Yahoo News Brendan Fraser defends The Whale casting following backlash
Actor Brendan Fraser has defended being cast in The Whale following the backlash he received for wearing prosthetics and a fat suit.
In the movie, Fraser plays Charlie, a father who is attempting to reconnect with his daughter, played by Stranger Things star Sadie Sink, as he grieves the death of his boyfriend, all while battling a binge-eating disorder.
Defending his casting in the movie, Fraser told People that his cumbersome costume was an important part of the process and he would "absolutely" do it again for a different role.
Related: First look at Brendan Fraser's transformation into 600lb man in new movie
"I think it's one of the more exacting ways you can create a character and body," Fraser explained of his weighty suit.
Referencing films of the past, Fraser said that accurately obeying the laws of physics and gravity when making the costume avoided it being a joke.
"And in this case the mandate that Charlie's costume would respect the laws of gravity and physics as opposed to the many ways that we've seen that character depicted in films before as really a one-note joke, and in a costume that's just unfair."
Related: The Whale director defends casting Brendan Fraser following criticism
"That's a personal view, but we felt an obligation to ensure that it was cumbersome. It was accurate, that was what we strived for," he added.
Director Darren Aronofsky previously defended his decision to cast Fraser, saying: "There was a chapter in the making of this film where we tried to research actors with obesity.
"Outside of not being able to find an actor who could pull off the emotions of the role, it just becomes a crazy chase. Like, if you can’t find a 600-pound actor, is a 300-pound actor or 400-pound actor enough?
"From a health perspective, it’s prohibitive," he said. "It’s an impossible role to fill with a real person dealing with those issues."
The Whale is set for release on December 9 in US cinemas. A UK release date has not been announced yet.
Beat (www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk) is a charity which raises awareness and understanding of eating disorders, and supports those affected by them. Beat now has a one-to-one secure messaging service. Its phone helpline for those aged 18 and over is 0808 801 0677, and there's also a dedicated Youthline for those under 18 – 0808 801 0711.
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