First pictures of Joseph Fiennes as Michael Jackson released and it's not good

Last year it was announced that Joseph Fiennes would play the late singer Michael Jackson as part of a Sky Arts comedy. According to Vanity Fair the plot features Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando as they try to get home after 9/11.

However the first pictures released have left people feeling like there's a lot to be desired from how the Shakespeare In Love actor looks dressed up as the iconic popstar.

Here's the actual Michael Jackson.

Fiennes responded to the criticism of his casting by saying, “The decision with the casting and the producers — I wrangled with it, I was confused and shocked at what might come my way, and I knew the sensitivity, especially to Michael’s fans and to Michael’s family."

He went on to say, “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.”

The project is meant to be a comedy so it remains to be seen if the poor resemblance is purposeful.

• The Buzz