Hollywood is a game of leverage. Honestly, talent is just the entry fee. You can have the best range in the world, but without the right machine behind you, those career-defining roles usually stay just out of reach. That’s why the industry took a sharp breath when news broke that M88 signs actor Michael Cooper Jr., the breakout star who basically stole every scene in Netflix’s Forever.
It’s a big move.
M88 isn't just another talent agency in a town full of them. Founded by Phillip Sun and Dave Becky, the firm has made a name for itself by representing the heavy hitters—think Michael B. Jordan and Idris Elba. By bringing Michael Cooper Jr. into the fold, they aren't just adding a name to a roster; they’re signaling where the next generation of leading men is coming from.
Who is the "Boy from Texas" anyway?
Michael Cooper Jr. didn't take the traditional route. Born in Dallas on March 5, 2002, he wasn’t a theater kid from birth. He played sports. He was "academic." His parents—a nurse and a pharmaceutical sales rep—expected him to head toward law or medicine. Typical, right?
But a sophomore-year role in High School Musical changed things. He got the itch.
He graduated early in 2020 (missing his own prom because of the pandemic) and headed to Atlanta. While most people were baking sourdough during lockdown, he was grinding through self-tapes. He eventually landed roles in The Inhabitant and Sanaa Lathan’s On the Come Up, but it was the role of Justin Edwards in Forever—Mara Brock Akil’s reimagining of the Judy Blume classic—that turned him into a household name.
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Why M88 is the right move for Michael Cooper Jr.
Signing with M88 is a tactical play. While Cooper is still represented by Buchwald for theatrical and Platform Public Relations for his press, M88 acts as the strategic architect for his overall brand.
Most young actors get stuck in the "teen heartthrob" cycle. You know the one. You do three Netflix rom-coms and then you’re 30 years old wondering why you aren't being called for the gritty Oscars-bait dramas. M88 is famous for "culture-first" representation. They specialize in taking Black talent and ensuring they don't just get jobs, but that they own the narrative.
For Cooper, who has been vocal about wanting to portray "vulnerable Black boyhood" without the typical tropes of gangs or violence, this partnership is a match made in heaven. He’s already expressed a desire to show young Black men that it’s "okay to cry, bro." That kind of intentionality needs a management team that isn't just looking at the next paycheck, but at the next decade.
Breaking Down the "Forever" Effect
You can't talk about Michael Cooper Jr. signing with M88 without talking about Forever. The show has been a massive hit, recently renewed for a second season.
Cooper’s portrayal of Justin—a basketball player navigating ADHD and a complicated first love—resonated because it felt real. He actually spent time at a private school in Atlanta just observing students to capture that specific "teen angst" and "awkwardness."
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- Chemistry: His on-screen spark with Lovie Simone (who plays Keisha) wasn't an accident. They hung out for weeks before filming to build actual trust.
- Preparation: He spent a year prepping for the role, treating the craft like a "vocation" rather than a job.
- Impact: The show hit a 97% rating on some platforms, largely because it traded "pimps and shootings" for Black joy and emotional depth.
The Business Side of the Signing
Let's talk about the "M88 effect." When an agency like this signs a rising star, it often precedes a major jump in project scale. We're talking about transitioning from "TV star" to "Global Film Lead."
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| New Management | M88 (James Swoope and Jonathan Yue) |
| Current Agency | Buchwald |
| Breakout Role | Justin Edwards in Forever |
| Upcoming Projects | The Inhabitant (2025) and Season 2 of Forever |
It’s about diversification. M88 helps actors move into producing, fashion, and brand partnerships. Given that Cooper has already been seen in DA MAN Magazine rocking Y/Project and KidSuper, he’s clearly comfortable in the high-fashion space.
What most people get wrong about "Breakout Stars"
People think Michael Cooper Jr. is an overnight success. He isn't. He’s been working since 2020. He studied political science at Texas Tech (graduating in 2024) while simultaneously auditioning. He’s a guy who uses a flip phone when he’s at home to "protect his peace" and stay off social media.
He’s grounded. He even organized a Bible study on the Forever set called "Forever in Faith."
That kind of discipline is rare in Hollywood. It’s also exactly why a powerhouse like M88 wanted him. They aren't just betting on his face; they're betting on his character and his longevity.
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What’s next for Michael Cooper Jr.?
The immediate future is packed. With Forever Season 2 on the horizon and his nomination for a 2026 Independent Spirit Award for Best Breakthrough Performance, the momentum is dizzying.
If you're following his career, keep an eye on his project choices over the next 18 months. Now that M88 is steering the ship, expect fewer "typical" roles and more projects that challenge the audience's perception of Black masculinity.
Next Steps for Fans and Industry Observers:
- Watch (or re-watch) "Forever" on Netflix: Pay attention to the subtle ways Cooper handles Justin’s ADHD; it’s a masterclass in nuanced acting.
- Look for his name in Indie credits: Breakout stars often use their new leverage to do "one for them, one for me"—expect a gritty indie film soon.
- Follow the M88 roster: See how they’ve moved actors like Michael B. Jordan into directing. It wouldn't be surprising to see Cooper behind the camera in a few years.
This isn't just a contract signing. It’s the start of a new chapter for an actor who is determined to remain "just a boy from Texas" while becoming one of the most important voices in modern cinema.