A first look at Brendan Fraser’s new film shows the ‘extensive’ transformation he underwent for the role, having previously admitted his makeover from the wardrobe and costume department was a ‘cumbersome’ process.
Fraser stars in Darren Aronofsky’s forthcoming drama The Whale, which follows a 600lb man called Charlie as he tries to reconnect with his teenage daughter, having left his family for a gay lover – who later died, sparking a spiral of guilt-induced binge eating for the reclusive protagonist.
The movie – which also features the likes of Stranger Things star Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Samantha Morton and Ty Simpkins – is due to have its world premiere at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, with an announcement today accompanied by a first look image of Fraser in character.
Responding to the news on Twitter, one fan wrote: “LET'S GO BRENDAN.”
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Someone else said: “Get that man an Oscar now!” as a third added: “I am so glad he’s back! We did it internet.”
While Fraser had a supporting role recently in Steven Soderbergh’s No Sudden Move, this latest role marks his first leading role in years.
Speaking about the project last year, Fraser revealed the transformation into a 600lb widow was by no means straightforward.
He told Newsweek: “It’s gonna be like something you haven’t seen before. 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.”
Meanwhile, Sadie Sink – who plays his 17-year-old daughter Ellie – recently said Fraser was her ‘favourite human’ after working with him on The Whale.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, she said: "I don't think I'd ever done a project that had that much character work.
"[Director] Darren Aronofsky is obviously brilliant, and working with him was a really formative experience, and Brendan is so incredible in it, and also just probably my favourite human on the planet.
"It was so amazing having that experience with him. I learned a lot about myself as an actress, and tapped into a side of things that I hadn't really explored before."
The Whale will have its world premiere at the 79th Venice International Film Festival in September 2022.