Abhiroop Das
Pure Flix’s ‘A Thousand Tomorrows‘ tells the story of Cody Gunnar, a professional bull rider on track to become a national champion. However, his professional success belies a secret past defined by an unresolved trauma. Things change when he meets Ali Daniels, an accomplished horse rider with mysteries of her own. Their story comes together to paint a picture of love and compassion, but is soon tested to its limits when Ali’s secrets begin to catch up to her. Cody’s life goes through similar ebbs and flows, primarily determined by his loving relationship with his brother, Carl Joseph, who has Down Syndrome. As the narrative continues, the brothers walk through the past in search of answers, facing all the uncomfortable corners that come along the way. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Cole Sibus is an Actor and Athelete With Down Syndrome
Cole Sibus is an accomplished professional actor, model, and sportsperson with Down Syndrome. The actor’s journey into the creative world began with home videos taped by his sister, leading to his audition for the documentary ‘Born This Way.’ Following this, he landed a role in ‘Spare Room,’ where he essays a character named Arrow, and became a known name in the industry. Sibus won the Upstream Spotlight award at the Riverbend Film Festival in 2019 for his performance. His big hit came with ‘Stumptown,’ as Ansel Parios, a role for which he auditioned thrice. The actor also has experience in theatre, honing his skills at the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County Drama Therapy Class. Sibus’s work on the short film ‘Bamboozled’ shows his diverse range as a performer across the board.
Alongside being an actor, Sibus is also a professional athlete and has swum in the 2014 USA National Games, as well as competed in softball on a professional level. He has been a part of the Special Olympics organization since the age of eight, when his mother got him involved with a Special Olympics tennis team. Additionally, he has also participated in an exhibition flag football game, which widened his athletic horizons even further. With many unique experiences under his belt, Sibus brings his own flair into play as an actor. In a conversation with Special Olympics, he described the similarities between acting and playing sports, stating, “I love both! I love getting out of the house and staying busy. I love meeting people and working as a team. Just like in sports, I have an acting coach to help me get better.”
Cole Sibus’s Work Serves as an Inspiration for People With Down Syndrome
Cole Sibus’s interest in acting was supported by his friends and family, which in turn helped him use his profession as a platform to inspire people. In an interview with Casting Frontier, the actor spoke about his work in Stumptown: “It makes me feel proud to represent someone with Down syndrome, because that means that I can inspire others to follow their dreams, whatever they are! You can do almost anything if you set your mind to it. I work hard every day to become a better actor.” The actor believes that perseverance and dedication are the key to success, and urges his fans to never give up on their dreams, no matter what opposition they might face.
While talking about his experience as a person with Down Syndrome, Sibus brings up how he faces every challenge in life with confidence and does not waste any opportunity to maximise his potential. Although he was previously saddened by the limitations in his life, he has grown to appreciate the positive elements in his life. In particular, he excels at making people laugh and is proud of that ability. Furthermore, Sibus also places great emphasis on kindness and believes that everyone should express the same when interacting with people who are different from them. He believes that people from all walks of life can learn from each other, provided that they approach things with an open mind. His role in ‘A Thousand Tomorrows’ serves as another iteration of this message, which approaches Down Syndrome from the perspective of a family.
Cole Sibus’s Portrayal of Carl Joseph Adds an Emotional Dimension to the Show
In ‘A Thousand Tomorrows,’ Cole Sibus steps into the role of Carl Joseph, the younger brother of the protagonist, Cody Gunnar. Carl’s Down Syndrome becomes a major plot beat within the story, as his father, Mike Gunnar, refuses to accept him and leaves the family in the process. Although the siblings are forced to endure familiar trauma in their childhood, the two have polar opposite responses to it. Cody Gunnar’s social alienation and arrogance are contrasted by Carl’s kind, empathetic personality. What unites them, however, is their unending love for each other, and Cody seeks to ensure that his brother is safe and happy no matter where the future takes them.
Things get more complicated when Mike returns to the family, seemingly a changed man. This time, he makes a conscious effort to bond with Carl, which puts him in crosshairs with Cody, who still bears a deep hatred for his father. At the center of this conflict lies Carl, who is happy to have his family reunited at last. Ultimately, his voice reaches out to his brother, who begins a long path of reconciliation with Mike. Thus, Carl’s kindness directly influences other characters within the story, often bridging the gaps created by unresolved feelings and heated conversations. Carl is also a man of faith, and brings a new perspective to the story’s exploration of themes such as death and the true meaning of life.
Cole Sibus was particularly drawn to Carl Joseph’s love for God and humanity. Similar to his character, Sibus is deeply attached to Christianity and is a regular attendee of the church. Additionally, he has also established a youth group within his church community, which speaks to the importance of faith in his life. In a conversation with Pure Flix, the actor spoke in depth about the subject, stating, “My faith means a lot. I take it day by day. I work at a restaurant, and I always bring that joy to my work. And, I always like to give Him faith. You need faith in your lives and in my life as well.” Thus, a blend of the skills he has accumulated over the years, as well as his real-life connection to Christianity, helped his character in the show come to life.
