We’ve all seen biopics or based on true events films and shows before. It’s nothing new really. But a new British show called Urban Myths will explore the urban myths or significant events of the subject’s life.

While you may not be familiar with the show itself, you may recall the questionable decision to cast Joseph Fiennes as Michael Jackson. This is that show, and you can check out a new trailer for it below.

As the title suggests, every episode will focus on a story that may or may not have happened. The show will be a collection of comedies, so don’t expect any hard-hitting subject matters that you might expect to see in an average biopic or based on a true story.

Here’s a brief description:

Our Urban Myths are stories that have been passed down over time and have now become part of urban folklore. But are they true? We take a slightly tongue in cheek, mischievous – and deliberately ambiguous – look at what might have happened…

In the upcoming episodes that will appear on the series we will see Fiennes, as Michael Jackson, joined by Stockard Channing and Brian Cox as Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando, respectively, as they flee New York together after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Of course, Fiennes looks nothing like the late King of Pop, and social media has reacted to the first look accordingly.

Other episodes won’t be as whitewashed, but they do seem a little bit interesting. One will see Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones) as Adolf Hitler and Rupert Grint (Harry Potter film franchise) as Gustl. That will focus on Hitler’s attempt to become an artist. Bob Dylan, Cary Grant, Samuel Beckett, The Sex Pistols, and Muhammad Ali will also be subjects of a few episodes.

Again, of the many episodes that will air on this series, they won’t be nearly as controversial as the Michael Jackson one. I imagine that the goal of the show is to entertain more so than inform. It’s not clear when the show will find its way to the States, but it’s likely that if there is interest it will appear sooner than later.

Urban Myths is set to debut January 19, 2017 on Sky Arts.

Trailer

[Source: Sky Arts YT]