Juliano Valdi speaks to Pop Base about what it was like portraying young Michael Jackson in the Michael movie after already having established an online presence with his viral dancing videos to Michael’s music.
The young actor and aspiring director revealed he felt “so much pressure” but was glad to see the outcome. In our interview hosted by Amber Grimes (@ambergrimes), Nia Long and Colman Domingo, who play Michael’s parents, expressed how proud they felt of him and Jaafar Jackson, stating: “These are our children. We’ll be watching over them.”
Prior to the release of the ‘MICHAEL’ movie, Juliano has also landed roles in ‘The Loud House’ and ‘Arco.’
Wow, I've been following the buzz around the new 'Michael' movie, and one of the biggest questions on everyone's mind, including mine, was who would play young Michael Jackson! When I heard it was Juliano Valdi, I instantly remembered seeing some of his incredible dance moves on social media. It just makes so much sense! It's like he was born for this role, already bringing that iconic energy to his performances online. I can only imagine the casting process for such a monumental role. It must have been incredibly intense! Juliano himself mentioned feeling “so much pressure,” and honestly, who wouldn't? Stepping into the shoes of someone as legendary as Michael Jackson, especially during his formative years, is a huge responsibility. But reading about his journey, it’s clear he truly embraced it. He talked about how much practice he put in, and having the unwavering support from my family must have been absolutely crucial. It's inspiring to hear how he channeled that pressure into something positive, ensuring he could deliver a performance that truly “did good in the end.” What really strikes me is how his existing online presence, those viral dance videos, likely played a pivotal role. It wasn't just about finding an actor; it was about finding someone who already understood Michael's essence, his movements, his outfits. Juliano was already embodying parts of Michael, and you could see the dedication in every step he took on social media. This background must have given him a unique advantage during auditions, allowing him to showcase not just acting talent but also that inherent connection to Michael's artistry. Beyond the dance, I'm sure there was a lot of deep diving into Michael's early life and personality. It's not just about mimicking; it's about understanding the heart and soul of the young prodigy. Knowing that he's also an aspiring director tells me he probably approached the role with a deep understanding of storytelling and character development. His previous roles in shows like 'The Loud House' and 'Arco' might seem different, but every acting experience builds a foundation. It teaches you discipline, how to work on a set, and how to bring a character to life, no matter the genre. And how heartwarming is it to hear Nia Long and Colman Domingo, who play Michael’s parents, express such pride? Calling Juliano and Jaafar Jackson “our children” and promising to watch over them speaks volumes about the bond they formed on set. It’s not just a cast; it sounds like a family, dedicated to honoring Michael’s legacy. This kind of support system, both on-screen and off, must have made the immense task feel a little less daunting. I'm genuinely excited to see how Juliano Krue Valdi’s hard work and passion translate onto the big screen. It truly sounds like an exciting time for him and for all Michael Jackson fans waiting for this movie!




















































































