Joseph Fiennes, the white British actor set to play Michael Jackson in a new movie, is still defending his role in the upcoming British comedy about a fictional road trip Jackson takes during 9/11 with Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando.
"I think outrage is good, as long as it doesn't get into a violent shouting match," Fiennes told the Hollywood Reporter. "These conversations are really important and they shape our industry. It's vital to have them. I kind of welcome it. You can't do this and not welcome it."
Fiennes also thinks that the colorblind casting used in the movie opens a broader conversation.
"It's important because all actors bring something fresh and new. We're looking for imagination and interpretation, and it doesn't steal anything away from the true identity of that person. It might offer something new and fresh and funny; as long as it doesn't become disenfranchising, racial or rude or stereotypical," he said.
With all of the controversy over the lack of diversity in casting, Fiennes also believes that if minority actors were offered the same types of roles as white actors, then no one would be making a big deal about him being cast as Jackson.
"The thing is, the playing field is not fair right now, and that's absolutely evident," Fiennes stated. "This is quite right, why people are up in arms. I'm a full believer in making the playing field fair. When it is fair, we can have a conversation about this project and it wouldn't cause outrage."
It’s amazing how someone can justify this absurdity. And yes, he once again declared that at the time the movie takes place, Jackson was actually closer to his color.