Actors Jaafar Jackson and Juliano Valdi have shared details about their preparation and experiences portraying Michael Jackson at different stages of his life in the upcoming film Michael, offering insight into a lengthy audition process, performance challenges, and the demands of depicting one of the most recognizable figures in music history.
The two performers appear in the same production but take on distinct versions of the same character, with Valdi portraying the younger years of the singer and Jackson depicting him as an adult.
The dual casting approach reflects the significant evolution in Jackson’s style, performance, and public persona across decades.
Extensive Audition and Preparation Process Jackson described the casting process as a prolonged and demanding experience that lasted nearly two years before he was officially selected for the role.
During that time, he said, the process required continuous preparation and refinement without certainty that he would ultimately be caSt.
According to Jackson, the extended audition period helped him develop a focused approach to the character.
After being selected, he spent approximately an additional year and a half working on details such as physical movement, vocal tone, and behavioral nuances ᴀssociated with the performer.
He indicated that the preparation phase allowed him to build confidence gradually, as the transition from auditioning to confirmed casting shifted his focus from uncertainty to refinement.
The process included studying not only Jackson’s performances but also his personal habits and mannerisms.
Valdi described a similarly lengthy audition process, noting that he had prior familiarity with Jackson’s music and had practiced his dancing before being caSt. After receiving the role, he was instructed to concentrate specifically on the singer’s early years, which required focused study of archival footage and performances from that period.
Distinct Portrayals of Different Life Stages Both actors emphasized that portraying different eras of Jackson’s life required separate approaches.
The younger version of the performer, ᴀssociated with his time in the The Jackson 5, involves a different energy level, choreography style, and stage presence compared to his later solo career.
Jackson noted that during rehearsals, he and Valdi occasionally worked in separate spaces but would encounter each other and discuss their respective performances.
These interactions highlighted the contrast between the early and later interpretations of the same individual.
The portrayal of Jackson’s evolution required each actor to focus on distinct characteristics. Valdi concentrated on the early musical style and movement ᴀssociated with Jackson’s childhood performances, while Jackson worked to capture the later, more developed stage persona.
Acting Influences and Preparation Techniques Jackson stated that before taking on the role, he had limited formal acting experience and primarily worked in music production and songwriting.
To prepare for the role, he studied performances by established actors known for transformative roles, including Daniel Day-Lewis, Joaquin Phoenix, and Christian Bale.
He explained that observing how those actors immersed themselves in characters influenced his own preparation.
Their ability to transform physically and psychologically informed his approach to portraying Jackson, particularly in understanding how to adopt a character’s idenтιтy rather than simply imitate external traits.
Jackson said his goal was to reach a point where performance elements, such as voice and movement, would feel natural rather than consciously applied.
This approach required extensive repeтιтion and practice over time. Vocal Training and Physical Transformation
One of the more complex aspects of the role involved replicating Jackson’s distinctive speaking voice.
Jackson described the process as initially difficult, noting that early attempts felt unnatural. To improve, he practiced by reading books aloud in Jackson’s voice, gradually refining tone and cadence.
Over time, he reported becoming more comfortable with the vocal style, eventually reaching a stage where the voice would emerge naturally in conversation without deliberate effort.
He indicated that this level of familiarity was achieved through sustained repeтιтion and immersion in the character.
The process also included observing interviews and recordings to capture subtle vocal patterns. Collaboration With Cast Members
The production features a cast that includes actors such as Coleman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller.
Both Jackson and Valdi described working with experienced performers as a significant aspect of the project.
Valdi said that collaborating with established actors provided exposure to professional environments and techniques. He noted that working alongside individuals with extensive film experience contributed to his development as a performer.
Jackson recalled his first encounter with Domingo in character as Joseph Jackson during rehearsal preparations.
He described the experience as notable due to the accuracy of the portrayal, including gestures and mannerisms.
The interaction underscored the film’s emphasis on detailed character representation, with actors focusing on recreating the personalities of individuals connected to Jackson’s life.
Access to Personal Materials Jackson stated that part of his preparation included reviewing personal notes and materials ᴀssociated with Michael Jackson.
He said these documents revealed aspects of the performer’s mindset, including the use of written affirmations and goal-setting practices.
According to Jackson, the materials indicated that Jackson frequently wrote down objectives and repeated them as part of a daily routine.
He also described practices such as placing written statements in visible locations and engaging in meditation focused on those goals.
Jackson said this insight influenced his own preparation, leading him to adopt similar techniques during the filming process.
He described the approach as a way to align with the subject’s work ethic and methods.
Artistic Interests and Personal Activities During production, Jackson also explored creative activities ᴀssociated with the performer, including drawing and painting.
He noted that he had limited experience with drawing earlier in life but became more engaged after observing Jackson’s artwork.
Jackson described the activity as a form of relaxation and a way to disconnect from the demands of filming.
He said that during downtime on set, he would spend time sketching, which contributed to his overall preparation.
Valdi described his personal interests outside of acting as including video games and sports. He identified Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker as a current favorite, noting that he discovered it through online videos before accessing it on a personal computer.
He also mentioned playing basketball as a regular activity, reflecting a balance between professional responsibilities and leisure.
Jackson listed similar interests, including video games, drawing, and spending time outdoors. He also mentioned caring for two dogs, including a German Shepherd and a mixed breed.
Physical Performance and Dance Training The role required both actors to perform choreography ᴀssociated with Jackson’s career.
Valdi demonstrated dance movements during a public appearance, reflecting the emphasis placed on physical performance in the film.
Both actors indicated that mastering the choreography involved studying original performances and practicing extensively to replicate movement patterns accurately.
The differences between early and later choreography required separate training approaches for each actor. Film Release
The film Michael is scheduled for theatrical release, with both actors portraying different periods in the life of the performer.
The production aims to present a comprehensive depiction of Jackson’s career, combining multiple perspectives through its casting approach.
The involvement of family members, including Jackson’s nephew portraying him as an adult, adds a unique dimension to the project.
The casting reflects both a personal connection and a structured performance process designed to capture different aspects of the subject’s life.
The film’s release marks the culmination of several years of preparation, including extended auditions, detailed character study, and collaboration among cast and crew.
