The rising star on honoring legacy, finding humanity in an icon, and why this film feels bigger than a biopic 

There are roles that elevate a career—and then there are roles that carry history. 

For Rhyan Hill, stepping into the shoes of Tito Jackson in Michael isn’t just another credit—it’s a moment. A moment tied to legacy, culture, and one of the most iconic families in music history. 

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Graham King, the highly anticipated biographical drama traces the rise of Michael Jackson from his early days in the Jackson 5 to global superstardom. With Jaafar Jackson—Michael’s real-life nephew—leading the film, the project already carries a rare emotional authenticity. Add in powerhouse performances from Nia Long and Colman Domingo, and Michael is shaping up to be more than a biopic—it’s an experience. 

And right in the center of it is Hill, grounding one of the most pivotal figures in the Jackson story. 

More Than a Legend—Finding the Man Behind the Myth 

When Hill first read the script, what struck him wasn’t just the scale—it was the intimacy. 

“What stood out to me the most was how much the story humanized Michael,” he tells me. “You gain a deeper understanding of who he was as a person.” 

That perspective becomes the film’s heartbeat. Rather than leaning solely into spectacle, Michael explores ambition, pressure, and the cost of greatness. For Hill, it also became a reminder of something deeply personal: the power of creative freedom. 

“It highlights the importance of pursuing your dreams and not limiting your creativity,” he adds. 

Carrying the Weight of a Cultural Legacy 

Portraying Tito Jackson isn’t just about performance—it’s about precision. 

“The Jacksons helped pave the way for so much within the culture,” Hill says. “I had to make sure I was portraying him correctly.” 

That meant diving deep—studying interviews, analyzing mannerisms, and even learning how Tito held his guitar on stage. Hill didn’t just want to resemble Tito—he wanted to understand him. 

“I watched concerts, looked at photos—everything I could to embody him,” he explains. “I wanted to learn his personal story and who he was as a person.” 

The preparation didn’t stop there. Hill trained musically and physically, learning guitar for the role and spending months in dance rehearsals alongside choreographers Rich and Tone. 

The Jackson 5: Brotherhood Before Stardom 

One of the film’s strongest threads is the bond between the brothers—a dynamic Hill says is essential to understanding Michael’s rise. 

“The family played a very important role in Michael’s evolution,” he says. “They were in it together from the very beginning.” 

As Tito, Hill embodies not just a bandmate, but an older brother—someone who recognized Michael’s talent early and stood beside him as the world began to take notice. 

“Tito loved his brother and always wanted the best for him,” Hill says. 

It’s a detail that grounds the story—not just in fame, but in family. 

An Ensemble That Felt Like Family 

On a set filled with heavy hitters, the energy could have easily become intimidating. Instead, it became something else entirely. 

“The energy on set was always so alive,” Hill says. “We were always laughing and enjoying being with each other. It helped us build that natural family bond.” 

Watching Colman Domingo and Nia Long up close was a masterclass—but it was the collective chemistry that made the difference. 

“The performances were the first things we shot,” he recalls. “And it felt like we were the real Jacksons on that stage.” 

Jaafar Jackson and the Weight of Legacy 

If there’s one element that sets Michael apart, it’s the presence of Jaafar Jackson. 

“It was surreal,” Hill says of watching him work. “There were times I thought I was acting alongside Michael Jackson himself.” 

After more than two years of preparation, Jaafar’s performance doesn’t just mimic—it channels. 

“He completely embodies Michael,” Hill says. “It was special for him to let the cast into such a personal story.” 

When It All Became Real 

For Hill, the magnitude of the film wasn’t a single moment—it was a constant realization. 

“I was thinking about that throughout the entire process,” he admits. 

But one memory stands out: watching Jaafar perform during early rehearsals. 

“I had chills the whole time,” he says. “That’s when it really hit me—this is something special.” 

The Culture Lives Between the Takes 

Of course, no film about the Jacksons would be complete without a little rhythm behind the scenes. 

“Oh, that absolutely happened,” Hill laughs when I ask about spontaneous dance breaks. “Tre’ Horton would randomly do a body roll at any given moment.” 

Even Hill himself revisited a classic move—the moonwalk. 

“I tried it again recently, and surprisingly, it went well,” he says. 

Beyond the Spotlight: What Tito Taught Him 

Playing Tito reshaped Hill’s perspective on fame—not as an individual pursuit, but as a shared experience. 

“It taught me how important it is to have a strong support system,” he says. “The Jacksons had each other’s backs.” 

That idea echoes throughout the film—and through Hill’s performance. 

A Story That Still Matters 

At its core, Michael isn’t just about music—it’s about impact. 

“I hope people see how much the family loved each other,” Hill says. “And understand the influence they had on the culture.” 

It’s a sentiment that feels especially resonant today—a reminder of what it meant, and still means, for a Black family to break barriers on a global stage. 

The Final Note 

When I ask Hill what he hopes Tito Jackson would feel watching his performance, his answer is simple—but telling. 

“I hope he would feel joy,” he says. “And that I did him justice.” 

It’s that balance—respect, care, and emotional truth—that defines Hill’s approach. 

And in a film as monumental as Michael, that may be exactly what makes his performance unforgettable. 

Photography Credit: Dean Foreman