Entertainment Weekly has shared an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with Juliano Krue Valdi, the young actor who brings Michael Jackson’s early years to life in Michael. And for fans of the King of Pop, his stories offer a touching glimpse into the heart and dedication behind the performance.
Already a devoted Michael Jackson fan before landing the role, Juliano admitted that seeing himself transformed into the young superstar for the first time was an unforgettable experience.
“It was so surreal because I just thought that I was Michael,” he recalled, remembering the moment he looked in the mirror before filming the iconic “ABC” sequence. “I just remember thinking that I looked so cool and that I was about to make everyone proud.”
That sense of responsibility guided his entire preparation. The 12-year-old studied countless hours of Michael’s interviews, speech patterns, dancing, and mannerisms to capture not only his movements but also his spirit.
While the dance steps came naturally to the young performer, the emotional scenes proved to be the biggest challenge. Juliano revealed that portraying Michael’s difficult relationship with his father, Joe Jackson, particularly scenes depicting the abuse Michael endured during rehearsals, was incredibly demanding.
Fortunately, Colman Domingo, who portrays Joe Jackson, helped him navigate those heavy moments. Juliano described Domingo as supportive and intense in all the right ways, helping him deliver some of the film’s most emotional scenes.
Away from the cameras, the pair shared plenty of laughs. One recurring joke involved Juliano reminding Domingo that checking his mobile phone during scenes set in the 1960s could cause an “intergalactic clash of universes.” Even more amusing, Juliano admitted he failed to recognise Domingo in an elevator once filming had wrapped because he wasn’t wearing Joe Jackson’s dramatic makeup and afro.
Another memory fans are sure to love involves director Antoine Fuqua. During a scene involving a pet rat, Fuqua jokingly bet Juliano $50 that he would mess up the take. The young actor proved him wrong.
“Antoine told me how good I did — and he actually gave me $50,” Juliano said proudly. “I still have it to this day. I don’t plan on spending it ever.”
The rat itself also left a lasting impression after reportedly peeing and pooping on the young actor during filming — an experience Juliano described as “kind of nasty,” though he still thought his unusual co-star was “really cool.”
As filming came to an end, Juliano experienced mixed emotions.
“It was really sad, but I was also really proud at the same time,” he reflected. “I knew that I was about to be on the big screen, and I was excited for my face to be in the theater.”
For Michael Jackson fans, Juliano’s affection and respect for the role shine through every anecdote. More than simply portraying a legend, he approached the part as a lifelong fan determined to honour Michael’s legacy — and make everyone proud.
Source: Entertainment Weekly.
