Remember the chiselled abs of George of the Jungle or the swashbuckling bravado of Rick O’Connor in The Mummy? Forget all of that because Brendan Fraser has gone through a huge transformation for his upcoming film, The Whale.

A first-look image was just released and showed Fraser, 53, in character with a tonne of prosthetics and makeup in order to play 270kg (600lbs) English teacher named Charlie. The film is said to be about Charlie’s morbid obesity and his attempts to form a relationship with his teenage daughter (Stranger Things’ Sadie Sink). Father and daughter have had a strained relationship since Charlie left the family for his gay lover. It’s the death of Charlie’s partner that has led him to binge-eating out of grief.

The Whale is an R-rated drama directed by Darren Aronofsky and written by Samuel D. Hunter.

Fraser told Newsweek in June 2021 that, “I’m going to be tight-lipped about it but I can tell you it’s already in the can.”

When discussing the role’s heavy makeup and prosthetics, Fraser said, “The wardrobe and costume was extensive, seamless, cumbersome. This is certainly far removed from anything I’ve ever done but not to be coy, I haven’t seen any of it yet but I do know it’s going to make a lasting impression.”

Hunter, who wrote the original play, told Deadline way back in 2021 that, “Adapting my play into a screenplay has been a real labour of love for me. This story is deeply personal and I’m very thankful it will have the chance to reach a wider audience.

Hunter, who wrote the original play, told Deadline way back in 2021 that, “Adapting my play into a screenplay has been a real labour of love for me. This story is deeply personal and I’m very thankful it will have the chance to reach a wider audience.

“I’ve been a fan of Darren’s ever since I saw Requiem for a Dream when 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.”