Newcomer Michael Cooper Jr. forever Has changed life.

Based on the 1975 Judy Blume novel and told through modern lenses, the eight-episode Netflix series is an exploration of young love. Cooper plays Justin Edwards, a teenager with inexperienced and somewhat awkwardness.

"Mara wrote in the script that he had confidence in one foot and the other on insecurity," Cooper told Cooper. Hollywood Reporter He explained his role via Zoom call, and he also participated in his high school basketball team. "I think it's so beautiful that I'm able to layer the show. It's really special to see (he) grow up throughout the process. As an actor, it's a treat Mara gives me."

After moderate parts in 2022 Come up and residentCooper said that a character that resonated like Justin was his first protagonist. Below, the actors and thr About Forever, the person who ranks number one on the call sheet and looks for guidance.

What are you doing forever like? What does experience mean to you?

The story itself is beautiful. It resonates with many people. This is an adult story. Judy Blume is an amazing creator, Mara Brock (Akil’s adaptation, it hits my home for me. There’s a lot of connective tissue, whether it’s black, his experience or the young and his first love, and that’s something I can connect with. Even (with Justin’s journey and his particularity in ADHD, I struggled. I’m not the same as Justin. We’re completely different. But these are some of the things that really speak to me, and it honestly changes my perspective and how I see the world. Justin is an emotional and vulnerable person, and it sees into what I think I think I’m going to see things right now. It’s a gift I think I’ll receive from something like that, but that’s special.

Can you share more information about the performances performed by Mara Brock Akil?

It's Mara Brock Akil, do you know what I mean? It was indeed an honor and experience to be able to embed this measure and work so closely with her. She cared so much about her craft and story that it could be obvious. It is a binding nature of passion and love for the story. The reason I attended the show was service. I think Mara understands that as an artist, it has nothing to do with you, it has nothing to do with yourself. This is how we serve others and how we connect with them?

How does the finish line feel like this season? Have you been reflecting on this experience?

A little crazy. There is some time. When you shoot it, your character will seep into your little bit. I thought at the time what happened? Then I paraded with some friends, centered myself, and returned to me. ADR is something most actors have to do, and I vividly remember stepping into the booth, while Mara is in her office in Los Angeles, and she is on the microphone. I was speaking in my normal voice and she was like, "No, no. You sound like a 25-year-old man from the club. I need you to lift a couple." I was like, Oh, I forgot that Justin was a kid. We have created something strange and now the world is going to see it. Feeling fragile. There is no word to describe it, but what I can say is that it feels like a very intimate experience and now we are just allowing the world to enter.

Given that this is your first leadership role, this project may be a touch point throughout your career. Did you feel it while on the scene or another day on work?

Honestly, it feels like another day of work and doesn’t have to think about the overall situation. You are very focused on who Justin is and how we serve the story. You don't really think of anything behind. You're wondering how I should (put my heart (put my heart) into it? How do I move my soul and the best foot forward every day? It's intense. I'm new. You watch TV, watch movies, like, wow. But a lot of things happen. As a young actor, it teaches me how to protect my craft. It teaches me how to be able to wire quickly or work with anyone or act on anyone. It teaches me a lot about my emotions and what I can give me. It's really stressed me emotionally, which is great. It's great to be challenged.

How do you disconnect from your character while performing?

What I can do, I can eat. I love eating food, so this is the touch point I like to make. I love exploring different restaurants. Meditation is very big. Praying very much. Talk to family who knows who I am, it’s a big part of the show I have to bring with Justin. These are the things I re-introduced.

What you're most excited about is what part of the show people see?

The role develops from beginning to end. They ride in a car. But I do think you're seeing Keisha and Justin grow and grow. Justin is such an awkward cat at the top of the show. One line Mara wrote about in the script is that he has confidence in one foot and the other on insecurity. There is this backlash. I think that was so beautiful that I was able to layer the show. It's really special to see (him) grow up throughout the process. As an actor, Mara gave me this a treat.

How collaborative is this process?

I'll call Mara and I'll ask her questions about Justin's pre-made ones. She trusts us when we start giving birth. She gives us room to create, fall, brave and bold, to make strong decisions, to make bad decisions because (() it is important to make all decisions so that we can indeed break the barriers to fear; something that can prevent us from retreating.

How do you learn on site? Do you like being thrown in? Or will anyone consult and collect information?

I think I have both. Honestly. I'm very transparent. I remember reading on the first table, which was the first table I ever had. I'm not sure if you're familiar First place on the call sheetlike a documentary that just came out. But I'm ranked number one on the call table and I don't understand the gravity of this. I looked at Karen (Pitman) and Wood (Harris), and they've been doing it for a long time. I was like, "Hello everyone, I have not received professional training. I have not received classic training. I have only worked in this industry for two years, three years. As long as I have been acting. I am scared." They just gave me words of encouragement. “You’re here for a reason.”

What do you like to do outside of the show? How do you decompress?

I like swimming. I love going to the batting cage and hitting my friends. Hang with friends and family. I love reading the Bible. This is my favorite book to read. These are the things that keep me rooted and sane, especially in a fast paced industry that you want you to produce.