When audiences leave the theater after watching Ryan Coogler’s latest movie, Sinners, one name will be on their minds long after the credits roll: Miles Caton.
A Brooklyn native with talent that runs deep in his bloodline, Caton is also the nephew of powerhouse vocalist Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper. From a young age, Caton was immersed in music and ministry, setting the stage for his multifaceted career.
With the spotlight on him for his upcoming star-making turn as Sammie Moore in the Michael B. Jordan-led supernatural film, Caton has entered into a brotherhood while making an impression in Hollywood.
Before acting, the 20-year-old’s musical journey began at the age of 2 when he was anointed to start singing. Guided by his mother, Figueroa, who is renowned for her expressive and soulful voice, Caton honed his vocal skills and developed a deep appreciation for gospel music. His early exposure to musical legends such as Fred Hammond, Faith Evans, Erica Campbell, and Smokie Norful shaped his musical style, while influential figures like his grandfather Bishop Eric Figueroa Sr. helped inspire his spiritual and personal growth.
At age 12, Caton gained national attention with his appearance on the third season of NBC’s Little Big Shots in 2018. His powerful rendition of Kurt Carr‘s For Every Mountain moved both audiences and judges, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
The young star’s talent has led to collaborations with several notable artists. In June 2023, he joined Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. on stage during Global Citizen’s Power Our Planet: Live in Paris event. Their surprise performance showcased Caton’s dynamic stage presence and vocal prowess. Additionally, in January 2019, Caton had the honor of performing alongside gospel icon Yolanda Adams in a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on ABC’s The View.
With a dynamic music career already underway, it wasn’t long before Caton set his sights on Hollywood. This year, he will make his feature film debut in Sinners.
The film, set to open on April 18, follows twin brothers—both played by Jordan—who return to their hometown only to confront unforeseen challenges. Set during the Jim Crow era of the 1930s, Sinners is a genre-defying movie. While it features vampires, it’s much more than that—and not what you might expect. Set in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 1932, the story unfolds over one long day and night in a rural town populated by sharecroppers and blues singers, capturing the essence of the South during that era.
With a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Sinners has both fans and critics buzzing about its originality and ambition. For a newcomer like Caton, being thrust into the spotlight can be a lot to take in.
“This moment is really special for me. Working with Ryan [Coogler] has been incredible. I looked up to him from Fruitvale Station to Black Panther. To get to meet him and see how he is behind the scenes was special. [Coogler] is really like a football coach,” Caton says about his experience working with the prolific director. “He’s always working with us…during certain scenes… whatever we were doing, he would be in it with us. If we were warming up, he’d do push-ups with us.”
It was Caton doing what he loves—being on stage and singing—that ultimately led to him landing the role of a lifetime. Having toured since he was 16, it was during a stop on tour with H.E.R. that everything changed. An attendee in the audience was in awe of Caton’s soulful voice.
“I was 18 or 19 years old… and [H.E.R.] called me one day and said, ‘Little bro, there’s this role… somebody was out there in the crowd. They saw you sing, and I think they might want you to do this,’” Caton explains about the early process of working on the film.
It was then that the New Yorker got the call to audition. As the film leans heavily on music, specifically blues, Caton proved he had what it takes to take on the role.
“I felt the pressure for sure. But because I look up to them [Coogler, Jordan], and because they’ve been such staples in the industry, I felt like I really needed to work hard to match that,” Caton explains. “I trained really hard. I worked with a dialect coach, Beth McGuire, who helped me with the script.”
As much as Sinners is a supernatural film, it is also a coming-of-age story for Caton’s character—one that parallels Caton’s own journey into adulthood. Throughout the film, we watch as a young Sammie struggles to accept the life his father wants for him, discovers love, and fights to follow his dreams, no matter the cost.
Sinners is the perfect role to showcase not only Caton’s acting chops but also his musical talent.
“Working with a dialect and acting coach really helped me. [McGuire] helped me break down the script so that I could understand each scene and how I needed to be emotionally and physically on set. I also play guitar in the film, so I had to train with a resonator guitar,” he explains about his preparation.
With the music score acting as a background character that sets the tone throughout the film, Caton had to research the deep roots and meaning of the blues genre. The Mississippi Delta, known for its fertile land and rich blues history, was an intentional setting chosen by Coogler. The blues originated in Black communities in the rural South, particularly in the Delta, following the Civil War—communities that are authentically represented in the film.
Caton is also featured throughout the film’s soundtrack, including his solo track, I Lied to You. Since filming, he says the blues have become a permanent part of his life—an influence fans can expect to hear in his future music.
Films that speak specifically to the Black community are often subjected to think pieces—some exploring the narratives that many audiences crave, while others critique the recurring themes of “Black pain” and call for fresher, more uplifting stories. From the setting and tone to the final sequence, Black Twitter will have its way dissecting Sinners.
“I think this is going to be a real conversation starter… It’s going to be something that we’re going to be able to talk about for a long time,” Caton says about what he hopes audiences take away from the film. “It’s culture. It’s music. The film also tells a real story.”
With movie premieres in both New York City and London, along with a special fan event in Mexico City, Caton has not slowed down since the film’s press tour began. Making sacrifices and using his time wisely to prepare is nothing new for the future Hollywood legend. In 2023, Caton graduated from high school while continuing to watch his career flourish.
“From the beginning, my whole family has been super supportive. They knew that music and acting was something that I would eventually do. Even from a young age, they helped me and pushed me in that area. Once I started traveling, I was with my mom and she said if this is what I wanted to do, she’ll support me.” Caton explains. “We figured out a way to graduate and do everything online. While we were on tour, I was doing work on my computer. So, a lot of sleepless nights. A lot of grinding.”
With Coogler and Jordan having collaborated on five films, Caton now finds himself welcomed into a rare brotherhood in Hollywood. While he’s always considered his own brother one of his closest friends, joining forces with two of the industry’s most influential figures has given him a new sense of community and mentorship.
“Mike specifically taught me the importance of being a good castmate. I think a lot of times when you’re on the screen, especially for the first time, you get so caught up in your head focusing on how this looks or how this is coming across. But, acting is also about being there for the other person. When they’re recording, you give your best performance so that they can give their best performance,” Caton says, recalling the advice Jordan gave him on set.
With a foundation rooted in gospel music and a burgeoning presence in film, Caton exemplifies versatility and dedication. His journey from a young gospel singer to a multifaceted artist reflects his commitment to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences across different mediums. As he continues to evolve as an artist, his impact on both music and film is only just beginning.
Sinners hit theaters in IMAX on April 18.
Check out the full interview.
Editor-in-Chief & Art Director: Eric Keith
Photographer: James ‘JD’ Barnes
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