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British TV Trailer Showing Joseph Fiennes as Michael Jackson Draws Criticism

Fiennes defended his casting last year, telling the AP the project doesn't promote stereotyping

A British TV network has offered the first glimpse of actor Joseph Fiennes playing Michael Jackson in an upcoming comedy series.

Sky Arts has released a trailer for its upcoming "Urban Myths" series, which it says looks at "remarkable stories from well-known historical, artistic and cultural figures, which may or may not have happened in real life."

Fiennes is shown in the preview wearing Jackson's signature hat while seated in a car driven by Elizabeth Taylor, who is played by Stockard Channing. The network says one episode will detail a supposed road trip taken by Jackson, Taylor and Marlon Brando in 2001.

The casting of Fiennes, who is white, as Jackson was criticized when it was announced. Fiennes defended himself to The Associated Press last year, saying the project doesn't promote stereotyping.

But some on social media weren't accepting of Fiennes' rationale.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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