With 'Sinners,' Miles Caton Discovered His True Potential

The breakout star had no idea what would come of his debut in Ryan Coogler's critically acclaimed horror film. Now, he's poised to collect potential Oscar nods.

This interview is part of “Pivotal,” a Q&A series where we highlight the defining moments that have shaped a star’s career — from breakthrough roles to game-changing milestones to epic moments that catapult them into the spotlight. Read our previous interview with Jabari Banks here.

Nothing has been the same for Miles Caton since his remarkable debut in Ryan Coogler’s critically acclaimed horror spectacle “Sinners.” In fact, as the budding star puts it, “Life has changed tremendously,” and in the best way possible.

Before Caton was hand-selected to portray the role of sweet-singing Sammie “Preacher Boy” Moore, the 20-year-old’s sole focus was on pursuing a career in music, a path he was practically destined for, coming from a gifted family of gospel powerhouses. Aside from a couple of school productions, the Brooklyn native had no formal acting experience, nor had he paid any mind to becoming a professional actor one day. According to him, “music was always the thing.”

“It was always my dream to be a musician, to be an artist,” Caton shared on an early November Zoom, noting early influences he was inspired by, including Michael Jackson.

“That was something I always had in mind. But throughout the way, I had done little stuff that, looking back now, makes sense that I would venture off into acting,” he continued. “I did a couple of plays, but it was never in my mind that I’m gonna be an actor [or] a movie star.”