Brendan Fraser Has Massive Transformation In First Look At New Film The Whale

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. 

Premiering at the 79th Venice Film Festival 🇮🇹
• Darren Aronofsky's THE WHALE starring Brendan Fraser and Sadie Sink
• Joanna Hogg's THE ETERNAL DAUGHTER starring Tilda Swinton
• Ti West's PEARL starring Mia Goth pic.twitter.com/AxlAbhWDRo

— A24 (@A24) July 26, 2022

Responding to the news on Twitter, one fan wrote: “LET'S GO BRENDAN.” 

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.