Darren Aronofsky Reveals How He Cast Brendan Fraser for The Whale (Extended) | The Tonight Show

Darren Aronofsky talks about how Spike Lee's She's Gotta Have It inspired him to become a director, his documentary The Territory being on the short list to be nominated for an Oscar and how he ended up casting Brendan Fraser in The Whale.
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Darren Aronofsky Reveals How He Cast Brendan Fraser for The Whale (Extended) | The Tonight Show
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#FallonTonight
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[@qzuentinwatts6607]

I’m telling you, Darren Aronofsky looks like Christian Bale playing Steve Jobs

[@jakewoods8847]

woah.

[@Katy-sh3ru]

Totally!!!

[@fuzzychris84]

I see more of Stanley Tucci

[@Alfred_bb]

No way 😭🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sayyidahamini209]

My first thought when I saw the thumbnail without reading the tittle lmao

[@reddalchemy5970]

This man should be called the "reviver" since he almost single handedly cast actors that Hollywood threw away or forgot about, like Mickey Rourke for the Wrestler and now Brendan. I am so happy that Brendan is acting again and getting some recognition. ❤

[@AttilatheThrilla]

Hugh Jackman in The Fountain .. Jered Letto in Requiem For A Dream.. Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman in Black Swan..

[@srd911]

Tarantino has been doing that also for years to be fair...John Travolta, Robert Forster, Michael Keaton, Daryl Hannah, Pam Grier, David Carradine...

[@vioricacosmetics1989]

@@srd911 Tarantino is using big names in his movies… just like Scorsese… not Aranovsky… he sees beyond fame…

[@srd911]

@Viorica Cosmetics no, I know and realise that...I'm probably even more of a fan of Aranofsky than Tarantino...my point being (and in response to the original comment) is that Tarantino has been resurrecting peoples careers for years.

[@diogogomes3238]

lets just hope Brendan doesnt get robed like Mickey was...

[@MalissiaCreates]

This Director waited for the right actor who was overcoming his own demons to bring this characters pain to life in such an authentic way, that even this clip felt like Brendan was sharing heartbreak from his soul that we can all relate to.

[@USA92]

The "comeback" had already come. And this creepy need by the not too bright to twist a man's career into some story that it's not should find the trash barrel where it belongs. Brendan's cool. The creeps are not.

[@AuntieFa]

Genuine question as I don'tt reallykeep up with celebrity culture much. What "demons" are you referring to as it relates to Brendan Fraser?

[@ashleyt5362]

@@AuntieFa …Brendan was sexually assaulted by the head of Golden Globes decades back and it impacted him. Also, he was blacklisted, I think for disclosing that info. That’s why he didn’t attend the Golden Globes this year or any years since that happened.

[@merder1414]

@@USA92 you sound stupid.

[@ifyouonlyknew811]

​@@ashleyt5362 Then he must have a twin, because he was there in 2010 clapping like the drunken idiot he is. Same venue, same members, including the man he falsely accused. The video went viral. He wasn't assaulted. He wasn't blacklisted. He's a liar!

[@Humanitip]

I really hope Brendan wins this. Austin will get other chances to win he’s young, vigorous and in his prime. Brendan needs this and we as an audience need him to win. I just feel like this is important.

[@MachineHead783]

Why you need it?

[@Humanitip]

@@MachineHead783 We

[@1fattyfatman]

Austin sucks

[@Humanitip]

@MIKES MOVIE CORNER AND RANTS 100%

[@USA92]

One played a pedophile the other didn't. They may have an effect.

[@laniakea1541]

I honestly can't remember a time when SO MANY PEOPLE got together to love and support a person. Brendan deserves every good thing that happens to him in the future. Btw i saw the movie yesterday. I hope they give him 10 oscars. If not, i'll just stop believing in humanity. What an actor for gods sake

[@bkalkan7493]

I have heard that Brendan won’t accept the Oscar because of his abuse . I hope Brendan will rock the Hollywood again .

[@ifyouonlyknew811]

​@@bkalkan7493 You're confused, like all of Fraser's fans. That was the Golden Globe. They wasted that nomination on him.

[@nenad-seguljev]

i hope that brendan could see some of this comments

[@laniakea1541]

@@nenad-seguljev He can, but he's an oscar awarded actor, he just wont

[@margaretroebuck2938]

Brendan holds a place in our hearts because he grew up with us and/or our kids. We've missed him! Thank you so much for bringing him back to us, now if we can just treat him well enough to keep him.

[@ifyouonlyknew811]

All of you must have terrible googling skills. He doesn't have a single year missing from his IMDb. People who care actually look for people who are (supposedly) missing.

[@renztividad]

Literally, I cried after watching that clip of Mr. Brendan Fraser 😢 " I need to know that I have done one thing right with my life!" So powerful, intense and emotional 👍👌👏🎉

[@mystygrams1]

The whole cast in that movie knocks it out of park. Both Sadie Sink and Hong Chau give amazing performances too.

[@ltme4134]

@@mystygrams1 ❤

[@organicmechanic5150]

Wow winning an Oscar is life's definition, I should stop working and helping other people and become an actor.

[@serialkiller77]

People like to hate on Darren but his films are always damn interesting and for the most I always enjoy them. Dude made one of my favorite movies of all time Requiem of a Dream

[@ashleym3740]

That and The Wrestler are both in my top 5

[@drumbum3.142]

@@ashleym3740 The Wrestler is Always one of those films.. ...that I (always) forget about. Then when I return to it its Explicitly As Impressive as Before.. ...one of the Best Sports Films Ever.. (imho).

[@rodrigobandeiradacosta5164]

And my favorite movie of all time is The Fountain! Darren is my my favorite director for sure!

[@sebbvell3426]

Yeah, Requiem is such a good comedy!

[@henryivan6858]

BLACK SWAN here 🙋. One of my favorites. As soon as I saw that trailer in the theater, I thought "I'm gonna love this movie". Natalie Portman got her Oscar.

[@BornetoPlayGames]

How many people can say they don't get instantly taken by Brendan's "I need to know one good thing I have done with my life." line. Even if you haven't messed up hard, the damn emotion just hits you. If he doesn't win best Actor I riot lol

[@filmtoppings]

Get ready for Colin Farrell to possibly win lol

[@mako3197]

Austin Butler did good but if he beats out Colin or Brendan...nope

[@vt4979]

When you understand the context more in depth, that line is devastating.

[@Flodro250]

I thought Brendan had it in the bag. But, I just saw aftersun. Dude, I think that mescal dude is going to get it.

[@gearswitch8193]

I hope he gets the win but knowing wht the Oscar's are I doubt he will I mean Stallone shouldve won for creed and jim shouldve won for man on the moon and the Truman show but that didnt happen I stopped watching the Oscars a long time ago lost respect for it

[@Schmidteren]

The last line from Brendan. I'm bawling my eyes out. That's some powerful stuff right there!

[@artieoms]

That last line " I need to know that I did one thing right in my life.. " got me all teary and 😢. On another note, the way Darrren Aronofsky laughs and giggles is just so pure and honest, much like his approach to Directoring and casting, lead by Brendan Fraser. Bravo- The Whale is a masterpiece!

[@uraszz]

I just woke up to this, haven't even finished my coffee yet, and I've rewinded that scene some 5-6 times and cried like it was my first. I need to see this movie ASAP!

[@MeganSin]

Darren is one of those directors who understands the potential in actors. He always takes a chance with his casting choices. Aside from jumpstarting Brendan’s career again, he cast Mickey rourke in the wrestler and that restarted his career too. Hollywood loves a good comeback story and Brendan poured his heart out for this movie, and I think Hollywood should reward him for all the years they ignored him because in the 90s he was a jack of all trades and he proves that he’s still brilliant actor when given the chance.

[@ifyouonlyknew811]

Aronofsky makes low budget movies. He can't afford good actors. And sane ones don't want to work with him.

[@atarapister3548]

@@ifyouonlyknew811 as if Jennifer Lawrence, Jennifer Connelli, Jared Leto, etc are low budget actors? Pls lmao he’s a legend.

[@ifyouonlyknew811]

@@atarapister3548 LEGEND. 1. : a story from the past that is believed by many people but cannot be proved to be true.

[@AngelGodinez]

Jimmy is actually doing an interview here. It seems like Darren's "This is my first talk show ever" activated his good host skills.

[@jonathanwelke]

I love love Darren Aronofskys movies. I've never actually seen him in an interview before. His personality is great. Has a really funny laugh. Not what I expected from a guy who makes such off the cuff thought provoking and philosophical movies.

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

No one has. This is his first TV interview.

[@Mr.Goodkat]

@@michaelrmurphy2734 I've seen him in interviews they just weren't late night.

[@DeWayneMilliner]

I’m so ready to see this film. I can already tell Brendan is giving an Oscar worthy performance. The film to start my year with.

[@jakereflected]

i’ve seen it three times already and it’s amazing! see it on the biggest screen you can

[@austyndagna9561]

@jakepena203 same saw it twice might go for 3

[@joymahan2157]

It’s a great movie.

[@ChristianGiuseppe]

Saw it twice it’s epic

[@AshleyVarga126]

Bring tissues

[@levimon]

lol would never have expected Darren Aronofsky on Fallon's show, but here we are. The movie is fantastic btw.

[@pacoceron8378]

He really knows how to get the beet out of the lead roles... Brendan in the whale, Portman in the black swan, Rourke in the wrestler and my personal favorite Jackman in The Fountain

[@NamaDoodoo]

Beet

[@pepsicherry6389]

Jackman in the fountain is such an underrated movie

[@LILGHETTI]

Black Swan, Requiem for a dream, The wrestler & The whale that movie was incredible! This man is sooo good!

[@jokai.oficial]

You gotta watch THE FOUNTAIN, possibly his best 🎉

[@craigjones7343]

It’s not that people ‘loved’ Brendan, we LOVE him. He is a fantastic actor, a humble man, and so much fun to watch in movies.

[@spencertailford1132]

Darren Aronofsky did the same with Mickey Rourke in the Wrestler which is a 10/10 film

[@triquepersonalwork6369]

I love all of Aronofsky’s films, he is a truly brilliant writer and director in this era of time we are in

[@abn3r507]

5:57 I thought everyone was exagerrating when they said Brendan killed it with that line....hell no! He pulled it off and I got goosebumbs hearing him say that

[@lararesende7499]

For anyone wondering which Brazilian film Brendan made is called "12 horas até o amanhecer"

[@da_archives]

I've seen The Whale 4 times now and it gets better every time. Go see it in a theater!

[@PiCheZvara]

Actually scratch that, I don't wanna know. Don't wanna spoil the surprise. ;)

[@juliel9749]

i have seen it twice hihi

[@Locadel2003]

Its almost too depressing for watching it only one time

[@deinaanton]

I had no idea Darren Aronofsky would have this nice energy as a person..

[@charliejefferyhood4456]

*Bong Joon-ho* *Denis Villeneuve* *Darren Aronofsky* So great to see Jimmy getting such great directors on a talk show. It needs to happen more

[@OddOneOut665]

He had Guillermo Del Toro on the show a few weeks ago too!

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

Atom Egoyan, James "Jim" Cameron, Sarah Polley, Hirokazu Koreeda...

[@thecoach1683]

Uwe Boll

[@obscure.reference]

they don’t get the money to make these movies if they don’t do the talk show circuit lol

[@neerajkamra]

Agreed. Not box-office hype - but all of them created films incur massive screen burn on the mind with their imagery and story-telling expertise.

[@Denis-89]

The Wrestler and Black Swan are two great movies he did. I also liked Mother:)

[@abn3r507]

What about Noah?

[@hellbenderdesign]

@@abn3r507 not a great movie. _Pi_ is dope though.

[@ealing456]

One of the directors for me where I've greatly enjoyed all of his movies.

[@foxadeus]

Brilliant filmmaker and compassionate, intelligent individual. Always comes out with a daring and challenging film. Respect

[@miracudrag]

I've never cried so much after seeing a movie in cinema!! The whale ripped my heart open.

[@etraag]

Aronfsky is my alltime favorite. I was hooked to his movies when I first saw Pi. I still think Pi and The Fountain are the best movies ever made.

[@eilyn510]

I’m just so happy that finally, Brendan Fraser got the respect he deserves! 💕💕💕

[@Snakebloke]

I really pray Brendan wins the Oscar for this. He deserves it so badly.

[@Nicotine46]

I can't force myself to stop believing Darren Aronofsky is Christian Bale in is best role all those years

[@titusscott35]

ME TOO! Dude looks so much like Christian Bale I can’t unsee it

[@Nicotine46]

@@titusscott35 Glad I'm not the only one. It has bottered me for years.

[@shay2218]

I didn’t see it and now I can’t unsee it. 😋

[@namehereandthere]

No eye mole. Fail.

[@MsTriangle]

More like Bale playing Steve Jobs

[@cXspXr]

just that one scene alone is enough to bring tears to your eyes, brendan's porttrayal is breath taking

[@screamr2d2]

This man has made some of the best films ever made and managed to have never been on a talkshow?! Man of many talents...

[@delrey874]

Maybe he is just not a "celebrity" type director. He has always had a consistent independent spirit since the time he made Pi.

[@johnewing3671]

Like any good New Yorker, Darren sees a lot of Off B’way theater. It’s cool to spot him in an audience. He feeds his senses, and it shows in his art.

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

And being in New York, its visual culture as well. And music. Darren "gets it' about culture.

[@Abby-ll5yw]

Obsessed with Darren. Man is a legend.

[@ra.damir-1]

That scene at the end breaks my heart and brings tears every time I see it💔👏👏👏👏👏❤️ Brendan Fraser, You are the best!!!

[@SamAtScareworks]

There's so much talk about Fraser, but many of the choices Darren Aronofsky made behind the camera were simply brilliant. The Whale felt like a return to his routes in a lot of ways, making me recall Sara Goldfarb's apartment in Requiem For A Dream. The way he moves the camera around and stages his scenes were just awesome. Highly recommend seeing The Whale

[@wadecarmen7501]

The Whale a retelling of Moby Dick?

[@SamAtScareworks]

@@wadecarmen7501 The book Moby Dick plays a big part in the screenplay

[@wadecarmen7501]

There a whale in the film?

[@johaniffsofiz]

Let the light of Brendan Fraser shine out! He needs his time in the sun again and I’m here for it!

[@ifyouonlyknew811]

He sunburns, and then he'll whine about that.

[@CB-qg3yh]

Such an incredible artist

[@VinelSeason]

Darren is an excellent filmmaker. He sounds like Ray Romano

[@DanielRieger]

Glad to know Steve jobs found a new career path

[@josephcox1738]

When you can tell 99% of the audience hasn't seen Pi.

[@jota8193]

They thought it was "Life of Pi"

[@kerrypeter4943]

Who cares? People can watch, or not watch, whatever they want. Get off your high horse and stop judging.

[@Alex-nk6sy]

Maybe they didn't like it.

[@denisesalles7248]

@@Alex-nk6sy I think it was kind of like beets. People either love them or hate them - no happy medium.

[@SyedSaifAbbasNaqvi]

I saw Requim for a Dream. Great film which you cannot watch for the second time.

[@snltotalrelaxation]

Great director, modest, without any arrogance what so ever. I'm sending my screenplay to him. Definitely.)

[@verbalwright3887]

I love how all of the surrealist and art house filmmakers are always the nicest and happiest people.

[@user-sy3qz1pl1h]

The fountain touched my soul in a way that any other movie never did before. I cry every time I watch it #crytogether!!! A beautiful work of art and fantastic performance by Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz

[@amatet]

oh man, i am far from being soft person, but i cry like a baby everytime Hugh makes tattoo of that ring on his finger

[@jeremypr]

huge fan of his movies, been following his films since the 90s. he deserves an Oscar. Out of all of his films, The Wrestler was just a stand-out for me. His craft of introducing us to his characters is something very unique and hard to put into words. Beautiful film. Can’t wait to see his latest The Whale! congrats and please keep making films!!!!

[@sapna7708]

That was scene was quick in making me cry. I can kind of imagine how good the movie must be.

[@xx-donuts3833]

my god..goosebumps while watching the sneak peak..Brendan is incredible

[@victoriajarmstrong8877]

For a sec I thought he was Steve Jobs😅

[@ThoseStairsTheFirst]

One of the top directors of our time. Mother!, The Fountain and Pi are masterpieces.

[@mystygrams1]

One of my favorite directors. He's the kind of director that always puts out something worth watching. Requiem for a Dream is still my all time favorite of his.

[@antr0z0us]

The fountain by Darren is so underated. People should watch that film.

[@NicolasSilvaVasault]

one of the most fascinating films i've ever seen, i remember watching it for the first time, i was kinda young so it was like a fever dream lol, but after understanding the whole concept, it was a great experience

[@imadterkmani3736]

Fav movie of all time

[@swimminginpoison4085]

I was in high school when Pi was released. I remember thinking to myself ‘I am on board for everything this guy is gonna make.’

[@sherryelebeauty]

I watched the champ and cried my eyes out! Ricky Schroeder was amazing.

[@rocketgirle3]

Brendan Fraser deserves an Oscar for his outstanding acting ability.

[@cidadedeus397]

Not enough people realise what for a genius this man is.

[@anton6795]

Brendan Fraser- the comeback of a century!

[@thecoach1683]

I have not clicked on a YT video any faster than this. What a rare talk show appearance from D Aronofsky!

[@delrey874]

He's one of my most favorite directors. Pi, Requiem for a Dream, Wrestler, Black Swan, mother are all great. looking forward to The Whale 👌

[@wenjiewu5479]

Just saw it it was beautifully shot and the sound was amazing. Amazing prosthetics

5 Seconds of that movie and I am already nearly crying... Wow

[@Sticky-Situation]

That scene... It shook my soul. 💕

[@cosmel29]

The Whale changed my life! I couldn't be more grateful to this man. He's my favorite director!

[@dthill96]

While I thought the 🎥 itself was just alright (3.5/5) everyone in the movie especially Brendan is 5/5. I didn’t cry but my eyes started getting there 😢.

[@Justinvestor_]

If you haven't seen The Fountain, then you haven't seen one of the best movies ever made.

[@tophat2002]

Never seen it

[@jomontanee]

Awwww… talk show debut!! WELCOME DARREN!❤❤

[@RambinoYT]

I can't wait to cry in the movie theaters here in Norway! So happy to see Brendan back!

[@winromeo]

That clip already made me wanna cry!

[@zeroomens9438]

Almost everyone in the comments section is Brendan this, Brendan that, and granted, he's amazing in the movie and I'm glad he's having a comeback... BUUUUT, can we talk about Darren freakin' Aronofsky, director of some of the most profound, shocking and drop-your-jaw-to-the-floor movies ever made?

[@garyneuwirth2561]

As much as I enjoy his films, the fact that he references ‘Kings Plaza’ makes this Brooklyn boy real proud.

[@mystereo9041]

Requiem for Dream progressed editing styles in film imo. LOVE his movies. Ever since I seen Pi I was hooked on his style.

[@tristafreisinger1987]

I love Darren! He's absolutely one of my favorite directors!

[@pilartrujillo3790]

I hope Brendan Fraser wins the oscar 👌 he's always been an outstanding actor

[@Harriz62]

Wow, what a powerful scene. Incredibly underrated director.

[@Abby-ll5yw]

He’s definitely not underrated. Those who know, know.

[@Liquidhun]

​@@Abby-ll5yw Exactly. He is not underrated, only really not a mainstream director. He makes movies with a really special atmosphere.

[@joguess87]

Not at all underrated

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

HAHA!! Underrated, but with a sold back catalog. Perfect example of a twenty year overnight sensation.

[@kc8203]

@Liquid by saying he's "not a mainstream director" you're essentially saying he's underrated. The man creates incredible films but most people don't know his name.

[@Nancy-sf2pl]

I love when directors/filmmakers get interviewed. They’re a lot more interesting than actors tbh

[@itshamid1783]

Rewatching the scene brought tears to my eyes

[@venusretrograde6177]

Omg, I really can’t wait until I’m in a better place so that I can watch this movie. Seeing just that one clip makes me know that I’ll bawl my eyes out uncontrollably. I can’t handle it rn

[@penelopek9645]

I cried sooo much at the ending and it doesn’t matter how many times I watch the ending scene I cry all the time

[@tishw4576]

First late night interview? Holy wowza. I haven't seen the film yet and I can't wait to see it.

[@AshleyLebedev]

Thank you for casting our 80s 90s favorite!!

[@monilark]

The Whale is now one of my all-time favorite movies. I sobbed! And I am not a crier! Bravo to Aronofsky and to Brendan Fraser!

[@josephpeat]

finally a movie without 99% cgi that will get you to go to the theatre. GO SEE THIS show the studios we want movies like this!

[@markmauk8231]

Darren Aronofsky is great. Requiem for a Dream is still to this day one of the greatest movies I have ever seen.

[@louisrosado3295]

Just a few seconds of the clip that they showed made me cry...

[@perisaaram8655]

Your vision is unique,tnx♥️🙏

[@delrey874]

The Whale is a masterpiece in my book, Brendan and Sadie's performances were phenomenal and Aronofsky's direction was excellent as always.

[@dr.aniasara7038]

I never stopped crying when a film moves me. In the theater or at home. I just let it rip.

[@sergeykoval9608]

You made me cry again 😢

[@TheShadowrun.]

The fountain movie and soundtrack are a masterpiece

[@hunterscott7592]

Boy, just that clip got me. Fantastic and inspiring

[@About38chipmunks]

Brendan deserves more movies, appreciation, etc. And bless this guy for helping launch back. Brendan.helped propel the Rock, now someone needs to help Fraiser. He was exactly what Hollywood needed. A shot of humanity.

[@ifyouonlyknew811]

He doesn't deserve the industry's help. He needs to go back to his padded room.

[@jeffreyesguitar5129]

Jesus Christ. I haven’t seen that clip before. I’m gonna have to watch this movie by myself. 🥺

[@MauricioPina]

Every new movie Darren does just keeps getting better.

[@ryanwallace1511]

I need an uncut version of The Whale on Bluray.

[@marcelodangelo915]

One the best directors nowadays. Haven’t seen “The Whale”, but I cried my ass off in “Aftersun”. I haven’t done that since “The Notebook”.

[@Adrienne557]

Now I don't feel so bad about loosing it at the theater for the Whale. Darren made me cry!

[@wisperingbeard]

Man, Christian Bale has really perfected the Brooklyn accent.

[@vietnameeseguy]

Requiem for a dream is still my favorite Daren movie. And this man is legend to get Jackie and Padme hooking up on screen 😂

[@brandontrinidad9091]

Darren Aronofsky latest film the whale is gonna be good like he did with black swan and the fountain