Back in April, it was announced that Sex Pistols’ Johnny Rotten and Incubus’ Brandon Boyd would star in a forthcoming adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar alongside Destiny Child’s Michelle Williams and ‘N Sync’s JC Chasez. Now, just nine days before it was set to begin a two-month, 54-city tour, the production has been abruptly canceled, according toThe Hollywood Reporter.
The production’s official website offers no official explanation, aside from details on refunds. Reportedly, several stage elements had already arrived in New Orleans ahead of the June 9th kick-off and the cast was in the midst of rehearsals.
As The Associated Press reports, finances may have been a factor in the cancellation. In April, show producer Michael Crohl, who also helmed the disastrous Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, said the show’s total costs was in the “eight figures” and they would need to bring in “several hundred thousand dollars” each night to keep the show afloat.
Jesus Christ Superstar would have featured Rotten as King Herrod, Boyd as Judas Iscariot, Williams as Mary Magdalene, and Chasez as Pontius Pilate. Below, watch Boyd and Williams perform the show’s title track during an appearance on Good Morning America.