Joseph Fiennes cast to play Michael Jackson in upcoming 9/11 drama

In an unexpected turn of events that has left many on social media scratching their heads in confusion, Shakespeare in Love actor Joseph Fiennes has now been confirmed to play none other than Michael Jackson in a new project.

Tuesday evening, it was revealed that Fiennes will be playing the pop icon in a new British television movie.

While details are still scarce, the film, currently entitled Elizabeth, Michael, and Marlon, will be about a post-9/11 celebrity road trip.

According to Vanity Fair, the script is based on the accounts of a former employee of Jackson, who claims the King of {op invited the two actors to come see him perform in New York just before 9/11.

Allegedly, after the terrorist attacks that hit the World Trade Center towers, the three icons were said to have rented a car and tried to drive back to California on their own, only making it as far as Ohio.

While the premise of the film sounds like it could give a rare and fascinating glimpse into Jackson’s private life — one can’t help but be stuck on the fact that one of the greatest African-American musicians of all time will be played by a white man.

We are truly at a loss for words and will keep you posted as this story develops.

Joseph Fiennes can play Michael Jackson. (A real person). But Idris can't play James Bond (a fake spy for a fake agency)? Cool, cool, cool. — Prentice Penny (@The_A_Prentice) January 27, 2016

Congratulations to noted African-American actor Joseph Fiennes on being cast as Michael Jackson… — Scott Mendelson (@ScottMendelson) January 27, 2016

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