Netflix’s Forever isn’t just another teen drama—it’s a deeply emotional, culturally rich, and life-shaping experience, especially for rising star Michael Cooper Jr., who plays the show’s earnest and awkward lead, Justin Edwards.
Adapted by Mara Brock Akil from Judy Blume’s 1975 novel, the series takes a modern look at young love, identity, and emotional vulnerability.
For Cooper, it marks not only a professional breakthrough but also a profound personal transformation.
A Role That Hits Close to Home
For Michael Cooper Jr., playing Justin wasn’t just acting—it was a journey into deeper self-awareness.
“One line Mara wrote in the script was that he has one foot in confidence and the other foot in insecurity,” Cooper tells The Hollywood Reporter. “That was so beautiful, and I layered that throughout the show.”
In Forever, Justin is a high school basketball player navigating the confusion of adolescence, his first love, and his own mental health, particularly ADHD.
While Cooper and Justin aren’t identical, their shared struggles make the role resonant. “It honestly altered my perception and how I view the world,” Cooper admits.
“Justin’s such an emotional and vulnerable guy, and it seeped into how I perceive things now.”
Mara Brock Akil’s Vision and Mentorship
Cooper is quick to credit Forever’s creator, Mara Brock Akil, for the opportunity and mentorship. “To work with her so closely, it really was an honor,” he says. “She cares so much about her craft and about her story—it’s palpable on set.”
Akil’s adaptation preserves Judy Blume’s emotional honesty while giving it a timely lens, especially through Black characters and experiences often underrepresented in teen dramas. For Cooper, this project wasn’t about fame but service: “The reason why I got into acting was of service. Mara understands that as an artist.”
Growing Into the Spotlight
As Michael Cooper Jr’s first leading role, Forever is a career milestone. But he didn’t let the pressure of being number one on the call sheet distract from the job.
“Honestly, it just feels like another day of work,” he says. “You’re thinking about how can I put my heart [into it]? How can I put my soul and my best foot forward on a day-to-day basis?”
He openly admits to being new to the game, with just a couple of credits prior. “I looked to Karen Pittman and Wood Harris. I said, ‘Hey guys, I’m not classically trained.
I’ve only been acting for two or three years. I’m scared.’ And they said, ‘You’re here for a reason.’”
Grounding Himself On and Off Set
To disconnect from the emotional intensity of the role, Cooper relied on food, meditation, and prayer.
“I like to explore different restaurants. Meditation was huge. Prayer was huge,” he shares. “Talking to family and friends who know who I am helped counterbalance the performance.”
He also emphasizes how the experience of filming Forever changed his emotional depth as an actor. “It really stressed me emotionally, which was nice. It was nice to be challenged.”
Character Growth That Mirrors Real Life
What Cooper is most excited for viewers to see in Forever is the character development—particularly Justin’s. “He was such an awkward cat at the top of the show. There’s like this counterpoint between his confidence and insecurity,” Cooper explains. Watching Justin evolve is part of the show’s emotional core, and for Cooper, it was “a treat” to experience that growth through performance.
A Future Grounded in Purpose
As Forever prepares to reach more audiences, Michael Cooper Jr remains grounded. “I love swimming, the batting cage, hanging with friends and family. I love reading the Bible—it’s my favorite book.
Those are things that keep me sane in a fast-paced industry.”
And while he may be new to acting, Cooper’s grounded perspective, openness to growth, and deep connection to his character suggest this is only the beginning. With Forever, Michael Cooper Jr. doesn’t just deliver a standout performance—he introduces himself as one of the most promising new talents on television.
