The latest trailer forThe Whaleteases more of Brendan Fraser’s award-winning central performance. Released courtesy ofA24,The WhalefindsBrendan Fraserstarring as Charlie, a reclusive English teacher attempting to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter, with Fraser’s role noted by many as being a major comeback for the beloved actor. Check out the newly released trailer forThe Whalebelow.
Based on the 2012 play by Samuel D. Hunter,The WhaleseesThe Mummystar Brendan Fraser leading the latest outing from director Darren Aronofsky. Fraser stars as Charlie, a 600-pound middle-aged man who tries to reconnect with his 17-year-old daughter. The two have grown apart after Charlie abandoned his family for his gay lover, who later died, which leads to Charlie binge-eating out of pain and guilt.
Directed by Darren Aronofsky and written for the screen by Samuel D. Hunter,The Whalestars Hong Chau, Samantha Morton, and Ty Simpkins alongside Brendan Fraser, withStranger Thingsstar Sadie Sink starring as Ellie, Charlie’s daughter.
Related:Brendan Fraser Says Sadie Sink Is Breathtaking in The Whale
Brendan Fraser is an Oscar Favorite for His Performance inThe Whale
The Whale,and particularly Brendan Fraser, have already been met with all manner of standing ovations, applause, and awards. The actor has so far received the TIFF Tribute Award for Performance at the Toronto International Film Festival, the American Riviera Award at the 38th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and has now been nominated for a Golden Globe. Though he has stated, he will not be attending the event.
Fraser is the current favorite to take home the Academy Award for Best Actor the next time the ceremony rolls around, with the actor stating that he will campaign for the golden statue in honor of the filmmakers behindThe Whale, his family, and, quite rightly, himself. “I owe it to myself. I owe it to the filmmakers,”Fraser said regarding his hopes for Oscar glory.“I know I owe it to those fans who paid to come and see me and stand in line in the sun and, you know, all of that. I owe it to my kids. This is my shot.”
A huge step in the Brenaissance,The Whalecould mark a shift in Fraser’s career and the kinds of projects he chooses. “The hope is that you’ll find material that’s meaningful to not only everyone creating it, but your audience too. That can be a big ask sometimes when looking for something interesting to do,” Fraser said of his career going forward. “I just know that I feel I have been changed in a sense that I really want to work on projects that, honestly, I just care more about. I love to make people laugh. I love to have something exciting or interesting or innovative happen when I work on a film, but if there’s something there that can speak to a broader common humanity that we all share, I want to be a part of something like that.”
The Whalewas released in select theaters on December 9 and is scheduled to receive a wider release on June 15, 2025.
