Jaylen Lyndon Hunter made his on-screen debut earlier this year in the biographical film Michael – following the early life of Michael Jackson, portraying Young Marlon Jackson (with Tre’ Horton playing the older Marlon and Jaafar Jackson as Michael), and he was a guest at the Lionsgate film premiere at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood in April. Prior to the film’s release, Jaylen played Young Marlon on stage in the National Tour of MJ The Musical, as well as understudying Young Michael, and for his first professional stage role, he played Young Simba for the National Tour of The Lion King. Answering our questions, Jaylen chatted to us about what Young Marlon Jackson was like to play in this year’s release of Michael, being in the cast of the National Tour of MJ The Musical and his time as Young Simba in The Lion King for his first professional stage role.
How was it making your feature film and on-screen debut earlier this year in the biographical film Michael, and was filming for a major screen project as you expected?
Filming Michael was everything I dreamed it to be. It was an incredible experience working with such amazing actors and learning from the best. It was more than I expected. The treatment was five-star. The food was amazing, and we had drivers and black car service. A lot of early mornings, but it was worth it.
Having portrayed Young Marlon Jackson (Tre’ Horton) on stage, what was it like taking on the role on screen, and how did you prepare for filming?
I’ve always been a Michael Jackson fan. I watched The Jackson 5 growing up. I prepared by practising every day, drinking lots of water and trying my best to eat right. Taking on the role on screen was a challenge, knowing I had big shoes to fill.
What was it like working alongside your on-screen brothers Juliano Valdi (Young Michael), Nathaniel Logan McIntyre (Young Jackie), Judah Edwards (Young Tito) and Jayden Harville (Young Jermaine) as The Jackson 5, and with your on-screen father Colman Domingo (Joseph Jackson)?
Those guys are my brothers. We became family in real life. We still talk and keep in touch with each other. Every time we get together, we have a great time. We had so much fun on set, and we knew when we had to give 100 per cent.
To get the chance to work with Colman Domingo was a huge blessing. I’d watched him in other movies before we met. I really appreciated the advice and lessons I learned from him.
How did you find the experience on set of Michael, and how was it being part of a film following the early life of Michael Jackson?
I got a chance to go to Michael Jackson’s home. The whole time I was thinking, “MJ walked around here”. It still feels like a dream.
Being on the set of Michael was an incredible experience. It was really special to be part of a film that explores such an important period in Michael Jackson’s life and career. There was a real sense of responsibility that came with telling that story, especially because his music and legacy mean so much to people around the world.
I also loved being able to work alongside such a talented cast and crew. Being part of the early life story allowed us to focus on the experiences and relationships that helped shape Michael as an artist. It was an unforgettable opportunity, and I’m grateful to have played a small part in bringing that chapter of his life to the screen.
In April, you were a guest at the film premiere of Lionsgate’s Michael at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, how was it attending the premiere with the rest of the cast and seeing the completed film for the first time?
It was an incredible experience. Being there with the cast and crew made the evening especially meaningful, and seeing the finished film on the big screen for the first time was surreal. I felt proud, grateful and excited to see audiences connect with the story.
I saw so many of my favourite actors and performers.
What did you enjoy most about portraying Young Marlon in the first National Tour of MJ The Musical, and how was it understudying Young Michael?
What I enjoyed most was bringing Young Marlon’s energy to life. It was also an incredible challenge and honour to understudy Young Michael because I had to capture his focus and extraordinary talent while still making the role my own. Both experiences helped me grow tremendously as a performer.
What was it like touring with MJ The Musical, and how has it been seeing the fan response to the musical and biographical film?
It’s been special to travel from city to city and see how audiences connect with the music, the story and the performers. What has meant the most is seeing how deeply fans still care about Michael Jackson and the impact his work has had on so many people.
Seeing the response to both the musical and the biographical film has been really rewarding. There’s such a strong sense of excitement and emotional connection from longtime fans, while younger audiences are also discovering the music for themselves. Being part of that ongoing conversation and seeing people leave the theatre feeling inspired or moved has been one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.
Have you had any favourite highlights from your time involved with Michael and MJ The Musical as Young Marlon that you can tell us about?
Opening up the National Tour in Chicago for six weeks was the best experience ever. I spent time there when it was freezing with The Lion King. The summer time in Chicago was much better.
I also met Jennifer Hudson. That was one of my favourite moments because she came to see us after the show.
Do you remember how you felt booking your role of Young Simba for the National Tour of The Lion King, and what was it like heading out on your first tour?
I remember being so excited when I found out I’d booked Young Simba. It was such a huge opportunity, especially because The Lion King is such an iconic show. I was really proud and grateful, and it was a dream come true. My first professional booking was the one of the biggest Broadway roles ever.
I had my final audition around 2pm, and my mom got a call at 5pm to say that I had booked the show. She said, “We are going to New York”. It was during COVID, so we had a lot of mixed emotions. They did an amazing job of keeping us safe. We opened the Broadway tour after being closed for 18 months. It was different watching the audience in masks, but the experience was still exciting.
What was Young Simba like to play and how was it performing the musical numbers?
Playing Young Simba was such a joyful experience. He’s curious, energetic, playful and determined, but he also goes through a lot. I loved being able to explore all of those different sides of him and bring that journey to life on stage.
Performing the musical numbers was especially exciting because the music is such an iconic part of The Lion King. Songs like I Just Can’t Wait to Be King are so fun and full of energy, while the more emotional moments allowed me to connect with Simba on a deeper level. Getting to perform those songs in front of a live audience every night was something I’ll always cherish.
What are some of your stand-out memories from touring with The Lion King for your first professional stage role?
I spent a lot of time with adults, so I learned so many things. Most of my best friends are older than me. I loved spending time with my mom, travelling from state to state and watching the excitement on the faces in the audience.
How did you get into performing and did you always know you wanted to work in the acting industry?
I loved to dance around the house with my mom. She enrolled me in a summer camp at Young Actors Guild in Memphis, Tennessee. My director, Chrysti Chandler, said she saw something in me and told my mom. I started out in The Jungle Book as a giraffe. After that, I played Young Simba in Disney’s The Lion King Jr. two years in a row. That’s when I knew that the stage is where I wanted to be. Then COVID hit.
Do you have any favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch?
I’m watching Lanterns now since I had a role in it. I also like old movies like Stomp the Yard.
I’m really into a mix of things. I love films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. I’m always watching different TV shows depending on what I’m in the mood for. I also love going to the theatre and seeing live shows because there’s something so exciting about experiencing it with an audience. I’m always looking for something new to watch. I definitely follow shows that my castmates are in.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Playing basketball and video games with my friends. I try to stay on task with school, so I spend time doing homework. It feels good being home and being with my family, especially my little sister, who is my number-one fan.
I write music and stage plays as well.
What are you hoping the rest of the year brings for your career, and do you have any upcoming projects that you can talk about?
I’m just really excited to keep learning, growing and taking on new challenges. I’d love to explore more film and television, as well as continue doing theatre, because I enjoy being able to tell stories in different ways.
Hopefully there’ll be some exciting news to share soon. For the rest of the year, I’m just looking forward to working with amazing people and seeing where things take me.
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