This probably won’t do anything to solve Hollywood’s diversity problem.
The Today Show reports that British actor Joseph Fiennes has been cast to play Michael Jackson in an upcoming film. One small problem: Fiennes is White.
The comedy, Elizabeth, Michael & Marlon, follows Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando’s reportedly true journey as they embark on a road trip from New York City to California in the days following 9/11.
“‘Elizabeth, Michael & Marlon is a Sky Arts comedy which takes a light-hearted look at a reportedly true event,” Sky Arts executives said in a statement. “Joseph Fiennes is cast as Michael Jackson. It is part of a series of comedies about unlikely stories from arts and cultural history. Sky Arts gives producers the creative freedom to cast roles as they wish, within the diversity framework which we have set.”
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Though the production company stands by their choice, viewers of all races are, unsurprisingly, not here for it.
Some alternatives to #JosephFiennes playing Michael Jackson: 1) Any member of the DeBarge family. 2) Evan Ross 3) Drake (I know, I know.)
— Liz Dwyer (@losangelista) January 27, 2016Congrats to #JosephFiennes for being cast as Michael Jackson in new film. With Queen Latifah as Elizabeth Taylor & Denzel as Marlon Brando?
— Pete Gitlin (@petegitlin) January 27, 2016We know The Jacksons for the most part like to keep it cute, but somebody better say something. We’re waiting. #MichaelJackson #JosephFiennes
— little simz (@keyedhiscar) January 27, 2016Michael Jackson was never white. He was a proud black American with vitiligo. So why a white actor? #JosephFiennes
— Justine (@Justiine_loveMJ) January 27, 2016Will you be supporting this movie when it hits screens later this year?