Newcomer Michael Cooper Jr.s experience on Mara Brock Akils coming-of-age drama Forever has been life-changing.

Based on the 1975 Judy Blume novel of the same name and told through a modern lens, the eight-episode Netflix series is an exploration of young love. Cooper plays Justin Edwards, an inexperienced and somewhat awkward L.A. teenager.

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 over a Zoom call, explaining his character who also plays on his high school basketball team. I thought that was so beautiful that I was able to layer that in the show. To see [him] grow throughout was really special. That was a treat, as an actor, that Mara gave me. After modest parts in 2022s On the Come Up and The Inhabitant, a character as resonant as Justin marks his first leading role is an additional gift, Cooper says. Below, the actor speaks with THR about Forever, being number one on the call sheet and who he looks to for guidance.

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

The story itself is beautiful. It resonates with so many people. Its a coming-of-age story. Judy Blume is an amazing creator, and Mara Brock [Akil]s adaptation, it hits home for me. Theres so much connective tissue, whether it be being a Black man and his experience or being a young man and his first love, those are things that I was able to connect with. Even [the] journey with Justin and his specificity when it comes to ADHD, something I struggle with. Me and Justin arent the same. Were completely different guys. But those are some of the things that really spoke to me, and it honestly altered my perception and how I view the world. Justins such an emotional and vulnerable guy, and it seeped into how I perceive things now. It was a gift that I didnt think that I was going to ever receive from something like that, but its been special.

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

Its Mara Brock Akil, do you know what I mean? To be able to even be embedded in something of this measure and to work with her so closely, it really was an honor and an experience. She cares so much about her craft and about her story that its palpable on set. Its this binding thing of passion and love for the story. The reason why I got into acting was of service. I think Mara understands that as an artist, its not about you, its not about self. Its how can we serve other people and how can we connect to them?

Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin Edwards behind the scenes of Episode 101 of Forever. Elizabeth Morris/Netflix How does it feel to be over the finish line with this season? Have you been reflecting on the experience?

Its kind of crazy. There has been some lull time. When youre shooting it, your character kind of seeps in you a little bit. I was like, what is going on? To then come out of it, I went on a cruise with some friends to kind of center myself and to come back to me. ADR is something that most actors have to do, and I vividly remember stepping into the booth and Mara was in the offices in L.A. and she was on the mic. I was speaking in my normal voice, and shes like, No, no, no. You sound like youre a 25-year-old man from the club. I need you to up the octaves a couple. I was like, oh, I forgot Justins a kid. Its been this weird thing that weve created something, and now the world is about to see it. It feels vulnerable. Theres no words to describe it, but what I can say is it feels like a very intimate experience and now were just allowing the world to be let in.

Given its your first leading role, this project will likely be a touch point for you throughout your career. Are you feeling that when on set or is it just another day at work?

Honestly, it just feels like another day of work, not necessarily thinking of the overall picture. Youre so focused on who Justin is and how we can serve the story. Youre not really thinking of anything that falls after. Youre thinking of 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? Its intense. Im so new to this. You watch television, you watch movies, youre like, wow. But theres so much that goes on. Its taught me, as a young actor, how to protect my craft. Its taught me how to be able to pick up lines quickly or to work with anybody or act off of anybody. It taught me a lot about my emotionality and what I can give. It really, it stressed me emotionally, which was nice. It was nice to be challenged.

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

What I would do to treat myself, I would eat. I like to eat food, so that was a touch point of what I like to do. I like to explore different restaurants. Meditation was huge. Prayer was huge. Talking to family friends who know who I am was a huge part of counterbalancing the performance that I had to bring with Justin. Those were a little of my re-centering things.

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

The development of the characters from start to finish. They go on a rollercoaster ride. But I really do think you see Keisha and Justin grow and develop. Justin was such an awkward cat at the top of the show. One line Mara wrote in the script was that he has one foot in confidence and the other foot in insecurity. Theres like this counterpoint. I thought that was so beautiful that I was able to layer that in the show. To see [him] grow throughout was really special. That was a treat, as an actor, that Mara gave me.

Michael Cooper Jr. attends Netflixs Forever Los Angeles Special Screening and After Party at TUDUM Theater on May 6, 2025. Kayla Oaddams/Getty Images for Netflix How collaborative was this process?

I would call Mara, and I would ask her questions about Justin in pre-production. When we were in production, she trusted us. She gave us the space to create, to fall flat, to be brave and be bold, make strong decisions, make wrong decisions, because [its] important to make all the decisions so we can really break the barrier of fear; something that could potentially hold us back.

How do you go about learning on set? Do you like being thrown into it, or do you consult anyone and gather information?

I think Im a little bit of both. Honestly. Im very transparent. I remember at the very first table read, it was my first table read ever. Im not sure if youre familiar with Number One on the Call Sheet, Its like a documentary that just came out. But I was number one on the call sheet, and I didnt understand the gravity of that. I looked to Karen [Pittman] and Wood [Harris], whove been doing it for a long time. I was like, Hey guys, Im not professionally trained. Im not classically trained. Ive only been in this industry for two, three years. Thats as long as Ive been acting for. Im scared. They just gave me words of encouragement. Youre here for a reason.

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

I like swimming. I like going to the batting cage and batting with my friends. Hanging with friends and family. I love reading the Bible. Its my favorite book to read. Those are things that keep me grounded and keep me sane, especially in an industry thats so fast-paced and wants you to produce.