White actor’s portrayal of Michael Jackson sheds light on whitewashing in film

joseph-fiennes-michael-jackson
via: Sky Arts press photos

When images of a White male portraying Michael Jackson were released, it created an uproar. English actor Joseph Fiennes was chosen to play Jackson in a series called “Urban Myths.” The episode was to highlight a road trip that Jackson reportedly took with Marlon Brandon and Elizabeth Taylor following 9/11.


Jackson’s family and fans were appalled by Fiennes’ portrayal. Michael’s daughter, Paris, blasted Fiennes and the producers of the show by going on social media to share his displeasure. “I’m so incredibly offended by it, as I’m sure plenty of people are as well, and it honestly makes me want to vomit.”


But Fiennes’ portrayal of Michael Jackson isn’t the first White actor was cast to play a minority in a film. It’s a practice that producers and filmmakers often use to attract White audiences. Here are previous examples of whitewashing in film.

Several examples of white actors playing minorities include, Gods of Egypt and Exodus: Gods and Kings featuring all-White cast members in films based in ancient Egypt; Johnny Depp’s portrayal of an American Indian in The Lone Ranger; Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of a Black woman in A Mighty Heart; Jim Sturgess’ portrayal of an Asian-American in 21; Laurence Oliver portrayal of the Black character Othello; and Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of a “non-white, with dark, olive skin” in The Hunger Games.


Furthermore, white filmmakers are often hired to create Black-themed films without hiring black writers or producers. Recent examples of this include The Help, 42, and Get On Up.

But the backlash against Fiennes’ reached the executives at the network Sky which was set to air the Michael Jackson episode. Sky recently revealed that they will no longer air the Jackson episode.

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