Brendan Fraser Dons A Fatsuit In ‘The Whale’ For His Big Hollywood Comeback

Brendan Fraser is coming back to Hollywood in a big way. Literally. 

The 53-year-old actor will star in the new Darren Aronofsky drama “The Whale,” which premieres at the 2022 Venice Film Festival in early September. 

Independent film producer A24 just released a first look at the new movie about a 600-pound man struggling to reconnect with his 17-year-old daughter. Fraser will play Charlie, who abandoned his family for a man and then turned to food for comfort when his lover died, which led to his excessive weight gain. It’s based on a play by the same name written by Samuel D. Hunter. 

Besides Fraser, the cast will include “Stranger Things” actress Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Samantha Morton, and Ty Simpkins, per Variety. 

“It’s gonna be like something you haven’t seen before,” Fraser told Unilad last year about the role. “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.”

The “Doom Patrol” actor will wear a fat suit to portray Charlie.

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

Though Fraser has been acting in more minor roles over the past few years, “The Whale” is significant as it’s the actor’s first leading part since the 2013 direct-to-DVD action movie “Breakout.” This is causing fans to call “The Whale” a comeback for the Canadian-American actor. Later this year, he will also have parts in Martin Scorsese’s Western “Killers of the Flower Moon” and the DC superhero flick “Batgirl.” 

Facebook comments were flooded with support for Fraser in his new role.

“Gotta be honest, I’m rooting for Brendan Fraser. This does feel like a crying movie but I’ll give it a go,” one fan shared.

“This man deserves the career revival he’s been having the last few years. I wish nothing but great things for him. Hope he sweeps awards this upcoming season,” another person agreed.

“Oscar nomination incoming,” a third commenter predicted.

Some worried that the “George of the Jungle” star would get in trouble with critics for wearing a fat suit and “appropriating obesity.”

“I like Brendan Fraser, so I am worried hes going to get a load of sh** for wearing a fat suit. They’re generally frowned upon these days,” someone pointed out.