Behind the Scenes: How the Cast of Michael Became the Jackson Brothers

Gary, Indiana, doesn’t just sit on the map—it hums with the kind of legacy that refuses to stay quiet. The city’s streets still echo with the ghostly harmonies of five brothers who once turned a modest house on Jackson Street into a launchpad for global stardom. Now, as Antoine Fuqua’s Michael premieres nationwide, Gary’s connection to the Jackson 5 isn’t just historical trivia. it’s a living, breathing part of the city’s identity. And for the actors who stepped into the brothers’ shoes—Rhyan Hill as Tito, Tre’ Horton as Marlon, and Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael—the weight of that legacy isn’t just a role. It’s a responsibility.

What does it signify to bring the Jackson 5 back to life in 2026, especially in a city where their story began? For Gary, a place often overshadowed by its industrial past, the film’s release isn’t just a moment of cultural pride—it’s a reminder of the power of Black excellence, the kind that starts in living rooms and ends on stages that span continents. And for the actors who took on the challenge, it’s a masterclass in what it means to honor a legacy although making it their own.

The Jackson 5’s Gary Roots: More Than Just a Backdrop

Before the sequins, the Motown hits, or the moonwalk, the Jackson 5 were five kids from Gary, Indiana, a steel town where dreams had to fight for oxygen. Their childhood home at 2300 Jackson Street is now a modest museum, but in the 1960s, it was ground zero for a musical revolution. The brothers—Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael—practiced in the living room, their voices bouncing off the same walls where their mother, Katherine, once scolded them for making too much noise. That noise, of course, would eventually grow the soundtrack of a generation.

Gary’s role in the Jackson 5’s story isn’t just a footnote; it’s the foundation. The city’s schools, like Garnett Elementary and Roosevelt High, were where the brothers first performed publicly, their talent honed in church choirs and local talent shows. The Gary Music Scene of the 1960s was a crucible for Black artists, a place where Motown’s influence collided with the raw energy of the Midwest. And while the Jacksons would eventually leave Gary for Los Angeles, their roots never really let go. As Tito Jackson once said in a 2019 interview with the Gary Post-Tribune, “Gary is where we learned to be a family first, and a group second.”

That familial bond is what the actors in Michael had to capture—and it wasn’t easy. For Rhyan Hill, who plays Tito, the challenge was more than just learning to play the guitar. It was about embodying the quiet strength of a brother who anchored the group’s sound while staying out of the spotlight. “Tito was the steady one,” Hill told EBONY. “He wasn’t the flashy frontman, but without him, the music wouldn’t have had that groove. That’s what I had to channel—this unshakable presence.”

The Actors’ Journey: From Auditions to “Brotherhood”

For Hill, Horton, and Valdi, the road to Michael was anything but predictable. Hill, a relative newcomer to Hollywood, booked the role of Tito after an audition that required him to dance with a guitar—a skill he didn’t have at the time. “I learned how to play the guitar for this role,” he admitted. “But more than that, I learned how to be Tito. His personality, his essence. The way he carried himself, even when he wasn’t the center of attention.”

Hill’s favorite moment on set? Recreating the Victory Tour, the Jacksons’ 1984 stadium spectacle that marked their final tour as a family. “The energy from the audience and from my ‘brothers’ was electric,” he said. “In those moments, it truly felt like we were the real Jacksons.” That energy wasn’t just acting—it was the result of months of rehearsals, where the actors formed a bond that mirrored the real-life dynamics of the Jackson brothers. “We knew we were in this together from the beginning,” Hill added. “That’s what made it work.”

Tre’ Horton, who plays Marlon Jackson, had a similar revelation. “I had no idea how much of an incredible dancer Marlon is,” Horton said. “I joked with myself that I wouldn’t have to worry about too much complex choreography. Boy, was I wrong.” Marlon’s signature body rolls became Horton’s obsession, a detail that transformed his performance from imitation to embodiment. Like Hill, Horton’s favorite scene was the Victory Tour sequence, his first day on set. “Hearing the loud music playback and performing in front of about 500 extras made it feel like an out-of-body experience,” he recalled. “It was surreal.”

Then there’s Juliano Krue Valdi, who plays young Michael. For Valdi, the role was less about mimicry and more about capturing the essence of a child who was already a star. “I learned that he was a really hard worker,” Valdi said. “Even at a young age, he would wake up really early or stay up really late to study and practice his dancing or his singing. But what I really appreciated about him was how much he cared about people. He was a genuine and caring guy.” That duality—Michael’s relentless drive and his deep empathy—is what Valdi had to balance, a task that required him to dig beyond the surface of the King of Pop’s persona.

Why This Film Matters for Gary—and Beyond

For Gary, a city that has spent decades grappling with economic decline and a tarnished reputation, Michael is more than just a movie. It’s a chance to reclaim a piece of its cultural legacy. The Jackson 5’s story is one of triumph over adversity, a narrative that resonates deeply in a city where opportunity has often been scarce. Local historians and community leaders have already begun using the film’s release as a catalyst for revitalization efforts, from murals honoring the Jacksons to plans for a recent music education initiative at the Gary Public Library.

But the film’s impact extends beyond Gary. It’s a celebration of Black excellence at a time when representation in Hollywood is still uneven. The Jackson 5 weren’t just musicians—they were pioneers, breaking barriers in an industry that wasn’t always ready for them. Their story is a reminder of what happens when talent, hard work, and family come together. And for the actors who brought them to life, it’s a testament to the power of authenticity.

“We all became very tight during this process,” Horton said. “I think the blood, sweat, and tears that we shed during dance rehearsals made us form an even tighter bond.” That bond is what makes Michael more than just a biopic. It’s a love letter to the Jackson 5, to Gary, and to the idea that legacy isn’t just about where you end up—it’s about where you start.

Gary’s Cultural Revival: How the Film Is Sparking Local Change

In the wake of Michael’s release, Gary is experiencing a cultural renaissance. The city’s mayor, Jerome Prince, has announced plans to partner with the Gary Chamber of Commerce to launch a “Jackson 5 Heritage Trail,” a series of markers and installations that will guide visitors through the key locations of the brothers’ early years. The trail will include stops at their childhood home, Garnett Elementary, and the former site of the Gary Convention Center, where the Jackson 5 performed one of their first major concerts in 1969.

Local businesses are also getting in on the action. The Gary Arts Center, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the city’s cultural history, has announced a series of film screenings and panel discussions centered around Michael. The first event, scheduled for May 2026, will feature a Q&A with Gary natives who knew the Jackson family personally, offering a rare glimpse into the brothers’ lives before fame. “This film is a reminder of what Gary has always been—a city of dreamers,” said Arts Center director LaToya Johnson. “We want to make sure that legacy isn’t forgotten.”

Even the city’s schools are getting involved. The Gary Community School Corporation has partnered with the Indiana Historical Society to develop a curriculum around the Jackson 5’s impact on music and culture. The program, set to launch in the fall of 2026, will be available to students from kindergarten through high school, ensuring that the next generation understands the significance of their city’s most famous sons.

What In other words for Aspiring Artists in Gary—and How to Receive Involved

For young artists in Gary, the release of Michael is more than just inspiration—it’s a call to action. The film’s success has already sparked conversations about how to nurture the next generation of talent, whether in music, film, or the performing arts. If you’re a Gary resident looking to follow in the Jackson 5’s footsteps, here’s how to get started:

Music Education Programs

Gary’s public schools have long been a breeding ground for musical talent, but budget cuts in recent years have left many programs underfunded. That’s where organizations like the Gary Music Initiative come in. Founded in 2020, the nonprofit provides free music lessons, instruments, and performance opportunities to students across the city. Their after-school program, which runs out of the Gary Public Library, is a great place to start if you’re looking to hone your skills. Appear for programs that offer:

• One-on-one instruction from experienced musicians.
• Opportunities to perform in local venues, like the Genesis Convention Center or the Gary Arts Center.
• Workshops on music theory, songwriting, and production.

Film and Theater Opportunities

If acting is more your speed, Gary’s theater scene is small but mighty. The Gary Civic Theater, a community theater group that’s been operating since the 1950s, offers acting classes and auditions for local productions. They’re always on the lookout for fresh talent, and their summer youth program is a fantastic way to gain experience. When evaluating local theater groups, consider:

• Their track record of producing high-quality shows (ask for a list of past productions).
• Whether they offer workshops or classes in acting, improvisation, or stagecraft.
• Opportunities to work with professional directors or choreographers, even in a community setting.

Dance and Choreography Studios

The Jackson 5 weren’t just singers—they were dancers, too. If you’re interested in pursuing dance, Gary has a few options to explore. The Indiana Ballet Conservatory, located just 30 minutes away in Merrillville, offers classes in ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance. For a more local option, check out the Gary Dance Collective, a grassroots organization that hosts weekly dance workshops and open mic nights. When choosing a dance studio, look for:

• Instructors with professional dance experience, especially in styles like jazz, hip-hop, or tap.
• Performance opportunities, whether in recitals, competitions, or local festivals.
• A supportive, inclusive environment where beginners feel welcome.

The Bigger Picture: Why Representation in Film Matters

Michael isn’t just a movie about the Jackson 5—it’s a film about Black excellence, about the power of family, and about the idea that talent can emerge from anywhere, even a steel town in Indiana. For Gary, a city that has often been defined by its struggles, the film is a chance to rewrite the narrative. It’s a reminder that legacy isn’t just about where you end up—it’s about where you start.

And for the actors who brought the Jackson brothers to life, the experience was transformative. “This role changed me,” Horton said. “Not just as an actor, but as a person. I have a deeper appreciation for what the Jacksons went through, for the sacrifices they made. And I hope that comes through on screen.”

As Michael continues to captivate audiences nationwide, its impact on Gary is just beginning. The film has already sparked conversations about how to preserve the city’s cultural history, how to support the next generation of artists, and how to ensure that the Jackson 5’s legacy isn’t just remembered—but lived. And for a city that’s spent decades fighting for its place in the world, that’s a legacy worth celebrating.

Given my background in cultural journalism and community engagement, if this film’s release has inspired you to explore Gary’s artistic scene—or if you’re an aspiring artist looking for opportunities—here are the three types of local professionals you’ll want to connect with:

• Cultural Program Directors: These are the folks who run nonprofits, arts centers, and community organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting local culture. Look for directors with a track record of securing grants, organizing events, and building partnerships with schools or businesses. They can aid you find funding, performance opportunities, or even mentorship programs. A great example is the Gary Arts Center, which offers everything from film screenings to art classes.
• Music and Arts Educators: If you’re serious about honing your craft, you’ll want to work with instructors who have real-world experience. Seek out educators who’ve performed professionally, whether in music, theater, or dance. They can provide the technical training and industry insights you need to take your skills to the next level. The Gary Music Initiative is a fantastic resource for young musicians, offering free lessons and instruments to students in need.
• Local Filmmakers and Theater Directors: Gary’s film and theater scene is small but growing, and connecting with local directors can open doors to auditions, workshops, and even paid gigs. Look for directors who’ve produced multiple shows or films and who have a reputation for fostering new talent. The Gary Civic Theater is a great place to start, as they regularly hold auditions for community productions.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated entertainment, biopic, Black excellence, black musicians, film, Michael Jackson, movie, and movie premiere experts in the Gary, Indiana area today.