Hollywood, CA — In a dramatic turn of events just before the curtain rises, John Stamos has stepped into the role of King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl. This last-minute casting change comes after Josh Gad announced he would be unable to perform due to contracting COVID-19.
Gad, who had been cast as King Herod, took to Instagram to break the news to fans, humorously referencing the virus, “Remember that little bastard from season one of ‘Earth really sucks right now’?” Gad’s departure created a space for Stamos to quickly step in and assume the iconic role of the flamboyant ruler.
Stamos, known for his versatile career in television and music, embraced the challenge with excitement. “I am grateful for the chance to step into the gold lamé,” Stamos shared on Instagram, acknowledging the unique and surreal nature of the opportunity. Stamos, who recently finished a Beach Boys tour in Spain, had less than 24 hours to prepare for his debut as King Herod at the prestigious venue.
A Musical Powerhouse
Stamos is no stranger to the stage. His acting career includes major roles in sitcoms like Full House and Grandfathered, but he has also demonstrated his musical talents, most notably as a long-time collaborator with The Beach Boys. Additionally, he made his Broadway debut in Bye Bye Birdie and famously played Corny Collins in the Hollywood Bowl’s 2011 production of Hairspray.
His casting in Jesus Christ Superstar is not just a surprise but a testament to his enduring stage presence. “It’s an honor. A dream. And also a little insane,” Stamos added, humorously acknowledging the whirlwind nature of the experience.
The Story Behind the Role
King Herod is one of the most memorable characters in Jesus Christ Superstar, a role famously played by Paul Ainsley in the original Broadway production, Josh Mostel in the 1973 film, and even Alice Cooper in the 2018 NBC live concert. In the upcoming Hollywood Bowl performance, Cynthia Erivo stars as Jesus, Adam Lambert plays Judas, and Milo Manheim and Raúl Esparza join the cast as Peter and Pontius Pilate, respectively.
The production is directed and choreographed by Trujillo, a Tony Award winner, and the music will be conducted by Stephen Oremus, who is known for his work on Broadway’s Wicked.
A Quick Turnaround
Although Stamos had a swift turnaround, he was more than prepared for the task at hand. His experience as a musician made him a perfect fit for the role of the extravagant King Herod, known for his dramatic, over-the-top number “King Herod’s Song”. Stamos’s enthusiasm for the role is infectious, and he’s ready to bring his own flair to the performance.
The Jesus Christ Superstar concert at the Hollywood Bowl runs from August 1-3, 2025. This event has been eagerly anticipated, and Stamos’s last-minute inclusion has only heightened the excitement surrounding the show.
Future Projects and Anticipation
Stamos’s involvement in Jesus Christ Superstar marks a significant moment in his career, and fans are eager to see what he brings to this iconic role. If the performance is a success, there could be future collaborations with the Hollywood Bowl or other musical productions.
As for Gad, fans have already expressed their well wishes for his recovery, and it’s clear that Stamos’s performance will honor both the legacy of the character and Gad’s original vision for the role.
