Tre’ Horton Steps Into the Rhythm of a Legacy

Photography by Michael Stallworth 

Styling by Alondo Ruiz and Kevin Hernandez 

Tre’ Horton is stepping into a defining moment with both discipline and heart. In the upcoming biopic Michael, the actor, dancer, and singer takes on the role of Marlon Jackson, bringing together his background in movement, musical theater, and performance to honor one of music’s most iconic family legacies.

For Horton, the opportunity represents more than a breakout role; it is the meeting point of years spent training in Georgia arts programs, studying the precision of the Jackson 5, and learning directly from Marlon himself. In conversation with LO’AMMI, Horton reflects on grounding the performance in authenticity, the humanity behind the Jackson family’s story, and how this chapter has pushed him to keep building across acting, dance, and music.

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You made a pretty rapid transition from starting in Georgia arts programs to landing a role in a major studio biopic. What did that moment look like when you realized this was happening for you?

Honestly, it still feels surreal at times. I started out just training, performing, and trying to grow anywhere I could — local arts programs, dance, theater, all of it. I was focused on the work more than the outcome. When this opportunity came, I remember realizing that everything I’d been building toward was finally meeting preparation with opportunity. Getting the call for Michael felt like one of those life-changing moments where you understand the sacrifices, the long rehearsals, and the discipline were all leading somewhere bigger.

Portraying any member of the Jackson 5 comes with both legacy and responsibility. What was the first thing you focused on to ground your performance in authenticity?

The first thing I focused on was understanding who Marlon was beyond the performances people already know. Everybody recognizes the music and the choreography, but I wanted to study his energy, his role within the family, and the way he connected with his brothers. I tried to approach him as a real person first — someone balancing brotherhood, pressure, talent, and ambition — because that’s what makes a performance feel authentic.

You had the opportunity to collaborate directly with Marlon Jackson himself. What did you learn from him that shaped the way you approached the role?

One of the biggest things I learned from Marlon was how much heart and humor he brought into everything. He carries so much history, but he’s also incredibly warm and grounded. Talking with him helped me understand the bond between the brothers in a deeper way. He shared details about their work ethic, their discipline, and even small personal mannerisms that helped me bring more honesty into the performance instead of just doing an impression.

With your background in dance and musical theater, how did you approach recreating the Jackson 5 choreography while still making the performance feel like your own?

The choreography was definitely a huge responsibility because the Jackson 5 style is so iconic. I spent a lot of time studying the precision, timing, and musicality that made their performances special. But at the same time, I didn’t want it to feel robotic. My background in dance and theater helped me focus on storytelling through movement. I wanted the choreography to feel alive and connected to the emotion of the scene, not just technically accurate.

This film explores not just the global rise of the Jackson 5 but also the dynamics within the family, the pressures of early fame, and the personal experiences behind the performances. From your perspective, what part of that story felt most important to get right, and what do you think audiences might not expect?

I think what felt most important was showing the humanity behind the success. People know the legendary performances and the fame, but this film also shows the sacrifices, the expectations, and the emotional weight that came with growing up in that environment. What audiences may not expect is how personal and intimate some moments feel. You really see the brothers as kids, as family, and as people navigating extraordinary pressure at a very young age.

You’re not just an actor, you’re also a dancer and singer! How do those different parts of your artistry feed into each other, especially in a project like this?

They all strengthen each other for me. Dance teaches discipline and physical storytelling, singing helps with rhythm and emotion, and acting brings everything together through character and intention. On a project like Michael, I was able to use all of those skills at once, which made the experience really fulfilling creatively. It pushed me to grow as a complete performer instead of separating each art form into different boxes.

With Michael already generating early buzz, have you already begun working on what’s next? Are you looking to lean further into acting, music, or continue building across all lanes?

I definitely want to continue building across all lanes. Acting is something I’m deeply passionate about, and this experience confirmed that for me, but music and performance will always be part of who I am, too. Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow, taking on roles that challenge me, and creating opportunities that let me evolve as an artist overall. I’m excited for people to see what’s next.