Jesus.
The Londoner — up for the Best Actress Oscar for playing green witch Elphaba in the hit Oz movie — will be the lead in Jesus Christ Superstar.
The Andrew Lloyd Webber rock-opera is set to be performed at the Hollywood Bowl in California in August.
But casting a woman as Jesus has caused fury among many, who say the move is woke and lacks respect.
Angry online comments included: "Absolutely blasphemy.
"You're mocking Christ the King," and "This is just plain disrespectful."
One outraged person wrote: "Please stop with this nonsense of doing EVERYTHING inclusive or woke!
"Have some respect. This is just mockery."
Cynthia, 38, shared the news on social media, saying: "Just a little busy this Summer. Can't wait."
Her fans are behind her, with one posting online: "That's going to be a powerhouse performance!"
Another said: "JCS has pushed boundaries since inception. That's the point."
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