Brendan Fraser has told Sky News the reception he has had to his new film has been something he could never have predicted.

Currently enjoying what is being referred to as a “Bren-aissance”, the 53-year-old, known for leading action films including The Mummy trilogy, is firmly back in the spotlight after a pause in his career.

He took some time out when a series of events – his mother died, he got divorced from his wife of nine years, and has said he was a victim of sexual assault – led to a bout of depression.

Now, the promo tour for The Whale, one of his first leading film roles since 2013, has seen a swell of support for the actor, and he’s currently tipped to get Oscar nominated – or even win – at next year’s Academy Awards.

Speaking at the UK premiere of the film – a special presentation at this year’s London Film Festival, where crowds were chanting his name – Fraser said: “I feel very excited, I feel very fortunate, I feel very happy to be here in London. This is more than I ever expected.”

London is the latest stop on a tour of film festivals which has seen the actor getting visibly emotional as has been given rousing standing ovations for his performance from audiences.

In the film, Fraser plays an extremely obese man trying to reconnect with his daughter.

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His character Charlie is struggling with his mental health, and Fraser says he thinks more support should be given to those who need it.

“I think we could do well also to change the patterns of speech that we use when we refer to people who live with obesity,” he said. “I think that would help.”

The role was physically challenging, with Fraser required to wear heavy prosthetics and make-up.

But he says that wasn’t the aspect he found most difficult.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t wearing the make-up and wardrobe so much as it was performing with an ensemble cast who were wonderful, for Darren [Aronofsky – director], and telling a story of tolerance,” Fraser said. “All shot in a time of COVID, so we all know what it was like to live under those conditions. But it’s a film about love, at the end of the day.”

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Aronofsky, known for films including Black Swan and Requiem For A Dream, says he cast Fraser not realising the response the star would receive.

“I didn’t realise how much Brendan’s films meant for so many people,” he told Sky News. “It wasn’t part of my calculation in casting – I cast him because he was the right guy for the right role at the right time.

“But it’s beautiful that that’s happened and that he’s bringing so much happiness to the fans.”

The filmmaker says Fraser makes his character Charlie sympathetic, despite being in a situation that many may judge him for.

“The first five minutes of this film, you don’t really know what you’re doing – all these prejudices that are inside all of us come up and they start to judge this character.” Aronofsky explained.

“And then, slowly but surely, Brendan’s magic starts to break through and melts your heart, and it’s a really powerful experience for people.”

There’s no news yet on when The Whale will get a UK cinema release – but for fans of Brendan Fraser it won’t be soon enough.

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