How Miles Caton, the star of 'Sinners', landed the role of a lifetime

One of the year's most talked-about films features a performance that surprised everyone including the actor himself. Before joining Ryan Coogler's Sinners, Miles Caton was touring as a singer on Grammy-winning artist H.E.R.'s tour, with no immediate plans to pursue acting.

Growing up in Brooklyn, Caton performed in school plays and church productions alongside his sister, but he considered acting more as a future possibility. As a child, he gained attention online with a soulful rendition of Nina Simone's "Feeling Good" filmed in a moving car. With his focus on music, he wasn't actively seeking acting opportunities until one night on tour, someone suggested he audition for a movie.

At that time, little was known about what would become Sinners. Coogler had sold the rights to Warner Bros., with Michael B. Jordan attached to star, and the project was shrouded in secrecy. "There was no information about it on social media at all," Caton recalls.

Encouraged by H.E.R., Caton began the audition process, starting with a self-taped interview accompanied by a guitar performance. He practiced Sam Cooke's "Bring It on Home to Me," completing multiple takes before submitting a version he was satisfied with. This led to filming his first self-tape audition, performing two early scenes from the film.

Two weeks later, Caton received a callback for an in-person audition in Los Angeles. Meeting Michael B. Jordan immediately upon arrival, along with casting director Francine Maisler, composer Ludwig Gransson, and Coogler, Caton felt confident about his performance regardless of the outcome.

A few weeks later, Caton received the call confirming he had landed the role. Coogler then arranged for an acting coach, guitar lessons, and an intensive blues training to prepare him for the part. According to Gransson, Catons musical talent was exceptional, even though he initially couldn't play guitar. "He had three-and-a-half months to learn," Gransson said, "and by the week before shooting, I was blown away."

On set, Caton fully embraced his character, Preacher Boy. When presented with the pivotal song "I Lied to You," he mastered it within a few days, demonstrating both dedication and talent that ultimately helped bring the film to life.

Author: Sophia Brooks