June 4, 1969 Mick Jagger Cast as Ned Kelly Was He The Right Choice ? #shorts #rollingstones

Mick Jagger as Ned Kelly? The idea of the Rolling Stones frontman playing the role of an Australian folk hero was met with a lot of backlash when it was announced in 1969. In fact, hundreds of people in Glenrowan, Australia signed a petition protesting against this casting decision.Show more

But why were people so upset about Jagger playing Ned Kelly? Well, for starters, Ned Kelly is a beloved figure in Australian history. He was an outlaw who became a symbol of resistance against the colonial authorities in the late 1800s. To some, the thought of a British rockstar playing this iconic Australian figure was seen as disrespectful and even insulting.

Others criticized Jagger's lack of acting experience. At the time, Jagger was primarily known as a musician, and had only appeared in a handful of small film roles. Some felt that he was not a serious enough actor to carry such an important role.

Despite the backlash, the film Ned Kelly was still made and released in October 1970. Directed by Tony Richardson, the film tells the story of Kelly's life and his infamous last stand against the authorities. And while Jagger's performance was not universally loved, many critics praised his portrayal of the outlaw.

Ultimately, it's up to each viewer to decide whether Jagger was the right choice for the role of Ned Kelly. Some may argue that his rockstar status and lack of acting experience made it difficult for him to fully embody the character. Others might appreciate the unique take that Jagger brought to the role, and the new perspective he was able to offer on an important moment in Australian history.

No matter what side of the debate you fall on, it's clear that the casting of Mick Jagger in Ned Kelly generated a lot of discussion and debate. And while it may not have been the most popular decision at the time, it certainly helped to put the film and the story of Ned Kelly on the map for a new generation of viewers.