Getting ready for a major film premiere can often feel like a whirlwind, but for actor Tre Horton, who portrays Marlon Jackson in the upcoming ‘Michael’ film, the experience was all about intention and a calm focus. Instead of pre-event jitters, Horton and his team embraced a grounded approach to ensure he felt confident and present for the big night.
Setting the Vibe: Music and Mindfulness
Horton’s pre-premiere ritual is designed to slow things down and keep him centered. Music plays a key role, with a curated playlist of ’90s R&B and pop hits from legends like Michael Jackson, Usher, and Aaliyah setting the mood. It’s not about loud, distracting beats, but rather a gentle energy boost.
Combined with low lighting and a relaxed atmosphere, this routine transforms the backstage chaos into a personal reset. “It slows everything down,” Horton shared with ESSENCE. “These events can be a lot, so having that routine keeps me grounded and focused. It reminds me to stay present and just enjoy the moment instead of overthinking it.”
A Nod to the King of Pop: The ‘Thriller’ Inspired Look
The goal for Horton’s premiere look was clear: polished, authentic, and effortlessly cool. Stylist Kevin Hernandez aimed for a sharp yet natural aesthetic, drawing subtle inspiration from Michael Jackson’s iconic ‘Thriller’ era. The aim wasn’t a costume, but a modern homage.
“I wanted to place Tre in a look that paid homage to Michael Jackson while still feeling modern and authentic to him,” Hernandez explained. The standout piece was a leather jacket with ‘Bite Me’ detailing on the back, a rebellious touch that echoed MJ’s rockstar energy. This was balanced with sleek, wearable items to keep the look elevated, not theatrical.
Accessorizing with Personal Touches
The accessories added a personal and refined layer to the ensemble. A vintage Chrome Hearts cross necklace and layered rings from small Los Angeles boutiques brought a unique flair. Tom Ford sunglasses added an undeniable cool factor, while Steve Madden provided the footwear.
- Leather ‘Bite Me’ jacket
- Vintage Chrome Hearts necklace
- Layered rings from LA boutiques
- Tom Ford sunglasses
- Steve Madden shoes
Grooming and Teamwork
The grooming followed the same minimalist philosophy, focusing on enhancing Horton’s natural features with hydrated skin and clean details. “It’s really about enhancing what’s already there,” he noted.
Hernandez highlighted the seamless collaboration with the styling and grooming teams, emphasizing a shared vision and mutual trust. “We all shared the same goal of making Tre look sharp and elevated,” he said. “It was driven by instinct and trust.”
He’s always willing to try things on, even if he doesn’t fully see the vision at first. One of my favorite moments is when he says, ‘Okay, I see the vision now.’ — Kevin Hernandez on working with Tre Horton
For Horton, true confidence stems from staying connected to his passion and the process, a perspective greatly supported by his dedicated team. As he looks forward to the release of ‘Michael,’ he’s also hinting at new creative endeavors, including his own music.
What do you think of Tre Horton’s premiere style? Let us know in the comments if you’re excited to see him in ‘Michael’!