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For Tre Horton, who plays Marlon Jackson in Michael, getting ready for the premiere was less about chaos and more about intention. While red carpet moments often come with rushing, last-minute tweaks, and nerves, Horton approached the evening with a grounded mindset and a clear sense of purpose.

What excited him most wasn’t just stepping onto the carpet, it was the chance to celebrate the film alongside the people who helped bring it to life. “So much work went into it,” he tells ESSENCE. “These moments don’t come around often, so being in the room with the cast, creatives, and audience, and feeling that energy, is what I’m most excited about.”

Before the cameras, flashes, and fanfare, Horton keeps his getting-ready ritual calm and focused. Music sets the tone first. Think a playlist layered with ‘90s R&B and pop greats: Michael Jackson, Usher, and Aaliyah in rotation. Nothing too loud or distracting, just enough to keep the energy right. Add in low lighting and a relaxed atmosphere, and the vibe becomes less backstage frenzy, more private reset.

“It slows everything down,” Horton explains of his routine. “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.”

That same effortless energy extended to the final look. Horton wanted something polished but authentic, sharp without trying too hard. “The goal was clean, confident, and effortless,” he says. “Something elevated but still natural to me. A little bit of that classic, timeless energy, but still modern and sharp.”

To bring that vision to life, stylist Kevin Hernandez tapped into one of Michael Jackson’s most iconic eras: Thriller. Rather than create a costume-inspired replica, Hernandez focused on subtle references that honored the legend while keeping Horton firmly in his own lane. “I wanted to place Tre in a look that paid homage to Michael Jackson while still feeling modern and authentic to him,” Hernandez shares.

The centerpiece was a leather Earthling jacket featuring stud detailing across the back with the words “Bite Me,” adding a rebellious edge worthy of a modern-day rockstar. Hernandez balanced those statement elements with pieces that felt sleek and wearable, ensuring the overall look remained elevated instead of theatrical.

Accessories were equally intentional. A vintage Chrome Hearts cross necklace, layered rings sourced from smaller Los Angeles shops kept things personal, and Tom Ford sunglasses delivered a level of cool. And for the footwear came courtesy of Steve Madden. 

The grooming approach followed the same less-is-more philosophy. Horton kept it simple: hydrated skin, clean grooming, and polished details that enhanced rather thandecoding="async" src="https://media.essence.com/vxcjywbwpa/uploads/2026/04/Photo-Apr-21-2027-10-51-17-AM-1-Cropped-scaled.jpg" alt="Get Ready With Tre Horton For The ‘Michael’ Premiere" width="400" height="300" />The getting ready process has begun…The charm is in the details.A couple shots before stepping out.And just like that, he’s arrived.A quick word with the press before heading inside.A last snap for everyone before the theater doors.

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