For one night only, high school student Grayson Kirch brought the undead back to life and paid an impressive tribute to the King of Pop while doing it.
In celebration of Halloween, the J.I. Case High School junior recreated Michael Jackson’s legendary “Thriller” in a new short film he calls “Thriller Reimagined.” For Kirch, a lifelong MJ fan and budding filmmaker, it’s his most ambitious project yet and fans online are taking notice.
The teaser, posted on TikTok, has already racked up over 70,000 views, drawing praise from fans and locals alike for its creativity and energy.
“I was shocked by the response,” Kirch told local reporters. “We were all pretty shocked at how this video did. I’ve had videos before that got some attention, but nothing like this.”
A Passion Project from a Young MJ Fan
Kirch directed, produced, and starred in the video, stepping into Michael Jackson’s iconic red jacket and taking on the famous “Thriller” choreography. His friends, fellow students from Case High, joined in, contributing their talents in dance, costume design, videography, and production.
Filming took place over four days at various locations, including Racine’s Oriental Theatre, abandoned houses, and downtown Racine, where they recreated the iconic dance sequence.
“It was a huge learning curve,” Kirch said. “I’ve never worked on something this big before — gathering so many people, coordinating everything. But it was so much fun.”
The project’s crew list reads like a mini production company, with Kirch and co-director Jackson Meier leading a team of over 20 young creatives. Members of the Case High School dance team joined in as zombies for the unforgettable finale.
A Tribute True to the Spirit of Michael Jackson
For the young team, this wasn’t just about making a viral video, it was about honoring an artist whose work continues to inspire across generations.
Dancer Claire Phillips, also a junior, said she had to learn the “Thriller” routine in just three hours.
“It was stressful but really fun,” she said. “I’d never been part of a production like this before. It gave me a new respect for how much work goes into making something like ‘Thriller.’”
Kirch said growing up in Wisconsin sometimes made him feel far removed from Hollywood and the entertainment world, but this project changed that perspective.
“I realized you don’t have to be in Hollywood to make something amazing,” he said. “With the internet today, you can create from anywhere. Nothing’s impossible.”
What’s Next for “Thriller Reimagined”?
The success of “Thriller Reimagined” has already inspired Kirch and his team to start planning their next big project: a Christmas-themed music video set for release in December.
And while he’s just a high school student, Kirch is proving that Michael Jackson’s creative legacy continues to spark imagination in the next generation of artists.
“My parents were super supportive and proud of the result,” he said. “My dad helped me secure the filming locations. It really was a family effort.”
We absolutely love seeing young fans keeping Michael’s artistry alive through their own vision and creativity. “Thriller Reimagined” is yet another reminder that MJ’s influence still pulses through every beat, dance move, and creative heart around the world, even in the streets of Racine, Wisconsin.
Watch it now:
