The 'Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor' actor plays a 600-pound reclusive English teacher suffering from a compulsive eating disorder in Darren Aronofsky's 'The Whale'.
- Jul 27, 2022
AceShowbiz - Brendan Fraser is making a big comeback in Darren Aronofsky's "The Whale". The "Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D" star is almost unrecognizable as he transforms into a 600-pound man in the upcoming drama.
On Tuesday, July 26, A24 released the first look at "The Whale", unveiling Fraser's shocking transformation. The actor plays a reclusive English teacher named Charlie, who tries to reconnect with his 17-year-old daughter. The two grew apart after Charlie abandoned his family for his gay lover, who later died. Charlie then went on to binge eat out of pain and guilt.
The film is an adaptation of MacArthur-winning playwright Samuel D. Hunter's acclaimed 2012 play of the same name. Fraser will star alongside "Stranger Things" actress Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Samantha Morton and Ty Simpkins.
"It's gonna be like something you haven't seen before," Fraser told Unilad last year about his performance in "The Whale". "That's really all I can tell you...The wardrobe and costume was extensive, seamless, cumbersome. This is certainly far removed from anything I've ever done but not to be coy...I do know it's going to make a lasting impression."
While Fraser had a supporting role in Steven Soderbergh's "No Sudden Move" (2021), "The Whale" marks his first leading role since 2013's direct-to-DVD action movie "Breakout". He has also been announced as part of the cast for Martin Scorsese's upcoming film "Killers of the Flower Moon", as well as Max Barbakow's upcoming comedy film "Brothers". The 53-year-old will additionally portray the villain Firefly in the upcoming superhero film "Batgirl", set in the DC Extended Universe.
The release of the first-look photo arrives after it was confirmed that "The Whale" will have its world premiere at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, along with "The Eternal Daughter" starring Tilda Swinton and "Pearl" starring Mia Goth. No release date is set for the psychological drama just yet.
