How Brendan Fraser Became Charlie in The Whale

Writer-director Darren Aronofsky has never been one to shy away from uncomfortable subjects, and his latest film, 'The Whale,' is no different. The film, based on a stage play of the same name, stars Brendan Fraser as a housebound English professor named Charlie who is affected by obesity. He begins the film in a downward spiral both physically and emotionally but attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter before it's too late. Fraser takes center stage in his first leading role in several years, and his performance has earned him some of the highest praise of his career; many consider him to be a frontrunner for Best Actor at the Oscars. Ahead of the film's release, Fraser sat down with Rotten Tomatoes to explore how he transformed into Charlie, from the authenticity of the physical prosthetics to his mental preparation for the role. He describes how he jumped on the opportunity to work with Aronofsky, explains how his talented co-stars helped bring the film to a new level, and recalls what it felt like to inhabit the role of Charlie.
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[@AudreyMealiff]

What an intelligent, articulate and sypathetic gentleman Brendan Fraser is.

[@vectorman1890]

Absolutely.

[@cazza649]

He’s simply amazing. Always has been.

[@genxreactions]

He is, I was an extra in the movie Loony Toons with him during the Las Vegas shoot, he was very funny and a nice guy. When the car wouldn't start and things were going wrong I never heard him complain and took it all in stride and made us all laugh. I'm so pleased he is making a come back I've missed him, I love that he's in such a meaningful role. I have done a lot of extra work and don't get star stuck but I was over the moon to work with him. I admit I was a fan of his movies and the 13 hour COLD night shoot was worth it, even though I feel asleep at my normal 8-5 job the next day LOL. It's one of my stories I'm proud to tell my grandkids and they think grandma Lori's the coolest.

[@forgoodnesssake9161]

I was going to make a comment but you did it perfectly. I’ve seen the movie. And I was so moved by all the performance. So happy for Brendan

[@chriss9734]

Well yeah he was raised up until the 90s in a Fallout Shelter drinking hot Dr Pepper.

[@joshuah9109]

This guy & Keanu Reeves seem like GENUINELY kind and decent people. I'm so happy to see this guy having such a great year and a wonderful comeback.

[@barryallen6775]

🍁🍁🍁

[@annmarieknapp2480]

Brendan deserves this. And his gratitude and innate kindness make him a beautiful human being

[@LadyShanghai-wj1kh]

Canadians…yeh, we’re pretty great.

[@jaimeek9955]

2 of my favorite actors ever 😊

[@Mrstigger747]

Kudos from Canada 🇨🇦

[@curlwhurl8054]

I'm never one to be star struck by celebrities or famous people, but I would love to give this man a hug. He is enveloped by sensitivity, intelligence, vulnerability and strength. I could listen to him talk forever, and I have the ultimate respect for him. He is a beautiful person through and through.

[@moondawwg]

chupalo

[@ashleighbaugh9839]

I've missed him over the years and couldn't ask for a better "comeback movie"... I can't wait to watch this film ❤️

[@NobuhikuObayashi]

I saw it two days in a row, incredible

[@dondraperbeats]

It’s fantastic, best movie I’ve seen in theatres in a very long time

[@ashleighbaugh9839]

I was hoping I could stream it from home, but it looks like I'm going to have to go to the theater. I haven't been in a long time, but this movie seems like it is definitely worth it.

[@heathmclaughlin]

@@ashleighbaugh9839 it is definitely worth it. Just caught a matinee, very moving.

[@ashleighbaugh9839]

@@heathmclaughlin I just looked it up and unfortunately the closest theater showing it is 30 miles away from where I live.. I'm honestly caught between just going and waiting for it to be available to stream. 60 miles there and back is a bit of a ways, but I really do want to see it very soon. This is killing me.

[@predpalina]

This is the best way to present an interview without the interviewer's intervening questions. Genius!

[@hazelclark8766]

He has such a deep kindness in him..

[@annademo]

If Brendan Fraser doesn't get an Oscar for this film, there is no justice.....

[@rachel-dq2zf]

dramatic

[@AmitChaudhary-ws3sv]

Support from india

[@romeo23117]

Your mom plays the whale

[@interupted]

@@majorkuntz what's your problem, he is brilliant and people want him to know it.

[@GCOUNDOU]

Ι think it will be tough... he is up against Megan !

[@treasuretea3549]

when i tell you i cried the entire time 😭 crazy this was 10 years in the making and i love that they found the perfect actors for it! Brendan Fraser deserved that long standing ovation

[@codykodak]

This man deserves nothing but the best in life. I'm overjoyed at the fact that more people are showing him the love and support that he deserves after all he's been through.

[@Gonalitravelvlog]

Brendan Fraser is clearly not just an actor. His outstanding human person! He deserved all the good things. Congratulations Brendan, well done 👍🏻

[@emerson23946]

The way he handles talking about people in larger bodies is so wonderful. I love how he avoids fatphobia

[@TheLumbologist]

Brendan Fraser is not only one of the funniest actors I've seen on screen, but he's also the most emotionally relatable. His acting makes characters come alive and really feels like someone you could meet. I'm so happy he's getting the recognition he deserves. I'm so happy for you Brendan Fraser.

[@harleyjackson3708]

You can clearly tell Brendan is deeply tied down to this character in terms of duality. He's visibly fighting back a fit of emotions this whole interview. He sounds on the verge of tears every second he's talking here.

[@nikolashall9993]

yep he is an actor man. Brenden does this for a living. He gets paid to act like this.

[@harleyjackson3708]

@@nikolashall9993 You sound like you're having a bad day. I know what an actor is dude but not everyone who acts is doing it 24/7, how rude 🤣

[@cat_the_nerdymama]

Amen to that.... He's a really amazing guy ❤️

[@isaactorres9818]

No

[@harleyjackson3708]

@@isaactorres9818 Perhaps

[@imstillw8ing]

I really liked Hongs character…. How caring about someone so deeply can allow and rationalize enabling them (her buying him unhealthy food). Everyone in here was flawed, but not evil. It was a beautiful film.

[@justinmuse7095]

I think it was more that she resigned herself to the fact that Charlie would not stop eating himself to death whether she brought him the food or not. It was his last will.

[@imstillw8ing]

@@justinmuse7095 you don’t think she’s done it before? She already had the KFC bucket the same day he had a heart attack. Which tells me she’s done it before…. And if you give an alcoholic alcohol on their death bed, that’s still enabling

[@carolynnkingyens1000]

Just saw this film two days ago. I cried my eyes out at the ending, just sobbed. I haven't cried like this in a movie theater since I saw Rocky III as a kid, and balled when Rocky cried over a dead Mickey after his fight with Clubber Lank a.k.a. Mr. T. The Whale is a heavy film, no pun intended but equally brilliant. It's about the human condition, broken people and broken families. It's about the metaphysical heaviness of shame and guilt. Brendan Fraser deserves an Oscar for this performance. The whole cast did an outstanding job.

[@billmorris2337]

ditto.....I had tears running down my face...felt such empathy for Charlie...you just feel such sadness for him. Heart-breaking.

[@guitarman8462]

Rocky 1 wasn't a boxing movie . The boxing just happened to be a small part of it . The real story was a love story between a man and very shy woman scared to break out of her shell.

[@sadia2395]

Thats why am goin to watch it later sometime 😅.The trailer was hard hittin as is, the movie would be bit much for me at the moment.

[@NickWilliams-fj3kh]

Sadie Sink did a very good job portraying her character. I feel like she nailed her part, however, the whole time I was sitting there like "DON'T YOU TALK TO THAT SWEET ANGEL LIKE THAT" having a hard time differing Charlie from Brendan

[@klaatubaradanikto1490]

right??, i get why her character is as dark as she is but man was it painful watching her abuse him :((

[@SarahbearJayne]

That’s how you know they both did such a good job. You felt so sad for him and anger towards her

[@Choices2aa]

Brendan Fraser better win an oscar for this role. He was amazing in this and he has been thru hell and back. Give Brendan an oscar. He deserved it.

[@duke311]

Even when I'm seeing him interviewing, I'm feeling for him.❤❤

[@kaidenvi]

this movie made me cry like four times it is absolutely worth ticket price if you're still on the fence

[@caseyrose1327]

I love how kind he is even when he is describing his character. I have missed him over the years and so glad he is back. I've always been a Brendan Fraser fan and can't wait to see what stories he chooses and the characters he will play. ❤️

[@dahhmlife]

I have a feeling the best years of his career are still ahead of him. Bravo! 👏🏼

[@Thepopcornator]

This movie was an absolute master class in acting from all parties. I always say the mark of a great storyteller (actor, writer, director, etc.) is when you can just have two characters sitting down and talking and still have it be interesting. That's what this entire movie was, and it was riveting.

[@shellyharry8189]

I saw The Whale this past weekend and it was beyond excellent! Every cast member deserves accolades, especially Brendan. Be prepared to bawl your eyes out

[@Tofusthetics]

I am obsessed with him he is such amazing human being you can see the genuine look in his eyes

[@andrewl5201]

Dude is so humble, cant help but talk up everyone but himself.

[@beckwil0852]

Wow! I knew very little about this man and I am knocked over. He is so gentle, articulate, intelligent, and seemingly kind. Very impressive and I wish him more outstanding roles to come. Congratulations on your Oscar win.

[@Liz-cmc313]

I've loved him since 1992, Encino Man. He's a wonderful underrated actor. He deserves all the best and the Oscar 💯🔥

[@childoftime9964]

Usually, the more I find out about a movie before seeing it, the less I want to watch it (if the acting or story looks bad or the trailer gives too much away etc), but the more I learn about this one the more interested I am in seeing it. At the same time I'm a bit nervous to though, because I know it's gonna F me up emotionally.

[@shaffergirl1732]

As a young Cali girl, I had stars in my eyes for Brendan. But we age, mature and get over the hot guys. With this film and his commentary, I am moved by his deep compassion and heartfelt portrayal of Charlie and others suffering from this epidemic. My heart has been struck in a new way for this talented actor.

[@AustinRoberts88]

Just listening to him talk in such an empathetic way is going to make me cry... And I haven't even seen it yet

[@julierussell8876]

Wow. Brendan Fraser has gained a further notch in my Respect Belt. So educated. So intelligent. So switched on in the craft of acting and immersion of a character through study and deep thought etc. I have missed him on the big screen. The movies gone before have not highlighted his actual acting ability and his talents. We need more Brendan Fraser. ❤

[@matthewford878]

This man's already looking better I'm glad to see that this man deserves the success that lies ahead

[@tekktori]

ive never heard someone to intricately break down the feelings of a character they played . its so emotional

[@goddessfierce2574]

This movie is incredible! I've struggled with my weight my whole life, and he's right. There were some hard parts to watch because they were so real and struck a deep cord with me and had me in tears. If you haven't seen it, you should. It's such a real and honest and beautiful movie!

[@chargerdave2046]

Such an amazing soul!!! Probably THE most grounded person out of Hollywood

[@jennyledesma7545]

Brendan Fraser ❤❤❤Im so happy to see him again on the Big screen,what a great actor…

[@majestictiger1191]

Absolutely amazing movie. Everything felt real. The emotions the characters have, felt real.

[@tb9489]

I cried several times, wasn’t expecting to be that moved by this movie. The movie never left Charlie’s apartment, so we’ll done

[@TinMan-kd2gv]

Brendan Fraser is one of the best actors and I’m so glad he made a great come back. I love all his movies since Encino Man.

[@CaribbeanQueen72xx]

I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role, he’s humbly such a beautiful spirit ♥️♥️♥️

[@ishamarie8801]

I love Brendan and this enhances my love for him by thousands

[@Minerva734]

I missed you Brendan. I'm 35 now, you were a big part of my childhood. I hope you're back for good if you want to be =-).

[@marystrenke3050]

Yes if he chooses!!! The same industry that chewed him up and spit him out is now finally validating him-- it's just such a fickle business

[@AuntieDeb71]

Saw it yesterday. Fraser has done a stunning piece of work here.

[@user-cv2df5cr8i]

Thank you for this report. Brendan Fraser was always important to my daughter, is and will be . Thank you, Brendan Fraser, for your strength and your decision to take this role -… and explaining the complex gravity of this role ❤

[@AuDHD99]

I just saw this tonight and it was absolutely beautiful. It was fair, balanced, tragic, honest, and compelling. And the ending could not have been more perfect. My tears were able to be held back for most of the movie, and then the ending was so immaculate that it was like a release and relief. And you are *so proud* of every character, even though it doesn’t end the way you might have wanted it to. I am thrilled to have seen it.

[@PremKumar-mi5wd]

He seems emotional not only about the his movie but also what he's been thru in life. Good to see him back. He's a good looking person

[@PaulPistore]

I was sobbing by the end of the trailer! I don't know if I'd survive the movie. Brendan Fraser is incredible! As many have said here, this is a long awaited and well deserved comeback story for him.

[@TheSportslover2010]

I started crying towards the middle of this interview. Brendan made me cry. I don't think I can handle watching the movie, but I will try.

[@Mrstigger747]

I’m not sure I can watch this movie. It would just shatter me. But I have mad RESPECT for Brendan and how he has risen like the phoenix from the ashes of what someone else has done to him with grace and dignity ❣️🇨🇦. Yes he deserves the Oscar for this but does that award have any meaning left?

[@Holktube]

I wish nothing but the best things for this man.

[@Harrysound]

if those are effects I can't tell , if it's make up I can't tell if it's both together I can't tell. incredibly real.

[@leannecanty8821]

This movie was stunning. It felt like you were seeing inside Charlie's soul.

[@laurag.g.2973]

Brendan is a great actor. I like him so much. What a come back. 👏👏🙌

[@rays7437]

He always speaks highly of the other cast and crew members. Nice guy!

[@Themafiacheesenate]

his acting was frickin amazing

[@ronnieisacap7879]

Crying tears of joy for Brendan

[@susanhampton9671]

i believe he has used his struggle with depression to assist him in this role. Glad he is having a triumphant comeback. I think that you could watch this movie several times and walk away with something different from it each time. The cast acted superbly. I wish they would have used an authentic obese actor though. This is not to take away anything from everyone's hard work. I appreciated all of the effort, time, and talent of everyone in this production.

[@GabrielsLogic]

You can tell how carefully he speaks. He's so intelligent. Great work

[@Lizann029]

I watched this film yesterday. I was so moved by the story and Brendan’s performance. Beautiful, beautiful film.

[@robynrose3328]

The way he talks makes me feel comforted

[@TinKosong-qm7yh]

Brendan I wish you win an Oscar !

[@ThatVeryArtGal]

So thrilled that he's back. We need more people like him to remind us that decent and genuine human beings who care about their work do exist. His authenticity is inspiring.

[@inlawjosiewhales]

He is articulate. He is a joy to listen to. Well done, Brendan.

[@mediamannaman]

This interview deserves an award of its own.

[@MissKaz7789]

This is definitely the best come back! From Encino Man to George of the Jungle and everything else. I've always loved him!!

[@tinkerbell1689]

Really want to see this movie. I have always been a Brendan Fraser fan and I'm sure he's incredible in this story.

[@MusikkFreak27]

bring tissues :')

[@cranjusmcballer]

It's an incredibly "real" experience. Of course I recommend that you watch it just for the superb acting, but it is a tough watch

[@gabbybumpus2917]

I hope you see it, to help support this guy and because its an amazing experience

[@ellapearl30]

ITS AN AWFUL MOVIE. ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. But he is a great actor. It left me sick.

[@ellapearl30]

​@@cranjusmcballer AGREED

[@lovetownsend]

The ending has the ENTIRE theater in tears.

[@cptbaker]

Don't call it A comeback, he's been here for years! But seriously, he's been heavily missed and I get constant joy seeing him in the limelight again.

[@cmaldonado]

Welcome back Brendan, even better than Before!

[@kathylofton4530]

Simply an amazing interview. Brendan is so articulate and conversant. So impressed by him, and his versatility as an actor.

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

I've never heard someone speak so passionately about a character. I feel like I know his character without having seen the movie and I'm so excited to watch it.

[@hectornolasco1450]

Man he's looking better and better the mummy is still my movie cus of him

[@MikeyC19836]

This was one of the Best Performances I've ever seen. Brendan Absolutely Deserved That Oscar.

[@bok569]

What an incredible challenge that must be for an actor. Brendan really got into Charlie's skin, both literally and figuratively.

[@BrockSpr]

One of the single most powerful movies I’ve ever seen, in large part due to Brendan’s mastery of the role.

[@cathylaycock5598]

I saw this movie last night. So well done! I did get upset by the character and what he was going through. True human interest story!

[@StoutShako]

I feel like people don't appreciate how truly soul crushing it is to try to lose weight once you've had it for a while. I'm nowhere near where Charlie was, but I decided to start taking my health seriously in 2021. I've only lost about 25-30 pounds in that time, but it was the hardest, most stressful thing I've ever tried to do. Especially since as you lose weight, your body becomes more efficient at spending calories, meaning you have to continuously eat less and less food as time goes on, or else you'll plateau. That's where I am now. I still have 70 more to go. Right now I'm taking a little break from actively trying to lose weight. Just trying to maintain what I've lost. I still try to eat healthy and do simple things to be more active like parking a long way away from the doors, but I couldn't do another year of tedium and self deprivation without going crazy. I really felt for Charlie's plight, especially the emotional eating... Brendan Fraser did an amazing job.

[@FrankU_]

Dude THANK YOU for sharing!! I send you a hug man! Keep going!

[@lorenzoaccarino]

Respect! Give it time, adapt, but dont give up! Carry on and beat this challenge! You can do this! Sending my best wishes from Brazil

[@billysobolik]

Everything he said sums up EXACTLY why I think the play doesn't work at all, but the movie does.

[@lilymartinez1257]

He deserves all the awards in the world for this. His performance was perfect, I cried during the final scenes. And this is a great interview! ❤

[@chasehedges6775]

He’s an absolute legend

[@EddyPham]

This was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. Just a great story. I never saw the trailers or even knew what it was about. It was the only movie I had not seen at AMC and went. I was so pleased I saw it and love Brendan. He is amazing in this movie and Charlie would have been my friend.

[@rdeye-rb1pe]

Woah Brendan! He literally is a good soul he almost cried , preseveing his shame? He does immersive himself in his roles there lies the art of acting

[@alterrockgirl24]

They need to keep making movies like this, I love how real and raw the emotions were in this film, many great lessons to take away from it.

[@perfectsense3240]

He deserves all the acclaim that comes with his performance in this film. A truly gut wrenching and real movie that can move you to tears.

[@lesliehorner45]

Much needed exploration of a horrible emotional prison. Very touching and painful. Being so heavy means constant and unceasing discomfort. Every minute of every day.

[@Oddworld2024]

Brendon, I can’t wait to see your film it’s a beautiful heartbreaking story and everyone knows your gunna be fantastic, and you’ll do the character justice. Your daughter aswell looks to be great in her role in the clips. Again can’t wait.

[@SteveCampsOutOriginal]

Brendan plays real people like nobody else! Always has! "Gods and Monsters"

[@tessiepinkman]

This movie speaks to me as a heroin addict (have been clean for about 3 years now after nearly 20 years of hard addiction), it's as much a movie about *any* addiction and trauma as it is about obesity. It's a wonderful, heartbreaking film that moved me to my core. And everyone in it was magnificent. It's a perfect casting, on all fronts - and that's not something that happens often.

[@shoolcreates1999]

Beautifully spoken.

[@DeeViningUK]

What a humble, kind man Brendan Fraser is - a beautiful, gentle soul. This film was amazing, showing how lonely and vulnerable obesity and grief can leave a person. He definitely deserves the Oscar.

[@saltycrow2924]

Fraser is looking good! Excited to see this. Glad he is getting work and recognition

[@PruTheWizard]

Loved this interview, Brendan is so articulate and well spoken about this issue and the state of cinema in general today. Absolute gem

[@uptown3636]

I wish I were more like Mr. Fraser. A true gentleman and talented artist.

[@georgewalker9381]

Such a brilliant recount of the character

[@redbarchetta8782]

Anyone that saw The Quiet American and Gods and Monsters knew he had great acting in him.

[@wildman0228]

Oh wow - saw last night. Off the charts incredible. Hope it wins lots of awards.

[@MSKR111]

Wow just Wow Brendan. So looking forward to seeing this film. Thank You.

[@ChrisWMF]

when i watched this movie i saw the character of Charlie only. I didnt see Mr. Fraser at all. to me that's the sign of a truly great performance.

[@JW-ij6to]

I went and bought all the mummy movies 🎬 even though i already have them, Brandon, we love you, man. MUCH LOVE ❤️

[@krisley5178]

An amazing performance by an amazing actor. I watched that movie three times, and it still haunts me. So moving.

[@dafta31]

Wow! Thanks for sharing your experience. Jaw-dropping

[@lexa_power]

As a disabled LGBTQ female identifying person, it is extraordinary to me to see a White, cisgender, heterosexual male put aside his privilege and really step into this type of role. Before you are quick to assume he is appropriating or that he wasn’t cut out for this part, think about what he has gone through over the last 10 years. Just the fact that he openly admitted that he was sexually harassed by a male meant he would be discriminated against by many homophobic people in our society. He also had quite a change of appearance. Brendan knows what it is like to lose things and people that mean a lot to you, and that’s why he was able to make this role work. It’s important to remember that not every film or every actor that deserves an award will get it, and I’m reminded of films such as Brokeback Mountain, which ironically lost to Crash (which is the only Brendan Fraser movie I didn’t love, but I’ll give him a pass because it was an ensemble cast, and his character doesn’t even rank as one of the most troubling). We have to be cognizant to celebrate the authenticity shown here, regardless of what awards Brendan does or does not get. Certainly that would be a great story, but in my mind he has already won.

[@angelataylor5966]

I cant wait to watch it, such an emotive actor, I'm sure he will have me in tears. I hope to see Brendan doing so much more now, he is a wonderful actor.

[@anabrightlight]

Brendan Fraser has been my favorite male actor basically all my life, it hasn't changed. He is fantastic