Ryan Coogler’s Secret Find: Meet the Musical Prodigy Who Stole the Show in ‘Sinners’!

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As Ryan Coogler embarked on crafting his new movie “Sinners”, he recognized a crucial character: Sammie, the adolescent relative of Michael B. Jordan’s twin characters, Smoke and Stack, who were portrayed as gangsters.

In a small town, Sammie, a young man who works the fields and is the son of a local minister, harbors a secret ambition to be a blues artist. The twin owners of a freshly opened juke joint persuade him to showcase his talent there. As he does, his extraordinary musical prowess triggers a series of strange, otherworldly occurrences. Finding the ideal actor for this role proved challenging; they needed someone who could belt out tunes with as much intensity as they could convey emotion.

Coogler and casting director Francine Maisler sifted through audition videos from various parts of the globe – some submitted by musicians with no acting experience, others by actors with no musical background, and a myriad of other candidates in between. However, one youngster’s video particularly caught their attention.

He seemed to be shrouded in darkness – as if he hadn’t bothered to switch on his lights. There was an alluring mystery about it, Coogler explains to EbMaster. “This young man appeared to be tucked away in a basement, taking breaks from homework. Yet, he possessed a voice of extraordinary quality – a rarity. And he embodied the character perfectly.

That kid was Miles Caton.

Unbeknownst to Coogler, Caton was a musical prodigy, the son of renowned gospel singer Timiney Figueroa. He started performing when he was just a toddler and his powerful voice caught the attention of gospel legends such as Fred Hammon, Faith Evans, Erica Cambell, Bishop TD Jakes, and H.E.R., who won both an Oscar and a Grammy. Before even graduating from high school, H.E.R. invited Caton to join her on tour.

Coogler felt there was something extraordinary about the boy, not just as a talent, but as a person. He had such a strong singing ability that he could have skipped high school, but he chose to complete it regardless. This intrigued Coogler, who thought, ‘Wow, we need to get this child involved.’

Despite our virtual meeting via Zoom, Caton’s appearance instantly conveys the subject of Coogler’s discussion. At only 20 years old (having just celebrated his birthday before the “Sinners” press tour began), he is casually attired in a black bomber jacket, rimless glasses, and a New York Yankees cap. He exudes both youthful energy and a mature presence, demonstrating his experience as a performer. Yet, he remains modest about venturing into a fresh medium. (Caton has acted in school plays and short films, but nothing quite like what “Sinners” demanded.) Most notably, Caton is genuinely enthusiastic about making his movie debut.

Caton admits he’s still struggling to take it all in, grinning as he recounts his recent viewing of the completed movie. He finds it remarkable how different it is to be part of the filming process compared to watching it unfold on the big screen. Upon seeing himself, he exclaimed, ‘Wow, that’s me!’

In this piece, Caton shares his thoughts about the exhilarating journey of his first major film appearance in “Sinners,” set to release on April 18th, along with insights gained from being part of the creative circle of Coogler and Jordan.

Did you dream of becoming an actor?

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been the one cracking jokes and bringing laughter to our family gatherings. It’s only natural that acting, a profession centered around entertaining people, seemed appealing to me. However, I never anticipated an opportunity like this would come my way, especially not now. Yet here I am, thrilled to be embracing this moment.

How did you get on their radar?

As a child, I honed my singing skills, eventually getting selected to perform backup for H.E.R. at just 16 years old. We toured globally together, forming a strong bond – she became something like an older sister to me. One day after our tour ended, she phoned and said, “Dude, someone in the audience saw you and wants you to try out for this role. I believe you’ll be amazing.” I agreed, unsure of what was ahead. After the audition, I received a callback and submitted some performance videos. A few weeks later, I got the call, securing the role.

This was a top-secret project. How much did they tell you about it?

Initially, when I received the manuscript, it seemed to be merely a short passage about a child strumming a guitar. I skimmed through a few sentences, unaware of the scope that was soon to unfold. However, as curiosity took over, I thought to myself, let me give it a shot and see where this leads. Upon obtaining the complete script, my jaw dropped in awe!

Once I got the role, they sent everything over, and I was blown away.

So, you were just going on faith …

I had complete trust in him! Ryan is someone I greatly admire, as he hasn’t made a single bad movie yet, so I felt confident that I would also excel.

What did you admire about Ryan’s work?

The unique touch he adds to movies is consistently intriguing. He manages to personalize each production, seamlessly integrating cultural elements and connecting all aspects. Whether it’s “Black Panther,” “Creed,” or “Fruitvale Station,” there’s always an emotional depth that resonates. You can truly sense the movie’s essence in every frame.

What did y’all talk about the first time you met?

For the first time, our conversation happened over a video call, where we introduced ourselves. He shared that he hails from Oakland, while I disclosed my origin as New York City. We engaged in an enjoyable discussion, exchanging thoughts on the job position and possibilities it presented. It was quite cool!

Were you nervous or excited?

I was thrilled! I felt like saying, “Hey, that’s Ryan Coogler!” It was just surreal, a long-held aspiration coming to life. He shared the opportunity, and he mentioned, “I believe you’re the right fit.

What was that like to hear? You’ve never acted, but he saw something in you.

That had a profound impact on me. It felt almost unbelievable, but somehow, everything happens according to its own schedule. When the moment comes for us, we must be prepared and present.

How did you prepare to play this role?

Prior to the commencement of filming, we embarked on a two-month long preparatory phase. During this period, I needed to master playing blues guitar, so I spent two months working diligently with Randy Bowland. He is an exceptional touring musician who imparted the essential foundations to me.

Afterward, I collaborated with dialect and acting coach, Beth McGuire (who is also Jordan’s coach), to grasp the Mississippi dialect and master every intricate aspect of its pronunciation.

How many hours did you work on that blues guitar?

Probably, like five to six hours every day. I got calluses!

What do you remember about your first day on set? Who was your scene with?

The first day was quite chaotic, as I found myself navigating through numerous components. However, the realization of being present there brought a sense of excitement amidst my slight apprehension. I shared my feelings with Ryan, who reassured me by saying, “Relax, just be you. You’ll do great.” Following his advice, I eased into the scenario alongside Michael B. Jordan.

What was it like to look over and realize you’re about to do a scene with Michael B. Jordan?

What an amazing experience! Mike truly is an outstanding individual. He’s consistently shown his support for me, proving himself to be a fantastic companion. Throughout our journey, he’s been nothing short of terrific. Whenever I needed guidance or advice, he was always ready to offer it, and even helped me master various acting techniques.

However, filming that day was quite chaotic. I found myself thinking, “I need to give my best performance, I must stay focused.” Consequently, I memorized every line perfectly and rehearsed tirelessly. Interestingly, what I discovered was that it’s essential not to fear mistakes. Mike taught me that being present and engaging in a natural conversation within the scene is more important.

You hadn’t acted before, but you have been singing since you were … how old?

Since I was as young as three, I’ve always been familiar with the singing and musical elements of films. However, my preparation primarily revolved around acting, ensuring my performance was top-notch.

You’re not only featured singing as your character in the movie, but you also contributed an original track. What was it like writing music inspired by the film?

Wow, that was something extraordinary! Frankly, I didn’t foresee such a turn of events, but it feels like pure luck. I had the privilege of collaborating with the exceptional Ludwig Göransson – he’s nothing short of the greatest in the game, hands down – and the amazing Alice Smith, a truly gifted artist. Together, we crafted a song that I can hardly wait for you all to listen to!

Did the lyrics or the music come first? What is your process?

For this project, we let the music lead the way, and crafted the lyrics around the overall mood and emotionally resonant themes of the film.

Is it fair to say that you, like Sammie, are a preacher’s kid?

I was raised within the church environment, given that my grandfather serves as a pastor. This significant part of my life has deeply shaped who I am. I find many similarities with Sammie, particularly our shared experiences of nurturing our identities and faith, perceiving the world, and navigating through it, all under religious influences.

“Sinners,” like every movie Ryan Coogler makes, has so many layers to it thematically. But it’s still a vampire movie, so it’s action-packed, scary and intense. How was it getting into the darkness?

As a child, I frequently watched numerous horror films like “Friday the 13th”, “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and “A Vampire in Brooklyn” with Eddie Murphy. Thus, such elements didn’t scare me much. These experiences were actually what shaped my mindset before embarking on this project.

It was truly awe-inspiring to step onto the set and witness the entire setup – it’s one thing to read a script, but quite another to observe how everything comes together with all the props involved. The experience of seeing the special effects in action was particularly thrilling.

What does your family think about your acting debut? What is it like for them to see you live this dream?

Throughout my life, my loved ones have not only financially supported me but also nurtured me emotionally. Therefore, their witnessing this achievement of mine holds a significant value for me. I feel incredibly fortunate to have such amazing individuals in my life who offer unwavering support, helping me soar higher while keeping me humble at the same time.

You are only 20, and you’ve accomplished a lot, but it is just the beginning. What does the future look like? Have you been bitten by the acting bug?

I believe that’s correct. Previously, my primary focus was on music and being an artist. However, with this new experience under my wing, I no longer feel confined to a single path. I now believe I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Consequently, I’m eager to explore acting opportunities.

Do you have a type of movie you’d like to star in? You mentioned you were kind of the clown of the family, so, comedy?

I have a strong affinity for humor, action sequences, and thrilling adventures. I’m deeply invested in the Marvel universe; it stands as the crème de la crème, aiming ever upward towards the pinnacle of entertainment.

Which superhero do you want to play?

I mean, my name is Miles…

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2025-04-04 01:50