Brendan Fraser opens up about 'cumbersome' transformation into 600lb man for new movie 'The Whale'

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By Carina Murphy

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Brendan Fraser has opened up about transforming into a 600lb man for his latest movie role.

The Mummy star underwent a startling physical change for his starring role in the hotly anticipated movie The Whale, in which he plays a man struggling with obesity.

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, the 53-year-old actor opened up about the process of physically transforming into the film's 600lb protagonist Charlie.

Alongside gaining weight for the role, the George of the Jungle star was also required to wear prosthetics that saw him carrying anywhere from 50 to 300 extra pounds, and spending up to six hours in a makeup chair every day.

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Fraser in 2021. Credit: Sipa US / Alamy

He described the physical transformation as "cumbersome, not exactly comfortable," and went on to explain how limiting the prosthetics could be.

"The torso piece was almost like a straight jacket," he said, adding: "With sleeves that went on, airbrushed by hand, to look identical as would human skin, right down to the hand-punched hair."

However, Fraser was adamant that the body suit was an integral part of his role, and explained that it was not being used for comic effect. "I looked at other body suits that had been used in comedies over the years, usually for a one-note joke," he said, adding: "This was not that."

To ensure his portrayal of a person struggling with obesity was accurate and sensitive, Fraser worked closely with the Obesity Action Coalition and spoke with people who have undergone bariatric surgeries.

"I learned quickly that it takes an incredibly strong person inside that body to be that person," he reflected.

This isn't the first time Fraser has spoken about his starring role in the movie, which follows a reclusive English teacher, Charlie, as he struggles to reconnect with his teenage daughter.

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Fraser in George of the Jungle (1997). Credit: Entertainment Pictures / Alamy

Directed by Darren Aronofsky, the movie also stars Stranger Things' Sadie Sink and The Walking Dead's Samantha Morton. It is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival this weekend (Sunday, September 4), and will hit movie theaters later this year on December 9.

Featured Image Credit: Sipa US / Alamy