Jamie can be raw or refined, and he would need these qualities to portray Caliban. While some actors might see this as a minor role, I think Jamie would see it for what it is – the backbone of the piece. Caliban is a little bit slave, a little bit master, and emotional and eloquent throughout. Sometimes he is earthy, like when he talks about the beauty of the island, and sometimes he is eloquent, like when he talks to Prospero about how he stole his island from him. He is greedy, can be manipulative and tacky (like when he thinks of raping Miranda), but most of all he is important to the action of the entire play. He needs a strong actor able to carry his role and his many facets, and Foxx seems to be the perfect man for the job. His performance in "Ray" shows that he can throw himself into his character, and change according to time and circumstances. He would need to do that here, for sure.

             Caliban is a slave, which might be a problem for the actor. He is also a drunkard in some scenes, calling for understanding and a physical presence, too. Foxx has the physique necessary for this assignment, too. He could certainly carry off wearing a loin-cloth and cloak, as the wood-carrying scene seems to require. He is a master of both physical and mental acting, and that would be important with this character, who can be both brutal and endearing. There could be a problem with Foxx. Caliban requires an actor who can be both commanding and very subservient. He is fearful of "spirits." "Here comes a spirit of his, and to torment me" (Shakespeare 77, 15), and he offers to lick Trinculo's foot simply for a drink. "I will kiss thy foot" (Shakespeare 85, 155). Whoever plays Caliban has to represent many personalities. Strong enough to conspire, and meek enough to follow, and Foxx seems like the best.

             Trinculo: This is a minor part, and so, an infamous actor probably wouldn't want to do it.