The filmmakers knew when they were searching for an action star to play the head of an elite FBI task force, they should turn to Oscar® winner Jamie Foxx. Mann handed the screenplay to Foxx on the set of “Miami Vice.” The actor responded to Fleury’s pain at losing an old friend in the bombing…and his desire for revenge.
Notes Foxx, “Fleury has to deal with the fact that his views on the war on terror change completely when someone he and his family love and admire loses his life. Death has been brought to his doorstep, and he must decide how to deal with it.”
Producer Mann commends, “Jamie can project himself so thoroughly into characters and identities. He’s absolutely credible to me as somebody in the FBI—there is a seriousness of intent that these folks have.”
Producer Stuber was in agreement. During his time at Universal, Stuber oversaw several projects in which Foxx would star. From “Ray” to “Jarhead” and “Miami Vice,” the filmmaker had worked with Foxx and pursued him for the starring role in “The Kingdom.”
To prepare for their roles, Foxx, Cooper, Garner and Bateman trained with real FBI agents at bomb classes in Los Angeles. They learned the basics of high and low explosives, use of guns, finger printing and methods for collecting forensic information. It was also a practical experience where they observed the personalities of the agents. Black Talent News
