KeiLyn Durrel Jones Details Deeper Bond Between Michael Jackson & His Bodyguard

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Throughout Michael Jackson’s life, and especially as shown in the recent biopic, one person was consistently at his side: his bodyguard, Billy Bray. Beyond his well-known family, his manager father, and his exotic pets, Bray was a constant and visible presence in Jackson’s world.

Bobby Bray first started working with the Jackson 5 for security, but he soon became Michael Jackson’s personal bodyguard, protecting him from overly enthusiastic fans and even from difficult moments with his own father. Over time, their relationship went beyond just professional security. Bray became a trusted confidant and a father figure to Michael, offering support and guidance when Michael felt he couldn’t rely on his own father for what he needed.

Before the release of the movie Michael, Liam Crowley from ScreenRant interviewed KeiLyn Durrel Jones, the actor who played Bray, to discuss the significance of the connection between his character and the late singer.

The script changed and developed as we filmed, which is common when a team starts working together. From the beginning, Bill was always present – quiet, observant, and protective. The character Joe even directly tells someone to protect him at all costs. Historically and in the film, Bill Bray started as the Jackson Five’s head of security, but he quickly formed a strong connection with Michael and naturally became his protector. That relationship seemed to develop organically both in real life and during filming. While I’m not a father, I have close relationships with people I care for, like my nieces and nephews.

Growing up with a large family of men – my father and several uncles – had a big influence on me. I wanted to capture that feeling in this work. I picture my grandfather, Bill Bray, feeling proud of this person when he’s performing – watching him grow and become confident. But I also wanted to show that same person needing a safe and supportive environment, a place to relax and be protected, when he’s not on stage.

How Jones’ Late Casting Shaped The Film’s Key Relationship

Colman Domingo joined the cast of the Michael biopic a bit later in the filming process, after director Antoine Fuqua had already assembled a strong group of actors. While it can be challenging joining a project that’s already underway, especially one as ambitious as this, Domingo told ScreenRant that landing the role was “a dream come true.”

Working with director Antoine was a dream for me – he’s truly one of the best. He’s a quiet, direct person who has a clear vision, but also gives actors room to explore. As we started filming, he gave me and my co-star the freedom to develop our characters and relationship. Antoine and producer Graham King both wanted to emphasize the deep connection between the characters Michael and Bill. Bill served as a trusted friend and a supportive figure – almost like an uncle – allowing Michael to simply be himself, without the pressures of performing or fulfilling other roles. We really focused on bringing that authentic, comfortable bond to life.

Even though Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew who plays him in the film, was cast late in the process, it didn’t affect the connection between him and the rest of the cast. Jones explained that they quickly worked to build a genuine relationship, both during and outside of filming, so their connection would feel real to viewers.

Luckily, Jaafar is a genuinely wonderful person. His performance, really capturing the spirit of his uncle, was amazing. But even when we weren’t filming, we just connected and built a good relationship. Bill and Michael were known for their playful pranks and sense of humor, and Jaafar and I fell into a similar easygoing dynamic – it wasn’t something we forced, we just naturally got to know each other and enjoyed working together.

We used to play a lot of silly pranks on each other – things like surprising people from behind, playfully tapping their knees to make them jump, or tickling them with grass. We also loved taking sneaky pictures of each other with our phones.

Jones Hints At Possibility Of Michael Sequel

Reports suggest director Antoine Fuqua has over four and a half hours of footage from the making of Michael, which could allow for a sequel focusing on the singer’s life after his 1988 Bad World Tour concert at Wembley Stadium. Although a second film isn’t officially happening yet, the first film’s strong opening weekend might make it more likely. In an interview with ScreenRant, actor Colman Domingo, who played Joe Jackson, said he would definitely return as Bray if a sequel is approved.

It’s hard to fit a full life story into a two-hour film, especially someone as complex as Michael Jackson. I’m optimistic the filmmakers have a good plan for telling it. I haven’t seen any early versions of the movie, but I trust their creative choices and I’m eager to see how the final story comes together.

It would be crazy to pass this up. Being part of something with such a history, and having my work connected to it, is a huge opportunity. Plus, I’d love to keep collaborating with people like Jaafar and Graham. It would be incredibly exciting.

Check out more of our Michael coverage here:

  • The First 30 Minutes Of Michael Should Be The Entire Movie
  • Michael Jackson Biopic Officially Breaks All-Time Rotten Tomatoes Record
  • Major Michael Jackson Songs Missing From 2026 Biopic Addressed By Director & Producer

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2026-04-28 23:29