If you’ve spent any time scrolling through the "coming of age" or "musical drama" sections on Disney+, you’ve probably stumbled across Lifted. It’s one of those movies that feels intensely personal, likely because it’s rooted in a very specific, soulful intersection of gospel music and modern adolescence. When people start searching for the cast of Lifted, they aren't just looking for a list of names they can find on an IMDb landing page. They’re usually trying to figure out if that kid actually has those pipes (spoiler: he does) and where they recognize the supporting cast from. It’s a small, tight-knit ensemble that carries a lot of emotional weight.
The film, directed by Mykee Selkin and released in 2022, isn't a blockbuster. It’s a character study. Because the narrative centers on a young boy entering a singing competition while dealing with a volatile home life, the casting had to be pitch-perfect. If the lead couldn't sing, the movie would collapse. If the mother wasn't believable in her struggle, the stakes would vanish.
The Breakthrough Lead: Javon "Wanna" Walton as Young Apollo
Most people know Javon Walton from Euphoria. He played Ashtray, the stone-cold, hammer-wielding kid who definitely wasn't singing gospel songs. Seeing him transition into the lead role of the cast of Lifted as Apollo was a massive pivot.
It’s a transformation.
Walton brings a gritty vulnerability to Apollo. In the film, he’s a middle schooler with a gift for music that serves as his only real escape from a chaotic household. His performance isn't just about the vocals; it’s about that specific brand of "stiff upper lip" that kids develop when they’re trying to protect their parents. Walton is a real-life boxing prodigy and elite athlete, which gives him a physical presence that’s unusual for a musical lead. He doesn't look like a "theater kid." He looks like a kid from the neighborhood who happens to have a god-given talent he's almost afraid to use.
The chemistry he maintains with his onscreen mother is the engine of the film. While Walton's career has largely been defined by "tough guy" roles in The Umbrella Academy or Samaritan, Lifted proves he has a much higher ceiling as a dramatic actor.
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Sasha Knight and the Supporting Energy
The dynamics of the cast of Lifted extend beyond the family unit. Sasha Knight plays a pivotal role, and if you follow indie cinema, you might recognize them from Cowboys (2020), where they gave a powerhouse performance alongside Steve Zahn.
In Lifted, the supporting players have to do a lot of heavy lifting with very little screen time. The film relies on "vibe." You have to believe these people exist in this specific town, under these specific pressures.
Why the Casting Works for This Genre
Gospel-themed movies often fall into the trap of being "preachy" or overly polished. This cast avoids that. There’s a rawness to the way they interact.
- The dialogue feels improvised in spots—lots of overlapping talk and "kinda" and "sorta" phrasing that mirrors real life.
- The age-appropriateness is actually refreshing. You aren't watching 25-year-olds play 14-year-olds.
- There is a visible lack of "glamour." The wardrobe is lived-in. The hair isn't perfect.
The Role of Music and Authenticity
When discussing the cast of Lifted, you can't ignore the musical direction. The film was produced by a team that clearly understood gospel and hip-hop culture. For the actors, this meant their "performances" during the competition scenes had to feel like they were evolving. Apollo starts the movie singing with his head down. By the end, the actor's body language changes entirely.
That’s hard to fake.
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A lot of viewers often ask: Is Javon Walton really singing? The answer is a bit nuanced. While Walton is a performer, many of the heavy vocal arrangements in films like this involve "sweetening" in post-production or vocal doubles for the high-intensity gospel runs. However, the acting of the song—the breathing, the neck muscles straining, the eye contact—that is all Walton. He sells the soul of the character even in the moments where the audio might be a studio-perfected track.
Understanding the "Mom" Dynamic
The character of the mother is perhaps the most tragic and complex part of the cast of Lifted. She’s played with a jagged, heartbreaking realism. She represents the "anchor" that is unfortunately dragging the protagonist down, not out of malice, but out of her own inability to stay afloat.
Usually, in Disney-adjacent movies, parents are either perfect or "Disney-evil."
Not here.
She’s human. She’s tired. She wants the best for Apollo but doesn't know how to provide it without sacrificing her own stability. The actress (who delivers a performance reminiscent of some of the best gritty indie dramas of the 2010s) manages to make you root for her even when she’s making mistakes.
Where Are They Now?
Since the film's release, the cast of Lifted has scattered into various high-profile projects. Javon Walton has leaned further into his boxing career while remaining a staple in the "gritty teen" genre. Sasha Knight continues to be a voice for nuanced, gender-diverse storytelling in Hollywood.
The film remains a bit of a "sleeper hit." It doesn't get the marketing budget of a Marvel movie, obviously. But for those who find it, the cast is usually the thing that sticks. It’s the kind of movie you recommend to a friend by saying, "You know that kid from Euphoria? Yeah, he’s actually a really good dramatic lead."
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The Real-World Impact of the Story
Movies like Lifted serve a specific purpose in the current streaming landscape. They fill the gap between "kids' movies" and "adult dramas."
The cast had to navigate a script that deals with:
- Economic instability in marginalized communities.
- The pressure of "making it out" through talent.
- The burden of parental addiction/mental health issues.
Honestly, it’s a lot for a young cast. But because they didn't overplay the "misery," the movie feels hopeful. It’s about the lift, not just the weight.
Actionable Steps for Fans of the Cast
If you enjoyed the performances in Lifted and want to see more of this specific ensemble's range, here is how you should navigate their filmography:
- Watch Javon Walton in Euphoria (HBO): To see the absolute polar opposite of his role in Lifted. It shows his range from a silent, dangerous kid to a vocal, vulnerable one.
- Check out Sasha Knight in Cowboys: If you want to see why they are considered one of the most promising young actors in the indie circuit. It’s a much more grounded, Western-style drama.
- Follow the Soundtrack: The music in Lifted is often more popular than the movie itself on certain platforms. Look for the "Lifted Original Soundtrack" to hear the full versions of the gospel-trap fusions that define Apollo’s sound.
- Look for Mykee Selkin's Interviews: The director has spoken at length about the casting process and why he chose "real" looking kids over polished child stars. It adds a whole layer of appreciation to the viewing experience.
The cast of Lifted represents a shift in how streaming services are approaching "urban" coming-of-age stories—moving away from stereotypes and toward something that feels a bit more like a documentary of the soul. It’s not a perfect movie, but the people in it are doing real, honest work.
To get the most out of your viewing, pay attention to the scenes where Apollo is not singing. The silence between the characters often tells more about their relationship than the lyrics do. Focus on the subtle ways Javon Walton uses his physical training—the posture, the way he carries his backpack—to communicate a kid who is constantly on guard. That is where the real acting happens.