Last month, The Burial made its highly anticipated debut on Prime Video, featuring an all-star cast including Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones. Based on real-life events, this gripping story follows Jeremiah O’Keefe, a funeral homeowner, as he faces the consequences of a broken handshake deal. Determined to protect his family business, O’Keefe seeks the help of the charismatic and persuasive attorney, Willie E. Gary. Emotions run high and laughter fills the air as the unexpected duo forms a strong connection while uncovering the dark side of corporate power and social inequality in this uplifting and victorious tale.

Successfully completing a project of this nature requires effective collaboration, which encompasses the process of casting. I had the chance to have a conversation with casting director Kim Cole and associate casting director Anna P. McCarthy. They provided a detailed explanation of their casting process and also discussed their approach to including locals in casting decisions for projects like The Burial, taking into account the shooting location.

Kim and Anna joined the project with Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones already on board. They had such potential for a strong connection. “So, it was our responsibility to complete the rest of the cast,” stated Coleman. They have a vast global network to select from, catering to both experienced veterans and aspiring newcomers. However, Kim emphasizes that the crucial factor she considers is the actor’s performance and its impact on the overall project. In this film, just like the others, they displayed a high level of attention to detail and careful planning in their choices.

Tommy Lee Jones as Jeremiah O’Keefe and Jamie Foxx as Willie Gary in The Burial. Photo: Skip Bolen © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC

Anna mentioned that they collaborated with a team based in Louisiana. They were able to introduce us to some fascinating new individuals. She emphasized the importance of authenticity in portraying smaller roles for a project.

Now, in terms of casting actors like Jurnee Smollett and Mamoudou Athie, Kim emphasized the importance of finding talented performers with a wide range of skills. “Choosing Jurnee Smollett for the role of Mames Downes was a decision made with careful consideration,” Coleman explained. It was important to find an actress who could hold her own alongside Jamie Foxx. She understood the importance of finding an actor who could embody a character that was both tough and likeable.

Jamie Foxx as Willie Gary, Pamela Reed as Annette O’Keefe, Tommy Lee Jones as Jeremiah O’Keefe, and Mamoudou Athie as Hal Dockins in The Burial Photo: Skip Bolen © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC

Mamoudou Athie was absolutely perfect for the role of Hal Dockins. Kim gave me the information. When they were searching for an actor to embody the role of a young and ambitious lawyer with a mix of intelligence and innocence, Mamoudou was the perfect choice. Kim expressed her admiration for him, mentioning that she has been a fan for quite some time. She has been a keen observer of his career and has witnessed his impressive body of work. And this was an ideal chance for them to finally collaborate.

Jurnee Smollet as Mame Downes in The Burial Photo: Skip Bolen © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC

Doing this project for Kim and Anna was a stroke of luck. Kim expressed her awe and wonder at the process of casting the movie. She considered it a dream project because she had the opportunity to cast actors who had always been on her list.