Urban Myths: Last News

It’s been well over six years since Joseph Fiennes appeared as Michael Jackson in a controversial never-to-be-air episode of the British fantasy series Urban Myths, and he still has regrets.

Zack Sharf Digital News Director Joseph Fiennes expressed regret to The Observer over his decision to play Michael Jackson in a pulled 2017 episode of Sky Arts’ anthology series “Urban Myths.” The episode centered on Jackson taking a post-9/11 road trip with Marlon Brando (Brian Cox) and Elizabeth Taylor (Stockard Channing). Fiennes’ casting as the music icon generated whitewashing backlash, and the episode’s trailer ignited outrage over Fiennes’ lighter skin tone and prosthetic nose to play Jackson. “I think people are absolutely right to be upset,” Fiennes said. “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.”

Cambuslang, will be taking part in a special event with Scots actor Martin Compston, star of the BBC smash hit drama Line of Duty. When Martin met Midge, will be screened live via Zoom and will see the duo share stories from their careers, speaking for the first time about Martin’s portrayal of Midge in the comedy drama Urban Myths , as well as sharing what has inspired their commitment to supporting a variety of good causes.

By Jake Kanter