A24 Reveals First Look Of Brendan Fraser's 'The Whale' Showing His Extreme Physical Change

There are films that go beyond what audiences expect and then there are determined actors who go out of their way to deliver authenticity to a project. Brendan Fraser is no stranger to the latter. Starring in the new Darren Aronofsky film The Whale, the actor has gone through a dramatic transformation to portray a man with obesity struggling to salvage the relationship with his 17-year-old daughter. It is based on a play written by Samuel D. Hunter.

The film is Aronofsky’s first directorial effort since mother! which divided critics and moviegoers, reported Variety. The first look at The Whale arrived after confirmation that the movie will have its world premiere at the 2022 Venice Film Festival. Along with Fraser, Stranger Things star Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Samantha Morton and Ty Simpkins form the cast in the film. Aronofsky is once again joined by his longtime cinematographer Matthew Libatique, who also shot Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling which will also have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Libatique has shot every Aronofsky movie to date, except The Wrestler, in which Maryse Alberti served as cinematographer.

The Whale is a major comeback for Brendan Fraser after his last leading role in The Breakout, a direct-to-DVD movie. Last year, he appeared in Steven Soderbergh’s No Sudden Move as a supporting character. However, Fraser is getting busy now with Martin Scorcese’s Apple western Killers of the Flower Moon. Additionally, he appears as a villain in Batgirl, hitting HBO Max later this year. Fraser will be playing the character Garfield Lynns/Firefly, officially joining the DC Universe.

“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.”

Apart from The Whale, A24 also brings Joanna Hogg's The Eternal Daughter starring Tilda Swinton and Ti West's Pearl starring Mia Goth to the Venice Film Festival. While the studio might not have been that popular, it has recently been making an impression on audience after consistently delivering good film and television content. With Midsommar, Euphoria, Lady Bird, and Everything Everywhere All At Once, A24 has really climbed the ladder, showing their diverse taste when it comes to supporting artists. Adding to the excitement, keep your eyes peeled for The Whale.