See Brendan Fraser transform into a 600-pound man for new movie The Whale
The Brendanaissance has officially commenced.
A24 on Tuesday revealed the first image of Brendan Fraser in Darren Aronofsky's upcoming film The Whale, for which the actor transformed into a 600-pound man.
The movie stars Fraser as a middle-aged man who struggles to reconnect with his teenage daughter, played by Stranger Things star Sadie Sink. It's a big acting comeback for Fraser, who hasn't had many movie roles of major significance since the end of the Mummy trilogy in 2008, though he recently starred on DC's Doom Patrol.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Fraser, who wore make-up and prosthetics for The Whale, told Newsweek last year that "the wardrobe and costume was extensive, seamless, cumbersome," and "this is certainly far removed from anything I've ever done." He also told Unilad, "It's gonna be like something you haven't seen before."
Though critics haven't yet seen The Whale, it's expected to be a possible 2023 Oscar contender, and pundits already have Fraser down as an early Best Actor frontrunner, with other possible candidates including Hugh Jackman for The Son and Austin Butler for Elvis. After The Whale, Fraser also has a role in the next Martin Scorsese film Killers of the Flower Moon, as well as the DC movie Batgirl.
The Whale is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival, which begins next month, though its wide release hasn't been announced.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Women are getting their own baseball league again
In the Spotlight The league is on track to debut in 2026
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Giant TVs are becoming the next big retail commodity
Under the Radar Some manufacturers are introducing TVs over 8 feet long
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
When will mortgage rates finally start coming down?
The Explainer Much to potential homebuyers' chagrin, mortgage rates are still elevated
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published