Odd Trailer for URBAN MYTHS Features Strange First Look at Joseph Fiennes as Michael Jackson
The first trailer for the show Urban Myths has been released, and it gives us our first weird look at Joseph Fiennes as Michael Jackson. This is a satirical show that will retell embellished true life events of public figures. This includes a post-9/11 road trip that Michael Jackson supposedly took with Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor that you can read about here. Stockard Channing plays Taylor in the series, and Brian Cox takes on the role of Brando. It also features Eddie Marsan as Bob Dylan, Ben Chaplin as Cary Grant, Iwan Rheon as Adolf Hitler, and Rupert Grint as a friend of Hitler.
If case you're wondering what they were thinking when Fiennes was cast in the role, director Ben Palmer told The Guardian:
“We were casting Michael Jackson in 2001 and that obviously is a challenge in terms of the physical resemblance. We were really looking for the performance that could unlock the spirit, and we really think Joe Fiennes has done that. He’s given a really sweet, nuanced, characterful performance.”
Fiennes went on to share his confused thoughts on being cast in the role saying:
"The decision with the casting and the producers — I wrangled with it, I was confused and shocked at what might come my way, and I knew the sensitivity, especially to Michael's fans and to Michael's family. It doesn't negate who he was."
Urban Myths is set to premiere on January 19th on Sky Arts.