John Stamos Steps In as King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar After Josh Gad’s COVID Diagnosis

       John Stamos steps in as King Herod at Hollywood Bowl’s Jesus Christ Superstar after Josh Gad’s COVID diagnosis.

John Stamos Steps In as King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar After Josh Gad’s COVID Diagnosis

By M Muzamil Shami - August 2, 2025

Key Points

1. John Stamos replaces Josh Gad at the last minute as King Herod

2. Cynthia Erivo stars as Jesus, Adam Lambert is Judas, Phillipa Soo plays Mary Magdalene

3. Instant casting shock sparks surprise and urgency around limited Hollywood Bowl run (Aug 1–3)

4. Stamos jumps off a plane with under 24 hours to rehearse the star‑studded musical

5. Production revives the Bowl’s tradition of live musicals after busy season hiatus

John Stamos has just delivered one of the most dramatic last‑minute casting twists of the summer — stepping in as King Herod in the Hollywood Bowl’s star-studded production of Jesus Christ Superstar, after Josh Gad withdrew due to a positive COVID‑19 test

Early Show Shake-Up Sparks Shock and Buzz

Just 48 hours before opening night on August 1, 2025, Josh Gad announced via Instagram that he would bow out of the role of King Herod “out of an abundance of caution” for fellow cast members. His heartfelt post expressed heartbreak, but urged audiences to believe the show would be “one of the greatest things you will ever see.”

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Enter John Stamos, who announced: “Well… this weekend just got Biblical. I’m stepping in as King Herod … while I didn’t push him down the stairs, I am grateful for the chance…” The 61‑year‑old actor declared this an “honor. A dream. And also a little insane” — having just disembarked from a Beach Boys tour plane in Spain with less than 24 hours to prepare.

Star Power Lineup Shines On

Despite the upheaval, the show continues to assemble a powerhouse musical cast:

1. Cynthia Erivo leads as an electrifying Jesus, bringing her EGOT-level prestige and stage presence.

2. Adam Lambert, known for his rock‑opera intensity, takes command as Judas.

3. Phillipa Soo, fading Hamilton fanfare, steps into the pivotal role of Mary Magdalene.

4. Additional standout players include Raúl Esparza as Pontius Pilate, Milo Manheim as Peter, and a seasoned ensemble of Tony nominees and musical heavyweights.

The show is directed and choreographed by Tony winner Sergio Trujillo, with musical direction by Grammy and Tony winner Stephen Oremus. Designed by top Broadway creatives, the spectacle is produced in association with Neil Meron and Robert Greenblatt.

Hollywood Bowl’s Revival of Live Musicals

This August 1–3 run marks a triumphant return to live musical theatre at the Hollywood Bowl, the venue’s first in the genre since 2022’s Kinky Boots. With star casting and dramatic real‑time developments, the production is generating headlines and tickets are moving fast.

Surprise, Urgency & Drama: What It All Means

1. Surprise: Audiences and fans are stunned that a television legend stepped into a Broadway‑level musical at a moment’s notice.

2. Urgency: With just three performances and tickets selling fast, there’s pressure to see this unexpected show.

3. Drama: Behind-the-scenes pivot adds emotional resonance: Gad’s absence, Stamos’ scramble, and the cast’s high stakes delivery.

This event is already trending—and poised to dominate Google Discover, Google News, and fan conversations due to its blend of celebrity, urgency, and unexpected theatrical heroics.

FAQs

Q1: Why did Josh Gad withdraw from the role?
A1: Gad tested positive for COVID‑19 just before opening weekend and withdrew out of caution and respect for the cast, stating he would perform only if he tested negative.

Q2: Who is replacing him as King Herod?
A2: Actor John Stamos stepped in on less than 24 hours’ notice after returning from a Beach Boys tour, calling it “a dream” opportunity.

Q3: Who else stars in this production?
A3: The cast includes Cynthia Erivo (Jesus), Adam Lambert (Judas), Phillipa Soo (Mary Magdalene), Raúl Esparza (Pilate), and Milo Manheim (Peter), among others.

Q4: When and where is the show running?
A4: The live concert version of Jesus Christ Superstar runs August 1–3, 2025 at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

Don’t miss your chance to catch this historic, star‑studded musical—book your tickets today before it sells out!
Who are you most excited to see in the show: Cynthia Erivo as Jesus or John Stamos as Herod? Let us know below!