Josh Gad has been forced to pull out of a star-studded production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl after testing positive for Covid-19. The Frozen actor was due to play King Herod in the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, which runs from Friday to Sunday.
In a statement on Instagram, Gad expressed his disappointment, writing: 'It is with enormous heartbreak that I inform you all that unfortunately I have contracted a virus known as Covid.' He added that he would not perform 'out of an abundance of caution and respect for my cast'.
The production features Cynthia Erivo as Jesus and Adam Lambert as Judas. It remains unclear who will replace Gad in the role of King Herod. Jesus Christ Superstar originally debuted as a concept album in 1970 and premiered on Broadway the following year.
Separately, Gad is set to lead the cast of Spaceballs 2, a sequel to Mel Brooks' 1987 sci-fi comedy. The film will be directed by Josh Greenbaum and also stars Keke Palmer, Lewis Pullman, and returning actor Rick Moranis.
