Actor Joseph Finnes was cast to play Michael Jackson in a comedic film about a road trip with stars' Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando from NY to LA after the September 11 terrorist attacks. This decision stirred up controversy as many believed the directors were disrespecting MJ's heritage, therefore staining his legacy.
In an interview with Oprah, she asked him about rumors of him wanting a white actor to portray him as a child in a Pepsi commercial, but he said, "that's the most ridiculous, horrifying story I've ever heard. It's crazy." He continued saying, "Why would I want a white child to play me? I'm a black American. I'm proud to be a black American. I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am."
Knowing that this movie is to be aired on British TV, it is clear who has the power to dictate how MJ is to be remembered. They wanted to frame him as a relatable figure by his "white" color and shaping how we should think about him "wanting" to be white.
I actually wrote about this for another class. It's amazing that with all the recent issues of diversity in Hollywood, they would still cast a white British man to play Michael Jackson. The thing is, even though it is just a short, comedic TV special, it just adds to the long lists of films and TV shows that lack true representation and diversity. It makes it seem like it is normal for white people to portray people of color. It simply carries on a trend that needs to stop.
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