Netflix’s Mary Faces Backlash Over Israeli Cast, With Critics Slamming Historical Inaccuracies and Lack of Palestinian Representation in Virgin Mary’s Portrayal

Netflix is facing mounting backlash over its upcoming biblical drama Mary, with social media users calling for boycotts following the release of its trailer. The controversy has centered on the casting of Israeli actors, particularly Noa Cohen as the Virgin Mary, fueling heated debates and revealing widespread misunderstandings of biblical history. 

The casting of Cohen, along with Israeli actors Ori Pfeffer and Ido Tako, has ignited fierce criticism online. Many have focused on Cohen’s portrayal of the Virgin Mary, arguing that the role should be played by an actress of Palestinian descent, reflecting Mary’s historical roots. This controversy highlights a broader discussion about the racial and ethnic identity of biblical figures, as Mary’s Jewish heritage is well documented in historical records.

Netflix has promoted the series as an "epic biblical coming-of-age story" that will explore the Virgin Mary's journey leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. Social media users were quick to point out the film’s controversy over casting choices, with one comment stating, “The actors in the show are both Ashkenazi Israeli Jews and white Europeans. The closest people to Mary’s race are Palestinians. Middle Easterners always get whitewashed, blackwashed, or Indianwashed.” 

While the film features mostly emerging Israeli talent, it also boasts the star power of two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins, who plays the king of Judea.

Hopkins starring as King Herod of Judea in Netflix’s new bible epic “Mary”

Director Caruso sidelined the casting criticism, defending his casting choices, explaining that the film focuses on a "smart, determined young woman" who faces immense challenges, including societal stigma, a jealous king, and the burden of a world-changing destiny.

In explaining the decision to cast Israeli actors in the lead roles, Caruso stated, "It was important to us that Mary, along with most of our primary cast, be chosen from Israel to ensure authenticity." 

Acknowledging the sensitive nature of adapting a biblical story, particularly one as significant as the birth of Jesus, Caruso emphasized that the writing and production were carried out with "great care" to create "a narrative that feels both sacred and contemporary." 

MARY is set to premiere on Netflix on Dec. 6, 2024.