Josh Gad Withdraws from Hollywood Bowl’s ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Due to COVID-19
Tony-nominated actor Josh Gad, 44, has announced his withdrawal from the opening weekend performances of Jesus Christ Superstar at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, citing a recent COVID-19 diagnosis. The acclaimed performer was set to portray King Herod in the star-studded rock opera revival, which kicks off its limited run on Friday, August 1.
Gad shared the news with “enormous heartbreak” via an Instagram statement on Wednesday, July 30. In his candid post, the ‘Frozen’ star explained his decision to step back was “out of an abundance of caution” and “respect for my cast,” unless a negative test could be secured within 48 hours. He conveyed profound disappointment, stating, “It truly breaks my heart, but I can assure you all that this is going to be one of the greatest things you will ever see.”
The Hollywood Bowl’s rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classic rock opera has garnered significant anticipation, largely due to its high-profile ensemble. Grammy and Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo, 38, is slated to lead as Jesus, with Grammy-nominated singer Adam Lambert, 43, taking on the role of Judas. While the production moves forward, a replacement for Gad’s King Herod role has not yet been publicly named.
Behind the Scenes: Gad’s Rehearsal Enthusiasm
Gad’s casting as King Herod was announced on July 14, and he had enthusiastically shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of rehearsals leading up to the unexpected announcement. Just days before, he posted images with fellow cast members, including Milo Manheim (who portrays Peter) and Broadway musician Stephen Oremus, expressing his excitement for the “extraordinary cast” to grace the Hollywood Bowl stage.
Gad’s Other Ventures: Dr. Seuss and More
Despite this setback, Gad continues to be involved in other major projects. He recently teamed up with Ariana Grande for Jon M. Chu’s animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’ The film, set for a March 2028 release, sees Gad expressing immense excitement about the “all-star team” assembled for the project. Notably, Ariana Grande is also set to star alongside Cynthia Erivo in the highly anticipated film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’.
