When a gritty indie flick about rescuing trafficked kids from Colombian cartels unexpectedly outguns the summer’s superhero tentpoles, you know something extraordinary is afoot. Such was the underdog triumph of Sound of Freedom, the little film that could which punched above its weight class to gross over $150 million at the box office.
While Hollywood’s marquee names were battling CGI villains in tights, a ragtag band of established stars and fresh faces waged a very human war against the real-life horrors of the child trafficking underworld. Led by resident miracle worker Jim Caviezel, the cast of Sound of Freedom was put through the wringer both on and off-screen.
Fresh off getting crucified for our sins in The Passion of the Christ, Caviezel ditched the Crown of Thorns in favor of a U.S. agent’s ballcap as real-life hero Tim Ballard. Clearly, Caviezel hasn’t lost his flair for harrowing and torturous expeditions in the name of the greater good.
Up to 90% of trafficked children are involved with the child welfare system. Let’s be the change they deserve. 💛 Possum Trot is continuing the fight for all children to be safe and loved. Join us in theaters starting July 4.#PossumTrot #PossumTrotMovie #AngelStudios pic.twitter.com/elcssjybI3
— Angel Studios (@AngelStudiosInc) April 19, 2024
But he wasn’t alone in running this rescue gauntlet. From Oscar royalty like Mira Sorvino to masked Mexican screen legends, the cast reads like an ultimate “Walking Tall” lineup. Though maybe describing seasoned character actors like Bill Camp and Kurt Fuller as “tall” is a bit of a stretch.
There are also plenty of fresh-faced ingenues to go along with the grizzled veterans. Let’s just hope the production offered robust mental health services for any newcomers after depicting the darkest corners of human trafficking horror.
Whether erecting a cross on Calvary Hill or venturing into the depths of the Colombian drug trade, Caviezel and his perfectly cast crew weren’t shooting for the standard summer spectacle. This powerful ensemble was determined to shine a light on modern-day atrocities through sheer acting excellence.
Meet With Sound of Freedom Cast
Jim Caviezel as Tim Ballard
Image credit- Angel Studios
It’s always interesting to see what Jim Caviezel will bring to a movie: An intense thousand yard stare. As Tim Ballard, a real-life Homeland Security agent turned anti-child trafficking crusader, Caviezel seems to channel the same ferocious determination that made his portrayal of Jesus in The Passion of the Christ so impactful. Caviezel fully inhabits Ballard’s relentless spirit, no doubt tapping into the same reserves of stamina he needed to get crucified daily on Mel Gibson’s set.
Off-screen, the 55-year-old Washington state native is a passionate advocate for veterans and adopted several children from China with his wife Kerri. So he was likely able to tap into some real-life parental protectiveness for the role. Just hopefully none of the Sound of Freedom child actors pushed his tolerance for pranks as far as his Person of Interest co-stars did.
The actor, hailing from Washington, began his career with his first role in the 1991 indie success My Own Private Idaho. He then obtained further junior roles in The Wonder Years, Wyatt Earp, Murder She Wrote, and G. I. Jane. A truly defining role came his way in 1998 when he was featured again in Terrence Malick’s World War II drama The Thin Red Line. After this, he appeared in prominent movies such as Pay It Forward, Frequency and The Count of Monte Cristo.
In 2004, he performed a significant part in the movie known as The Passion of the Christ, and in the year 2006, he was featured as the villain in the Denzel Washington thriller Déjà Vu. Recently, he has acted in AMC miniseries The Prisoner 2009, Escape Plan 2013, and When the Game Stands Tall 2014.
Mira Sorvino as Katherine Ballard
Image credit- Angel Studios
The Academy Award winner trades in her raucous Romy and Michelle persona for a more grounded role as Katherine, the supportive spouse to Caviezel’s dogged rescuer. While she may not get to engage in any zany post-high school hijinks this time, Sorvino likely appreciated the chance to play an adult for once. Though stuck mostly on the homefront, Katherine’s unwavering faith in her husband’s mission reminds us why this Harvard-educated actress has serious acting chops beyond her comedic talents. Just don’t expect her to break into any “crispy noodle dance” celebrations.
Her extensive career features roles in Quiz Show, Mimic, The Replacement Killers, Summer of Sam, Hollywood, American Crime Story, and Shining Vale.
Bill Camp as Vampiro
Image credit- Angel Studios
With a name like Vampiro, you’d expect Bill Camp’s character to be one bloodsucking villain. But the veteran character actor brings surprising soul to the role of a former cartel accountant seeking redemption. Camp’s grizzled looks and intense presence conjure a man who’s seen the darkest pits of the drug trade’s underworld.
Having played shady types in films like “Joker” and “Vice”, Camp was likely able to tap into some of those shadier instincts. But his reformed Vampiro displays a moral awakening that likely hit close to home for the Emmy-nominated actor known for heavies with hidden depths. Just hopefully Camp didn’t have to do too much on-set math as Vampiro.
Camp received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series for his performance in the 2017 HBO series The Night Of. In 2021, he was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for his role in The Queen’s Gambit. His filmography also includes notable roles in 12 Years a Slave, Birdman, Joker, Vice, and Lincoln.
Cristal Aparicio as Rocío
Image credit- Angel Studios
Cristal Aparicio, a Colombian actress, has appeared in numerous Spanish-language films and TV series. She was featured in an episode of Netflix’s Haunted: Latin America. Sound of Freedom marks her first major American film.
Lucás Ávila as Miguel
Image credit- Angel Studios
In his acting debut, the young Colombian actor plays Miguel, whose harrowing ordeal kicks the rescue mission into gear. As the little brother separated from Rocío, Ávila had the crucial job of tugging moviegoers’ heartstrings hard enough to compel Caviezel’s hero into action.
Ávila, originally from Bogota, makes his theatrical acting debut with Sound of Freedom. Previously, he appeared in six episodes of the Colombian hospital-set telenovela Enfermeras.
Javier Godino as Jorge
Image credit- Angel Studios
The Spanish actor trades the theater stages of Madrid for the jungles of Colombia as Jorge, the local police officer aiding Caviezel’s mission. Godino’s résumé boasts roles in acclaimed films like The Secret in Their Eyes, so he was likely un-fazed by the guerrilla filmmaking of an indie production.
His other film roles include the World War II drama Operation Mincemeat alongside Colin Firth, the 2014 film Everybody Has a Plan with Viggo Mortensen, and the 2008 movie Deception featuring Hugh Jackman and Ewan McGregor. He has also been seen in the AMC series Mafia and the Netflix series Into the Night.
Yessica Borroto Perryman as Katy
Image credit- Angel Studios
The Narcos: Mexico actress trades in cartel violence for something even more deplorable – playing a fake modeling agent luring kids into trafficking rings. Here’s hoping Perryman didn’t stay too long in the despicable head-space required for such an unsettling role. Her additional credits encompass the 2023 film Charity and the Netflix series Four Seasons in Havana.
Eduardo Verástegui as Paul
Image credit- Angel Studios
The Mexican actor and producer swaps his usual leading man duties to play the wealthy benefactor bankrolling Caviezel’s rogue rescue operation. As for Paul, Verástegui unexpectedly serves the role of the generous benefactor who pays for the guerrilla mission to save the children, who were trafficked. It’s a refreshing change of pace from Verástegui’s comic relief turn in Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, whose exaggerated performances that are to a large extent where not well harnessed in him.
After earning notice in a number of Mexican TV programs in the 1990s, he became the boyfriend of Jennifer Lopez in the 2001 video of ‘Ain’t It Funny. ” He went on to appear in episodes of CSI: Miami, Karen Sisco, Kevin Can Wait, Charmed, For Greater Glory, and Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2. In 2006, he ventured into producing with the film Bella, followed by producing the Spanish versions of Son of God, Little Boy, and Unplanned. He is also a producer for Sound of Freedom.
Gustavo Sánchez Parra as El Calacas
Image credit- Angel Studios
Gustavo Sánchez Parra, who portrays El Calacas, a pivotal figure in the Colombian human trafficking ring, is a Mexico City native. Parra has appeared in numerous Mexican and American films, including 2005’s The Legend of Zorro, Mel Gibson’s Get the Gringo, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, the series The Mosquito Coast, and the Oscar-nominated Amores Perros.
José Zúñiga as Roberto
Image credit- Angel Studios
Jose Zúñiga portrays Roberto, the father of Rocio and Miguel, who is fervently searching for his missing children. Zúñiga’s face is likely recognizable to many moviegoers, especially for his role as Mr. Molina in Twilight. He appeared in movies such as Ransom, Con Air where he portrayed a DEA agent who met his untimely demise, Mission Impossible III and The Dark Tower. Comic lovers might recognize him as Eli Morrow from Agents of S. H. I. E. L. D. His extensive television career features roles in Westworld, Chicago P. D., Narcos: Mexico, Expanse, Madam Secretary, Snowfall, Desperate Housewives, CSI, Prison Break, Shield.
Gerardo Taracena as El Alacrán
Image credit- Angel Studios
El Alacrán, the Colombian rebel leader and drug trafficker who kidnaps Rocio and takes her to the jungle, is played by Gerardo Taracena. Taracena is well-known for his portrayal of Pablo Acosta on the Netflix series Narcos: Mexico and as “Middle Eye” in Mel Gibson’s epic Apocalypto. He also appeared as Cesar in Queen of the South, and in the films Get the Gringo and Man on Fire.
Scott Haze as Chris
Image credit- Angel Studios
Scott Haze portrays Chris, one of Ballard’s law enforcement colleagues. Haze has appeared in several major Hollywood films, including playing opposite Tom Hardy in 2018’s Marvel film Venom. His other notable roles include Child of God, Midnight Special with Michael Shannon, Only the Brave, and Antlers. He also had a significant role as Rainn Delacourt in Jurassic World: Dominion.
Kurt Fuller as John Bryant
Image credit- Angel Studios
Kurt Fuller plays John Bryant, Ballard’s superior at Homeland Security. When Bryant shuts down Ballard’s mission in Colombia, Ballard resigns to continue searching for Rocio. Fuller is well-known for his role as Hardemeyer in Ghostbusters II and as Coroner Woody Strode in the popular USA series Psych and its TV movie sequels. Fuller’s extensive career spans hundreds of roles, including appearances in TV series such as Evil, Supernatural, Alias, The Good Wife, and Parenthood. His film credits include Midnight in Paris, The Pursuit of Happyness, Ray, and Anger Management.
Conclusion
While Marvel was shooting cosmic battles in front of green screens, the cast of Sound of Freedom was engaged in very terrestrial and grim warfare against child exploitation. Still, this valiant ensemble seemed to find inspiration amidst the disturbing subject matter.
From Caviezel’s gruff messianic gravitas to Sorvino’s been-there comedic relief, each performer lent a unique skill set to this grueling endeavor. Even the fresh-faced newcomers displaying incredible poise while depicting unimaginable traumas.
FAQs
Q1: Who stars in the lead role of Tim Ballard?
A: Jim Caviezel, best known for playing Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, stars as Tim Ballard.
Q2: What other big name actors are in the cast?
A: Oscar winner Mira Sorvino plays Caviezel’s wife Katherine Ballard. Other notable cast members include Bill Camp, Eduardo Verástegui, Kurt Fuller, and Javier Godino.
Q3: Are there any newcomers or fresh faces in the cast?
A: Yes, the film features some promising new talents like Colombian actresses Cristal Aparicio as Rocío and Yessica Borroto Perryman as Katy, as well as Lucás Ávila making his debut as Miguel.
Q4: What was unique about the making of this film?
A: Originally made in 2018, Sound of Freedom sat on the shelf for years before being acquired and released by Angel Studios in 2023, where it became an unexpected box office hit.
Amit Gupta is a 2015 graduate of RTU in Rajasthan, India. After working over a decade as an additional writer at News article, he decided to start his own news publication. He mainly focuses on entertainment, Movies, Web series articles and editorials. He likes to listen to music and play cricket in his free time. Follow On Facebook.
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