Netflix is facing a major backlash following the release of the trailer for Mary, a biblical drama starring several Israeli actors, including Noa Cohen as Mary. Scheduled for release on December 6, Netflix describes the movie as a fresh take on the story of Jesus’ birth, told from Mary’s perspective.
According to Middle East Eye, the film recounts Jesus’ birth, Mary’s struggles as an unwed mother facing societal rejection, and King Herod’s—played by Anthony Hopkins—relentless pursuit to eliminate them, fearing a threat to his reign. The cast also includes several other Israeli actors, such as Ido Tako as Joseph, alongside Ori Pfeffer, Mili Avital, Keren Tzur, and Hilla Vidor.
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The trailer has sparked criticism, with audiences accusing Netflix of erasing the Palestinian heritage of the characters by casting predominantly white actors in a Middle Eastern setting. Many social media users on X (formerly Twitter) criticized the casting of Israeli actors, highlighting the irony of portraying Mary and Jesus with Israeli actors while the state of Israel is allegedly committing atrocities against Christian Palestinians in places like Jerusalem and Bethlehem. One user commented, “While Israel bombs churches and settlers harass Christians in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, Netflix thought it would be a great idea to choose an Israeli with an Instagram face to portray Virgin Mary.” Others expressed concerns about casting an “outspoken Zionist” as Mary, given that “Israel actively eradicates the oldest Christian population on Earth.”
Critics also noted historical inaccuracies in the trailer, with one X user pointing out that the Bible never mentioned Mary being barren or riots against her during her pregnancy. “The actors are Israelis, and there isn’t an ounce of melanin visible in the trailer,” added another user, questioning the film’s authenticity.
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In response, the film’s director, DJ Caruso, described Mary as a “coming of age” story about a “smart, strong-willed young woman facing monumental challenges,” including overcoming social stigma, avoiding a jealous king, and bearing the weight of a destiny that would change the world. Caruso defended the casting choices, stating it was “important to us that Mary, along with most of our primary cast, be selected from Israel to ensure authenticity.”
This backlash follows criticism Netflix received last month for removing an extensive collection of Palestinian movies, a move that some labeled as anti-Palestine. Netflix, however, claimed the removals were due to expiring licenses.