Is Joseph Fiennes Playing Michael Jackson Considered Blackface?

When a white actor plays the role of a black man who physically altered his face to look white… what is that called? A white actor playing the role of a black character is usually, by definition, blackface. The act is typically frowned upon, rightfully so – it’s tasteless, reinforces racist perceptions, and most of all, takes the already-scarce work out of the black community, and deposits it directly into the white community, which in comparison is abundant in Hollywood jobs.

What is the correct protocol when casting for the role of Michael Jackson? Is there a black actor out there that could even realistically portray the insanity of Michael Jackson without going through the cosmetic procedures themselves? Wouldn’t it be easier to just hire one of the Real Housewives of Miami and call it a day?

I’m not sure what the answer is here. Joseph Fiennes, while a fine actor, is as white as white dudes get. Were there really NO black actors that could out-MJ him in the auditions? Perhaps they at least could have gotten a biracial person who looks mostly white; for example, I think the guy from Prison Break would have been maybe alright. I mean is Joseph Fiennes even the best guy out of the white guys to play MJ? Like what about Jared Leto? Jared Leto is also white, but at least he’s a notorious weirdo, something he has in common with Michael.

The only fair solution here is Janet Jackson. Janet would kill it as Michael. She looks like him, can sing and dance as well as him, her voice even sounds like him. Sorry Joseph Fiennes, you’re out. Janet Jackson on a skinny day, I choose you.