Brendan Fraser is back in a big way in this week's emotional drama The Whale. After dwelling in relative obscurity for several years, Fraser now stuns in his role as Charlie, an obese English teacher who seeks reconciliation with his estranged daughter. Fraser has been Oscar-nominated for his role and we're waiting to see if he will triumphantly lift the trophy on March 12th.
As part of the 'Brenaissance', Fraser has been pounding the chat shows and promo events the world over, displaying his signature charm and humour. Here are five moments from the actor that confirm this most triumphant of Hollywood comeback stories.
1. Remembering George of the Jungle on Graham Norton
It turns out that the making of Fraser's much-loved 1997 family comedy wasn't without its challenges. Check out the video for Brendan's side-splitting reminiscence about a particularly diva-ish monkey co-star.
2. Crashing this London screening of The Mummy
The star of The Mummy, turning up unannounced to a fan screening of The Mummy? You couldn't make it up. And indeed we haven't – that's what the likeable Brendan did while he was over here in London just recently.
3. Winning over the Cineworld Unlimited audience
Brendan's positive influence has even pervaded the Cineworld Twitter account, bringing audiences together in an upbeat and magnanimous spirit. Here are some of the ecstatic reactions from our recent Unlimited screening of The Whale.
Really heavy (but brilliant) film. It was dark, hard-hitting, thought-provoking, powerful, emotional and beautifully acted. There were a lot of tears in my screening! Will certainly be on my mind for a while. #TheWhale #TheWhaleMovie
— Wado Reviews (@WadoReviews) January 26, 2023
Superb movie with an amazing performance from Brendan Fraser. Very emotional and thought provoking, so many moments that really grabbed my heart strings. Well worth seeing on the big screen.
— Blazing Minds (@BlazingMinds) January 26, 2023
It’s a real heartbreaker.
— Kyle Snape (@kylemsnape) January 26, 2023
I’m so happy for Brendan Fraser. He deserves the world and I hope this signals his big comeback. Great performances all around and seeing a man on the brink of death just trying to find some redemption before he kicks the bucket will always be saddening
4. Bonding with Ke Huy Quan
2022 has officially been the year of the comeback story. In addition to Brendan's redemptive arc, we've also had the return of Short Round himself, the Oscar-nominated Ke Huy Quan, in the triumphant Everything Everywhere All At Once. The moment where they bond during a Hollywood round-table session is a truly beautiful one.
5. Breaking down his most iconic characters
Who could resist a quick canter through Brendan's biggest career achievements? He talks openly, generously and candidly about his work, reminding us why his acclaim for The Whale is very much deserved.
Don't miss this triumphant return from a hugely popular actor. Click here to book your tickets for The Whale, released at Cineworld on February 3rd.