‘Forever’ Star Michael Cooper Jr. Is Taking It All in

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For the newcomer, Michael Cooper Jr., working on Mara Brock Akil’s growing up series titled Forever has brought about a transformative impact in his life.

Drawing inspiration from the 1975 novel “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” by Judy Blume and presented with a contemporary perspective, this Netflix series delves into the complexities of teenage romance. In the role of Justin Edwards, a naive and somewhat uncomfortable Los Angeles teenager, we find Cooper.

During a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter over Zoom, Cooper shared that one line Mara penned for the script particularly resonated with him: ‘He has one foot in confidence and the other foot in insecurity.’ This duality mirrors his character’s role on the high school basketball team. Cooper found this insightful portrayal of emotional complexity to be captivating, and he appreciated being given the opportunity to explore it through the show’s development. Witnessing [his] character’s growth throughout was a unique, rewarding experience for Cooper as an actor, thanks to Mara’s thoughtful addition to the script.

Following supporting roles in 2022’s “On the Come Up” and “The Inhabitant”, Justin grabs his first leading part, which Cooper considers an extra bonus, as the actor shares with THR below, discussing his role in “Forever”, being top of the call sheet, and who he seeks advice from.

What was working on Forever like? What did the experience mean to you?

The tale is captivating and relatable to many. It’s a growth-into-adulthood narrative, masterfully crafted by Judy Blume, and Mara Brock Akil’s adaptation resonates deeply with me. There are numerous threads of commonality, whether it’s being a Black man, navigating first love, or understanding ADHD struggles, all of which I can identify with. Even though Justin and I are distinct individuals, certain aspects of the story struck a chord within me. It significantly changed my perspective on life and how I see the world. Justin is an emotionally open character, and his vulnerability has influenced how I perceive things now. It was a rare gift that I didn’t anticipate receiving from such a source, but it has been a memorable experience.

Can you share more about working on a show run by Mara Brock Akil?

Are you familiar with Mara Brock Akil? If so, you understand what I’m referring to. Working with her on something of this scale has been a tremendous honor and a memorable experience. Her dedication to her work and the stories she tells is evident on set, it’s almost like a tangible passion for the narrative. This shared love for storytelling binds us together. I got into acting because I wanted to serve others, and I believe Mara shares this sentiment. As artists, we are not the focus; instead, it’s about how we can serve others and connect with them.

What’s your sensation now that you’ve reached the end of the season? Have you been contemplating about the journey so far?

It’s quite strange, there have been some quiet moments. When you’re filming, your character tends to feel like an extension of yourself to some degree. I found myself questioning reality at times. To regain my bearings, I went on a cruise with friends. Afterward, I returned to the ADR session, and Mara was in her LA office recording her lines. She told me that my voice sounded too deep and masculine, like a 25-year-old club-goer. It took me aback because I had forgotten about Justin’s young age. This whole experience of creating something together has been peculiar. Now, as the world prepares to see our work, it feels exposing. There aren’t enough words to express it, but what I can say is that it feels like a deeply personal journey, and we are merely inviting the world to share in it.

Since this is your debut as a main character, this production may serve as a significant milestone in your acting journey. Do you find yourself aware of its importance while on set, or does it simply feel like an ordinary working day to you?

In essence, each day feels like another workday as you’re deeply immersed in understanding who Justin is and shaping the narrative. You’re not giving much thought to the future beyond that, instead concentrating on pouring your heart and soul into every moment. It’s quite intense, especially being new to this line of work. Watching TV and movies makes you appreciate the complexity behind the scenes, but it’s also taught you as a budding actor how to safeguard your craft, learn lines swiftly, collaborate with anyone, and act off any co-star. It has also pushed your emotional boundaries, which was enriching and challenging.

How were you able to disconnect from your character while making the show?

I treat myself by eating food, which is something I genuinely enjoy. This love for food also extends to trying out different restaurants. Meditation and prayer have been significant in my life. Moreover, talking to family and friends who truly know me helps me balance the demands of my work with Justin Bieber. These activities serve as my ways to re-center myself.

What part of the show are you most excited for people to see?

The evolution of Keisha and Justin’s characters from their initial appearances to their final moments is like a thrilling rollercoaster ride. At the start, Justin was a shy, awkward character, with one foot in confidence and the other in insecurity – a delicate balance that Mara, the scriptwriter, beautifully portrayed. This dichotomy made his growth throughout the show all the more special to witness. It was a unique gift as an actor to be able to bring this development to life, thanks to Mara’s insightful writing.

How collaborative was this process?

I plan on reaching out to Mara for some questions concerning Justin during pre-production. During the actual production phase, she placed her trust in us. She allowed us the freedom to experiment, to take risks, to be daring and courageous, make tough calls, make mistakes, because making decisions – good or bad – is crucial in overcoming the fear that may hinder our progress. This could be a pivotal step for us.

What’s your approach when it comes to learning something new? Are you more comfortable diving right in, or do you prefer to seek advice and collect information first?

To be honest, I find myself straddling the line between confidence and apprehension. You see, during my very first table read, I was a bit overwhelmed because it was my first time experiencing something like that. Maybe you’ve heard of “Number One on the Call Sheet,” a documentary that recently came out. On that set, I was number one, but I didn’t fully grasp the significance of that position at the time. I looked to veterans like Karen [Pittman] and Wood [Harris], who have been in the industry for a long time, and confessed my fears. “I may not be professionally or classically trained,” I said, “and I’ve only been in this business for a couple of years, which is as long as I’ve been acting.” They reassured me, saying, “You’re here for a reason.

What do you like to do outside of acting? How do you decompress?

Among the activities that help me stay centered and balanced, particularly amidst a swift-moving profession, are swimming, visiting batting cages with friends for some friendly competition, spending quality time with loved ones, and immersing myself in the Bible – my cherished literary companion. These pastimes serve as a source of tranquility and sanity for me.

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2025-05-31 21:25