John Legend has been cast as Jesus Christ in NBC’s upcoming musical event Jesus Christ Superstar Live. NBC made the announcement Tuesday morning via its Twitter account:
“I’m thrilled to join the cast of this production of Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!,” Legend said in a statement. “It’s such a powerful, meaningful musical and I’m humbled to be part of this performance. We’ve already formed an incredible team, and, as we finish casting, I’m certain we will put together some of the greatest talents around to do this work justice.”
Legend, who has an Oscar, Golden Globe, Tony, Emmy and numerous Grammys, will be joined by Alice Cooper as King Herod, under the direction of David Leveaux. The show will be filmed at the Marcy Armory in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Finally, a black Jesus!