Brendan Fraseris officially back in the first look atDarren Aronofsky’s upcoming filmThe Whale. Theactor stars in the A24 production as a reclusive obese man who struggles to rekindle his relationship with his 17-year-old daughter. Playing alongsideStranger ThingsbreakoutSadie Sink, it’s his first leading role in a film since taking the reins in the filmBreakoutback in 2013.The Whaleis set to debut during the Venice Film Festival later this year.
The image,released on social media, gives a tease of Fraser’s transformation into the 600-pound main character Charlie, and he looks almost unrecognizable after all the work done to him for the film. With thinning, slicked-back hair, a much larger physique, and a longing look for brighter days, his commitment to the upcoming film is apparent. He previously spoke toUniladabout the extensive process of completely overhauling his look for the film, saying, “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.”
The Whaleis based on the play of the same name bySamuelD. Hunterwho also wrote the screenplay which Aronofsky will direct from. Hunter’s play followed Charlie, a writing instructor whose family life, including his relationship with his daughter (Sink) fell apart after leaving to be with another man. When his lover dies though, Charlie gorges himself out of grief and guilt, slowly killing himself as he becomes too big to even move. Joining Fraser and Sink inThe WhaleareHong Chau,Samantha Morton, andTy Simpkins.
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With the first look of his latest leading role, the Brenaissance feels more real than ever now. The star made his return to Hollywood in a big way with theSteven Soderbegh-directedNo Sudden Moveback in 2021, putting his name among starsDon Cheadle,Benicio Del Toro, andDavid Harbour, though he’d already been slowly making his way back with roles in shows likeDoom Patrol.
He’s also slated to become the villain Firefly inBatgirl,and he’ll appear inMartin Scorsese’sKillers of the Flower Moon, pairing him with yet another high-profile director. His has been a feel-good Hollywood story for many, and it seems his comeback has only just begun.
At the same time, it’s a bit of a return for Aronofsky whose last directorial effort came withMother!in 2017. The Oscar-nominated director previously helmed such films asPi,Black Swan, andRequiem for a DreamandThe Whalefeels very much his type given the intimate nature of the story.
A24 hasn’t set a release date forThe Whaleyet, but you can check out the first image below to see Fraser’s stunning transformation.
