Joseph Fiennes regrets playing Michael Jackson in a pulled episode of the Urban Myths anthology series

Last Updated on June 14, 2023

When Joseph Fiennes announced plans to play Michael Jackson in a pulled episode of Sky Arts‘ anthology series Urban Myths, the news left people aghast. While the series flew beneath the radar, information about Fiennes playing the Gloved One spread like wildfire across social media. Images of Fiennes as the King of Pop accompanied the announcement, with the actor looking like a melting wax figure in a black fedora while riding in a car with Marlon Brando (Brian Cox) and Elizabeth Taylor (Stockard Channing). The episode features the trio on a post-9/11 road trip, with a “lighthearted” tone. I’m unsure what to make of this information, and neither is Fiennes, who, while talking with The Observer, expressed regret about taking on the role.

“I think people are absolutely right to be upset,” Fiennes explained. “And it was a wrong decision. Absolutely. And I’m one part of that — there are producers, broadcasters, writers, directors, all involved in these decisions. But obviously if I’m upfront, I have become the voice for other people. I would love them to be around the table as well to talk about it. But you know, it came at a time where there was a movement and a shift and that was good, and it was, you know, a bad call. A bad mistake.”

While Joseph Fiennes is shouldering much of the shame for Sky Arts’ insensitive portrayal of Michael Jackson, the company did issue a statement when backlash about the casting was at an all-time high, saying, “We have taken the decision not to broadcast ‘Elizabeth, Michael and Marlon,’ a half-hour episode from the Sky Arts’ Urban Myths’ series, in light of the concerns expressed by Michael Jackson’s immediate family. We set out to take a lighthearted look at reportedly true events and never intended to cause any offense.”

It’s nice to hear Fiennes owning up to his part in the depiction of Jackson. However, this attitude toward the role is new. Fiennes defended his casting when sh*t hit the fan, saying MJ “definitely had an issue–a pigmentation issue–and that’s something I do believe. He was probably closer to my color than his original color.” Woof!

Meanwhile, a new Michael Jackson biopic is coming from Antoine Fuqua (Emancipation, Training Day), which has the blessing of the Jackson family.

According to the project’s official press release, Michael “will give audiences the never-before-told and in-depth portrayal of the complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film will explore all aspects of Michael’s life, including his most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time.”

What do you think of Fiennes’s apology? Let us know in the comments below.