Memphis has another rising star—and he’s headed to the big screen. Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, a 15-year-old actor from Memphis and student at Briarcrest Christian School, will appear in the highly anticipated biopic “Michael,” portraying a young Marlon Jackson of the legendary Jackson 5.
Set for release on April 24, the film traces Michael Jackson’s path from his early days as a preteen sensation in the 1960s and ’70s through the record-breaking success of Thriller. Michael’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stars as the adult Michael, while Atlanta actor Tre’ Horton takes on the role of an older Marlon. Jaylen will make his feature film debut as the youthful version of the Jackson 5 member.
Jaylen’s scenes were filmed in Los Angeles last year, his mother Crystelle Jones shared. Though new to the big screen, Jaylen is no stranger to performing as Marlon—he previously played the role in the touring production of “MJ: The Musical.” When the show arrived at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis last fall, Jaylen had already stepped away from the tour to begin filming the movie.
The son of former Memphis Tigers star and professional basketball player Jimmie “Snap” Hunter, Jaylen began his acting journey at Idlewild Elementary School and later joined the Young Actors Guild, where his singing, dancing, and acting talents quickly stood out. His mother’s audition tape submissions caught the attention of casting directors, leading to Jaylen’s breakout role as young Simba in the 2021 national touring production of Disney’s The Lion King.
Now, with “Michael,” Jaylen’s work will be showcased to an even broader audience. The film comes from director Antoine Fuqua—known for Training Day—and Oscar-winning screenwriter John Logan, whose credits include Gladiator, The Aviator, and the James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre.
The star-studded cast includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Larenz Tate as Motown founder Berry Gordy.
Jaylen’s rising career reflects the power of Memphis arts education and the talent emerging from local schools, stages, and youth programs. As the world waits for the release of Michael, Memphis will be cheering him on.
