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CASTING CONFUSION: Joseph Fiennes (left) is to play Michael Jackson in a made for TV film

SHOULD A white man have been cast to play the late legendary singer Michael Jackson?

It's a question on many fan's lips, after an upcoming drama announced that white British actor Joseph Fiennes would be taking on the role as the iconic performer.

The one-off special - being produced by Sky Arts - will focus on an alleged road trip where Michael was joined by Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando.

Having been in the pipeline for several years, the drama has also signed up Stockard Channing to play Taylor and Brian Cox to play Brando.

However it's the casting of Fiennes that has riled people up, with many questioning the decision to use a white actor.

While Michael was born African American, his appearance changed drastically during his career.

The singer's changing face was down to him suffering from vitaligo, as well as his dependence on cosmetic surgery.

Regardless, people are understandably confused by the decision and have taken to social media to criticise those in charge for casting 45-year-old in the role.

One person wrote on The Voice's Instagram account: "I'm disgusted by the casting choice."

Another Voice reader referred to the recent Oscar whitewash controversy, saying: "January isn't over yet and the world's been snubbing us left, right and centre."

On Twitter, one person tweeted: "Even getting white actors to play black people now #outrageous #OscarsSoWhite."

Another said: "Appalled by the Joseph Fiennes casting. Somebody so hideously rich has the freedom to choose what roles they say yes to. He saw no issue."

"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," added another Twitter user.