Disney+’s “Out of My Mind” premiered on November 22, 2024, bringing Sharon M. Draper’s beloved 2010 novel to life with a cast led by newcomer Phoebe-Rae Taylor. This powerful coming-of-age drama tells the story of Melody Brooks, a sixth-grader with cerebral palsy who fights for her place in mainstream education. The film received two standing ovations at its Sundance Film Festival premiere in January 2024 and has since earned critical acclaim for its authentic representation and emotional storytelling.
Lead Cast: Phoebe-Rae Taylor as Melody Brooks
Who Plays Melody Brooks?
Phoebe-Rae Taylor stars in her screen debut as Melody Brooks, delivering what critics are calling a breakthrough performance. The young British actress, who has cerebral palsy herself, was discovered through a global casting search that reached beyond traditional agencies to CP organizations.
Phoebe-Rae Taylor: Background and Casting
Director Amber Sealey found Taylor through a modeling agency in the UK, and despite having no prior acting experience, Sealey immediately knew she was perfect for the role. Taylor was 13 years old when she was cast and had signed up with a modeling agency in the UK.
Key Facts About Phoebe-Rae Taylor:
- British actress making her acting debut
- Has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair in real life
- Named after Phoebe from the TV show “Friends” (played by Lisa Kudrow)
- Is a massive Jennifer Aniston fan, which inspired the casting of Aniston as Melody’s inner voice
- Currently 16 years old (as of 2025)
On-Set Experience and Accessibility
Taylor described feeling completely accepted on set for the first time in her life, with ramps everywhere and accessibility built into every aspect of production. Co-star Rosemarie DeWitt called Taylor “a season pro” and said she showed up with more bravery and vulnerability than any actor she’d ever worked with.
Character: Melody Brooks
Melody Brooks is a sixth-grader with cerebral palsy and a photographic memory who is mostly nonverbal and uses an electric wheelchair. The film is set in 2002, and Melody’s internal thoughts are rendered in Jennifer Aniston’s voice because Friends is her favorite TV show.
Jennifer Aniston: The Voice of Melody’s Thoughts
Jennifer Aniston’s Unique Role
Jennifer Aniston voices Melody’s inner thoughts throughout the film, providing the narration that allows audiences to hear what Melody cannot express verbally. At the film’s end, Melody thanks Jennifer Aniston for allowing her to “borrow” her voice.
The Personal Connection
The decision to use Aniston’s voice came from Taylor’s real-life love for the actress, which director Sealey incorporated into the film. Taylor and Aniston have messaged on Instagram, though they haven’t met in person yet. When Aniston mentioned Taylor in an Instagram post, Taylor screamed with excitement.
Jennifer Aniston’s Contribution:
- Provides Melody’s internal monologue throughout the film
- Her voice represents Melody’s true self and intelligence
- Never appears on screen but is central to the storytelling
- Also credited is Margot Thomas as the Medi-Talker Voice
Main Cast: The Brooks Family
Rosemarie DeWitt as Diane Brooks
Rosemarie DeWitt portrays Diane Brooks, Melody’s mother. DeWitt’s character is Melody’s mother and fiercest advocate.
Diane Brooks Character Arc:
- Initially reluctant to allow Melody to be mainstreamed into regular classes
- Protective mother navigating the special education system
- Later admits to Melody that she has been making mistakes and that recent events are not Melody’s fault
DeWitt found herself ramping up her own acting to keep pace with Taylor’s vulnerability and had to ensure scenes were shot safely for her young co-star.
Luke Kirby as Chuck Brooks
Luke Kirby plays Chuck Brooks, Melody’s father. Kirby portrays Melody’s supportive father.
Chuck Brooks Character Details:
- Believes Melody deserves a better education due to her obvious intelligence
- Convinces Diane to allow Melody to be enrolled in the mainstream program
- Works to provide for his family’s needs
- Applies for Melody’s Medi-Talker device
Emily Mitchell as Penny Brooks
Emily Mitchell portrays Penny Brooks, Melody’s younger sister. Penny is constantly with her parents Chuck and Diane.
Penny’s Role in the Story:
- Melody’s younger sister who experiences typical sibling dynamics
- Involved in a significant accident when Diane accidentally hits her in the driveway while arguing with Melody
- Represents the challenges families face balancing attention between children
Supporting Cast: Educators and Mentors
Judith Light as Mrs. V
Veteran actress Judith Light plays Mrs. V. Mrs. V is the Brooks’ eccentric but caring neighbor who always looks out for Melody, though her style may be unconventional.
Mrs. V Character Significance:
- Wise and caring neighbor who becomes Melody’s ally
- Sees beyond Melody’s disability
- Provides emotional support and encouragement
- Light told Taylor at Sundance, “You transformed my life”
Courtney Taylor as Dr. Katherine Ray
Courtney Taylor plays Dr. Katherine Ray. Dr. Ray is a post-doctoral fellow with a Ph.D. in education.
Dr. Katherine Ray’s Role:
- Offers Melody the opportunity to be mainstreamed into regular classes
- Young educator who recognizes Melody’s potential
- Later realizes that Principal Antenucci has no real concern for helping students like Melody
Michael Chernus as Mr. Dimming
Michael Chernus plays Mr. Dimming, the teacher whose classroom Melody joins.
Mr. Dimming Character Arc:
- Initially meets Melody with rude comments and underestimates her abilities
- Continues to doubt Melody despite her correctly answering his questions
- Chooses not to even grade Melody’s perfect Whiz Kids test
- Eventually moved by Melody’s words at the film’s conclusion
Additional Cast Members
Student Characters
Maria Nash as Rose Spencer
Maria Nash plays Rose Spencer, the only classmate who initially talks directly and politely to Melody. Their friendship starts off one-sided but develops after Melody invites Rose to study together using her Medi-Talker’s trivia game. Rose makes the Whiz Kids team but is forced into alternate position when Melody joins.
Kate Moyer as Claire West
Kate Moyer portrays Claire West, one of Melody’s classmates.
Other Student Cast:
- Gavin MacIver-Wright as Rodney Walsh
- Ian Ho as Connor Bates
- Pip McCallan as Maria
School Administration
Sharron Matthews as Mrs. Anastasia Billups
Sharron Matthews plays Mrs. Anastasia Billups, a teacher in Melody’s special education class.
Catherine McNally as Principal Antenucci
Catherine McNally portrays Principal Antenucci. The principal is upset that Mr. Dimming’s reputation is tarnished when the grading issue is discovered.
Kevin Jubinville as Len “The King” Kingsley
Kevin Jubinville plays Len “The King” Kingsley, likely the Whiz Kids competition host.
Behind the Camera: Director and Creative Team
Amber Sealey (Director)
The film is directed by Amber Sealey. Sealey was determined to find an actor with cerebral palsy to play Melody, understanding that while past films like “My Left Foot” had non-disabled actors, times have changed and authenticity is now paramount.
Sealey spent months on Zoom with Taylor before filming began, building trust and ensuring she was comfortable. The production team worked with many CP consultants throughout the process and incorporated elements from their real lives, including Taylor’s love for Jennifer Aniston.
Daniel Stiepleman (Screenwriter)
The screenplay was written by Daniel Stiepleman, who adapted Sharon M. Draper’s novel for the screen.
Sharon M. Draper (Original Author)
The film is based on the 2010 novel of the same name by Sharon M. Draper. The bestselling young adult novel has touched millions of readers worldwide.
Production Team
Producers include Dan Angel, Peter Saraf, Robert Kessel, Michael B. Clark, Eddie Rubin, Brian Gott, Leah Holzer, and Jeff Skoll.
Production Companies:
The film was produced by Disney Branded Television, Big Beach, Participant, Reunion Pacific Entertainment, and EveryWhere Studios. It is one of the last films produced by Participant before the company was shuttered on April 16, 2024.
The Story Behind the Cast
Melody Brooks is sent to Mr. Dimming’s mainstream class where she faces rude comments but showcases her intelligence. After Chuck and Diane get her a Medi-Talker, Melody can finally communicate with an electronic voice.
When Mr. Dimming announces the Whiz Kids competition, Melody studies with Rose and scores 100% on the test, but Mr. Dimming doesn’t grade it. After Chuck, Diane, and Dr. Ray intervene, Melody joins the team.
At the competition, Melody shines and wins for the team, but is excluded from their celebration. When the flight to Washington is moved up, Melody is informed last and misses it. In anger, she floods her Medi-Talker with a milkshake.
During an argument in the car, Diane accidentally hits Penny in the driveway, sending her to the hospital. The team returns from Washington having lost, and Melody addresses the class, calling out their lack of respect and asking to be acknowledged and listened to.
Production Details and Filming
Location and Timeline
Production began in Toronto in July 2022. The Canadian city provided the backdrop for this story set in 2002 America.
Authentic Representation
Director Sealey understood that the importance of authenticity was paramount for this film. Rather than using special effects or able-bodied actors, the production prioritized finding someone with lived experience of cerebral palsy.
Casting director Paul Schnee helped conduct a global search, reaching out to CP organizations and asking people they knew for recommendations.
Critical Reception and Awards
Festival Premieres
The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2024, where it received two standing ovations. It was also shown at the New York premiere at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan on November 19, 2024, presented by ReelAbilities.
Reviews and Ratings
On Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 13 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.6/10. Metacritic assigned the film a score of 73 out of 100, based on four critics, indicating “generally favorable” reviews.
Awards Recognition
The film won a Peabody Award, one of the most prestigious honors in broadcasting and media.
Critics have particularly praised Phoebe-Rae Taylor’s performance, with many hoping she receives award acknowledgement. IMDb users have given the film a rating of 7.4/10.
Impact and Representation
Authentic Disability Casting
In the not-so-distant past, an actor without cerebral palsy would have been cast to play this role. The decision to cast Taylor represents a significant shift in Hollywood’s approach to disability representation.
Taylor said she hopes kids with disabilities can take away from this film that they’re not alone and have people they can talk to. “I just want people to understand that people with disabilities aren’t just objects, that they’re people with emotions and feelings, and they shouldn’t get pushed aside,” Taylor stated.
Breaking Barriers
When asked about future roles, Taylor expressed wanting to play a character with cerebral palsy who falls in love and gets married, noting that not many films tell stories like that.
Co-Star Reactions
DeWitt never felt compelled to offer acting suggestions to Taylor, describing her as presenting vulnerability that made DeWitt have to elevate her own performance. The seasoned cast found themselves inspired by their first-time co-star.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cast
Is Phoebe-Rae Taylor really disabled?
Yes, Phoebe-Rae Taylor has cerebral palsy in real life, making this an example of authentic disability representation.
Does Jennifer Aniston appear in the movie?
Jennifer Aniston does not appear on screen but provides the voice of Melody’s inner thoughts throughout the film.
How old was Phoebe-Rae Taylor when filming?
Taylor had just turned 13 when she was told she got the part. She is currently 16 years old.
Who are Melody’s parents in the movie?
Rosemarie DeWitt plays Diane Brooks (mother) and Luke Kirby plays Chuck Brooks (father).
Where was out of my mind filmed?
Production took place in Toronto, Canada, beginning in July 2022.
What is the Medi-Talker device?
The Medi-Talker is an electronic device that allows Melody to speak with an electronic voice, which she uses happily throughout the film. It represents real assistive communication devices used by nonverbal individuals.
When was the movie released?
out of my mind film was released on Disney+ on November 22, 2024.
What awards has the film won?
The film won a Peabody Award and received two standing ovations at its Sundance premiere.
Is the movie based on a true story?
The film is based on Sharon M. Draper’s 2010 novel, which was inspired by real experiences of people with cerebral palsy, though it’s not based on one specific person’s story.
Complete Cast List
Main Cast:
- Phoebe-Rae Taylor as Melody Brooks
- Jennifer Aniston as Melody’s Inner Voice
- Margot Thomas as Medi-Talker Voice
- Rosemarie DeWitt as Diane Brooks
- Luke Kirby as Chuck Brooks
- Emily Mitchell as Penny Brooks
- Judith Light as Mrs. V
- Courtney Taylor as Dr. Katherine Ray
- Michael Chernus as Mr. Dimming
Supporting Cast:
- Maria Nash as Rose Spencer
- Kate Moyer as Claire West
- Gavin MacIver-Wright as Rodney Walsh
- Ian Ho as Connor Bates
- Pip McCallan as Maria
- Sharron Matthews as Mrs. Anastasia Billups
- Catherine McNally as Principal Antenucci
- Kevin Jubinville as Len “The King” Kingsley
Where to Watch
out of my mind film is available exclusively on Disney+ as of November 22, 2024. The film is part of Disney+’s commitment to inclusive storytelling and authentic representation.
Conclusion
The cast of “Out of My Mind” represents a turning point in disability representation in mainstream media. Led by Phoebe-Rae Taylor’s groundbreaking debut performance alongside established actors like Rosemarie DeWitt, Luke Kirby, and Judith Light, this ensemble brings authenticity and heart to Sharon M. Draper’s beloved story.
From the unique casting of Jennifer Aniston as Melody’s inner voice to the careful selection of Taylor herself, every choice reflects the film’s commitment to telling this story with respect and authenticity. The result is a film that received standing ovations at Sundance, earned a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and won a Peabody Award.
Whether you’re curious about the breakthrough actress with cerebral palsy, interested in Jennifer Aniston’s voice work, or want to learn about the supporting cast that brings this world to life, “Out of My Mind” offers powerful performances that challenge perceptions and open hearts. This is more than just a cast list—it’s a testament to what inclusive casting can achieve when Hollywood prioritizes authenticity over convenience.
