Joseph Fiennes, best known for his leading role in the film 'Shakespeare In Love' is set to take on a very different challenge when he plays Michael Jackson in a 'comedy' based around 9/11.

The white actor has been cast as the legendary black singer in a show about an alleged road trip he went on with Hollywood superstars Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando.

The programme, called 'Elizabeth, Michael And Marlon', takes place after the Twin Towers attacks and focuses on an urban myth, which may or may not be true, about a journey the three friends are supposed to have taken to try to get out of New York city.

It will also star Grease actress Stockard Channing as Taylor and Brian Cox as Brando.

The casting of Fiennes as Jackson has caused some controversy and led some people to complain that it is another instance of discrimination in the entertainment industry following the row over the all-white Oscars nominations.

Fiennes has not commented on the race-related complaints but he has spoken about the project.

He told WENN: "It’s a challenge. It's a comedy. It doesn't poke mean fun but it's a story, possibly urban legend, whereby Michael, Marlon Brando, and Liz Taylor were all together the day before 9/11 doing a concert.

"It’s a lovely thing about Michael’s relationship with Liz Taylor and Marlon Brando. It’s a fun, light-hearted tongue in cheek road trip of what celebrity of that kind is like."

Sky Arts, which commissioned the drama, confirmed the casting and said the show is in post-production and due to air sometime this year.