Brendan Fraser inThe Whale(2022).Photo: Courtesy of A24

Brendan Fraser in The Whale

Brendan Fraserundergoes a complete physical transformation to play at 600-lb. man inThe Whale.

On Tuesday, A24releasedthe first photo of Fraser in the role of a reclusive writing instructor who is struggling to reconnect with his teenage daughter in the film, which is set to debut at the2022 Venice Film Festivallater this year.

The Darren Aronofsky-directed drama also starsStranger Things' Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Samantha Morton and Ty Simpkins. Aronofsky previously directedMother!,Black Swan,The WrestlerandRequiem for a Dream.

Fraserteased what fans can expect from the film in an interview withUniladlast year. “It’s gonna be like something you haven’t seen before,” he said of his role in the film. “That’s really all I can tell you… The wardrobe and costume was extensive, seamless, cumbersome.”

He added, “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.”

Brendan Fraser.Cindy Ord/Getty

Brendan Fraser

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Samuel D. Hunter wrote the screenplay based on his play of the same name. The 2012 production debuted off-Broadway to acclaim fromThe New York Times, and it won a Drama Desk Award, the Lucille Lortel Award for outstanding play and a GLAAD Media Award.

“Adapting my play into a screenplay has been a real labor of love for me,” Hunter toldDeadlinelast year. “This story is deeply personal and I’m very thankful it will have the chance to reach a wider audience.”

He continued, “I’ve been a fan of Darren’s ever since I sawRequiem for a Dreamwhen I was a college freshman writing my first plays, and I’m so grateful that he’s bringing his singular talent and vision to this film.”

The Whaledoes not yet have a release date.

source: people.com