Helen Mirren
Miranda's mother and the main character of the film. The casting of Mirren as Prospera is a departure from Shakespeare's script for The Tempest, with its male protagonist Prospero.
Felicity Jones
Prospera's daughter. She falls in love with Ferdinand and proposes marriage to him.
Djimon Hounsou
The island's original inhabitant who is later enslaved by Prospero to perform menial tasks.
Ben Whishaw
The island's spirit who, having been imprisoned by Caliban's mother, Sycorax, assists Prospera in her plans to return to Milan.
David Strathairn
King of Naples and father of Ferdinand
Reeve Carney
The heir to the Neapolitan throne. He falls in love with Miranda.
Tom Conti
A wise and reflective courtier. We find out that he helped Prospera to flee Milan.
Chris Cooper
Prospera's brother and uncle of Miranda. A cunning member of the court.
Alan Cumming
Alonso's brother. We see him throughout the play with Antonio nearby. The two work together to try to achieve their goals.
Alfred Molina
Alonso's butler. He is paired with Trinculo and the two form a 'comedy duo'.
Russell Brand
Alonso's jester. A man interested in the prospect of power.