‘Mary’ controversy: Netflix seems to have come under fire on social media over its upcoming film ‘Mary’, a Biblical epic which stars Anthony Hopkins in the lead role, among other big names. Netflix announced the release date of the film and its trailer, saying the film seeks to retell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. ‘Mary’ will be released on December 6, and according to Netflix, it will “tell the story of one of the most profound figures in history and the remarkable journey that led to the birth of Jesus” “through the eyes of Mary”.
What many people did not like was the selection of the actor for the lead role of Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Actor, 21 years old noah cohenis a Jewish-Israeli film that has now taken the internet by storm and social media users are calling for a boycott of the film, which also stars Ido Tako, Ori Pfeffer, Keren Tzur, Hilla Vidor and Milla, among many other Israeli actors. Avital. Ido Takko played the role of Joseph, the father of Jesus Christ.
Since its launch, the ‘Mary’ trailer has faced criticism for more reasons than one. The OTT giant has been criticized for not only casting an all-white cast in a story based on the Middle East, but also for casting Israelis who reject Jesus Christ. A section is also accusing Netflix of erasing the Palestinian roots of the characters.
Check out some of the reactions on social media.
The film is about a Palestinian woman, played by actors from the settler state, which is currently mass murdering Palestinian women. Oh disgusting audacity. https://t.co/v0PnwNA9Z7
– 𓂆 Deeja⁷🫒 (@deedeehimavari) 13 November 2024
Turns out the lead actress is Israeli Jewish (Noah Cohen).
The logic of casting someone from a group that rejects Christ, there aren’t any Palestinian Christian actresses left?
Then we knew from the beginning what to expect from such a project. https://t.co/iM1jWYysE6-OstensibleOyster (@ostensible) 14 November 2024
While Israel is bombing churches and harassing Christians in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, Netflix thought it would be a good idea to choose an Israeli with an Instagram face to portray the Virgin Mary. https://t.co/D5JgyxGiGL
– Guide (@ghidaarnaout) 14 November 2024
Blaming Israeli Zionists is ridiculous.
Furthermore, the costumes and setting do not feel like they are from that era or place. This was the Iranian TV show about the Virgin Mary that made everything look and feel more authentic: https://t.co/Np4EWVYaEW pic.twitter.com/AMDaMzpxzN– Olive 🌿 (@oliveegirl) 13 November 2024
What is the story of ‘Mary’ on Netflix?
DJ Caruso is the director of ‘Mary’, produced by Mary Elo and written by Timothy Michael Hayes. While the story of the birth of Jesus Christ is known to all, and is remembered every Christmas, ‘Mary’ wants to tell the journey of Jesus’ birth through the eyes of his mother.
‘Mary’ is the story of one of the most revered figures in history and the journey that culminated in the birth of Jesus. The film will show how Mary, who was chosen to bring the Messiah into the world, faced ostracism and had to go into hiding after her miraculous conception. As King Herod, played by Anthony Hopkins, begins his deadly search for his newborn child, Mary and Joseph embark on a dangerous journey – driven by faith and unwavering courage – to protect their son at all costs.
Netflix Claim Director Elo and the filmmaking team collaborated with religious scholars and leaders from diverse backgrounds to faithfully recreate Mary’s world and bring a new focus to the experience of Mary of Nazareth.

‘Mary’ director DJ Caruso defends casting Israeli actors
Caruso called the film a “coming of age” story, and It has been told Mary stars as a “smart, strong-willed young woman facing great challenges: overcoming social stigma, escaping a jealous king, and bearing the weight of a world-changing destiny”.
Many Israeli actors are playing different roles in the film. Cohen, who plays Mary, previously worked on the series Northern Storm or 8200, about the Israel Defense Forces’ famous intelligence unit. She is said to be from the city of Hod Hasharon in central Israel. Ido Takeo plays Joseph, and Ori Pfeffer has been cast as Joachim.
Caruso has explained why he chose Israeli actors for the film.
He told Entertainment Weekly, “It was important to us that Mary, along with most of our primary cast, be cast from Israel to ensure authenticity.”
Regarding Noah, he said that he auditioned about 75 young women before casting the Northern Storm actor. Caruso said, “Noa has a unique blend of grace and presence that is striking, yet she remains accessible, able to get to the deep emotional core of Mary’s character.” “Her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength was exactly what we needed for this role.”
Full cast of Netflix film ‘Mary’
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- Noah Cohen as Mary
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- ido that’s right joseph
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- Anthony Hopkins as King Herod
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- Stephanie Nour as Salome
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- Susan Brown as Anna the Prophetess
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- Ori Pfeffer as Joachim
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- Eamon Farren as Satan
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- Hilla Vidor as Anne
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- Mili Avital as Mariamne
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- Gudmundur Thorvaldsson as Marcellus
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- Dudley O’Shaughnessy as Gabriel
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- Karen Tzur as Elizabeth
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- Mehmet Kurtulas as Bava Ben Buta
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- Mila Harris as Young Mary