Brendan Fraser To Star In The Whale, Darren Aronofsky's Next Movie

Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, Pi) has set The Whale, his next movie, with independent studio and film distributor A24. Deadline first reported the partnership, which is the first collaboration between Aronofsky and A24. Given A24's track record with movies like VVitch, Hereditary, and The Light House, this should prove to be a good fit for Aronofsky.

Given Aronofsky's tendency to work on heavier--or at least pretty dark--film, it's no shock to learn that The Whale is not exactly going to be a pick-me-up. Playwright Samuel D. Hunter (Greater Clements) will write a script adapting his critically acclaimed 2012 play of the same name into a movie--the story is being described as being about a 600-pound recluse who hides away from the world to eat himself to death. Aronofsky will direct, and Brendan Fraser (The Mummy) is set to star.

"Adapting my play into a screenplay has been a real labor of love for me," said Hunter, via Deadline. "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."

This is Aronofsky's first film since his 2017 film, Mother.