Keke Palmer and her 3-year-old son, Leo, recreated the 1995 “Scream” music video by Michael and Janet Jackson for Halloween 2026. The “Nope” actress and her son utilized black-and-white visuals, futuristic costumes, and accurate Jackson hairstyles to mirror the original production. On Wednesday, Oct. 28, the 33-year-old Emmy-winning host and her only child brought the electric energy and thrilling choreography of the Mark Romanek-directed video to life.
Palmer shared the recreation on Instagram, featuring a video where she performed choreography from the song while Leo sat nearby with an iPad. At times, Palmer performed the dance moves solo while her son watched her channel the “That’s the Way Love Goes” singer. In the caption, Palmer wrote, Happy Halloween from me && my mini me!! That iPad is a life saver omg. I haven’t stopped laughing. 🎃✨🤣.
Palmer Credits Contributors for Jackson Tribute Visuals
The production involved several contributors; Palmer tagged digital creator Moses Alexander in the video and credited Jacob Webster for the photos. The imagery featured Palmer with Janet Jackson’s spiky hair and Leo with Michael Jackson’s slicked-back style, recreating moments from the original spacecraft setting.
In a post accompanying the photos, Palmer told her son, I love you so much, buddy. It’s so much fun playing with you! You will take over the family business, your way, someday. My SCREAM come true.
Public and Celebrity Reactions
The tribute received praise from various figures, including Janet Jackson, who responded with a heart emoji. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Vanessa Vanjie commented on Leo’s presence in the video, stating, Not him with the tablet watching you twirl.
One commenter suggested that Leo’s star power was already surpassing Palmer’s, writing, Girl, he’s outperforming you.
You need to fight for your spot.
Halloween Tradition
The pair has maintained a Halloween tradition since Leo was eight months old. Previous costumes include the Bride of Frankenstein and Dr. Frankenstein in 2023, and Cersei Lannister and King Joffrey from “Game of Thrones” in 2024. Last Halloween, they recreated the 2000 music video for “Bow Wow (That’s My Name)” as Snoop Dogg and Bow Wow.
Palmer Welcomes Son with Darius Jackson
Palmer welcomed Leodis “Leo” Jackson with ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson in February 2023. Her 2026 tribute follows other celebrity reveals for the holiday from Chloe Bailey, Paris Hilton, and Kim Kardashian.
More on Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer dropped the BTS in the creation of her and her son, Leo, as Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson in “Scream” for Halloween. 🤣😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/YbIiAbWZUQ
