Urban Myths: Elizabeth, Michael & Marlon
- TV comedy drama that was never broadcast
- Sky Arts
- 2017
- 1 episode
One-off comedy about a fictional road trip involving Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando. Stars Joseph Fiennes, Stockard Channing, Brian Cox and Carrie Fisher.
Press clippings
Joseph Fiennes now regrets playing Michael Jackson in a 2016 episode of Urban Myths
Seven years after his controversial portrayal of the late Michael Jackson, Joseph Fiennes admitted taking the role was a 'wrong decision' and a 'bad mistake.
Brian Gallagher, Daily Mail, 13th June 2023In defence of Sky's white MJ
Art and entertainment must be free to be offensive.
Maren Thom, Spiked, 17th January 2017Pulling Michael Jackson comedy show sends wrong signal
Satire cannot be constrained by the sensitivities of the few and public figures are, in a way, public property.
Stefan Morkis, The Dundee Courier, 16th January 2017Sky Arts scraps controversial Michael Jackson show
Sky Arts has said it will now not broadcast Urban Myths: Elizabeth, Michael And Marlon, a one-off show that features a controversial depiction of Michael Jackson.
British Comedy Guide, 13th January 2017Satire is meant to offend
What a spineless decision by Sky Arts to give in to the Michael Jackson mob.
Rupert Hawksley, The Telegraph, 13th January 2017Michael Jackson's child offended by use of white actor
Michael Jackson's daughter Paris says she's "incredibly offended" that a white actor has been chosen to play the part of her father in a new TV film.
BBC News, 12th January 2017Joseph Fiennes is unrecognisable as Michael Jackson
Joseph Fiennes looks completely unrecognisable as Michael Jackson in the new Sky Arts comedy.
The Sun, 11th January 2017Sky Arts reveals Urban Myths comedy season
Sky Arts is to broadcast a season of comedies featuring fictional stories about well-known cultural figures. Stars of Urban Myths include Katherine Parkinson, David Threlfall, Rupert Grint and Carrie Fisher.
British Comedy Guide, 10th January 2017Director defends use of white actor as Michael Jackson
Ben Palmer says Joseph Fiennes gives a sweet, nuanced performance in episode of Sky Arts satirical comedy series.
Hannah Ellis-Petersen, The Guardian, 10th January 2017