The Whale, a new psychological drama from Black Swan director Darren Aronofsky, saw Fraser undergo a physical transformation, including prosthetics, to play a man “living with obesity”. Its official synopsis reads: “A reclusive English teacher suffering from severe obesity tries to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter for one last chance at redemption.” Many hoped the film could be the comeback for the 53-year-old Mummy actor, who hasn’t had a starring role since the 2013 thriller Breakout. After the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, many journalists are saying that an Oscar nomination could now be on the cards for Fraser. In fact, the film was so loved that it received an eight-minute standing ovation at the premiere. According to those in attendance, when the film’s credits rolled, the entire hall erupted into applause when the actor’s name appeared on the screen. Rob Ruggio wrote after the screening: “A huge round of applause for Brendan Fraser when his name appeared over the end credits of The Whale.” Christina Jeurling Birro added: “I’ll leave you with this until the embargo is lifted: there was a huge ovation for Brendan Fraser when his name came up on the screen during the final version. And many tears are wiped away…” “The applause when Fraser’s name came up on the screen during the screening of The Whale… Oh my God. I’m here for Brenaissance!’ commented Pernille Middelthon. Brendan Fraser receives recognition for his role in ‘The Whale’ (AFP via Getty Images) In recent years, Fraser starred in the American drama The Affair and Steven Soderbergh in the film No Sudden Move. He also had a cameo for Batgirl, which was recently canceled by Warner Bros Discovery. After The Whale, she will appear alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Jesse Plemons, Lily Gladstone and Robert De Niro in Martin Scorsese’s next film Killers of the Flower Moon. The Whale, which also stars Stranger Things actress Sadie Sink, Samantha Morton and Hong Chau, will be released in the US on December 9. A UK release date has yet to be announced. Find The Independent’s review of The Whale here.
