Darren Aronofsky is set to direct “The Whale” at A24 with Brendan Fraser attached to star, according to a report in Deadline. A24 secured worldwide rights to the film.
MacArthur-winning playwright Samuel D. Hunter will write the screenplay based on his 2012 play of the same name.
“The Whale” tells the story of a reclusive English teacher suffering from severe obesity who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter for one last chance at redemption.
“Adapting my play into a screenplay has been a real labor of love for me,” Hunter said in a statement. “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.”
“The Whale” marks Aronofsky’s first film since directing Jennifer Lawrence in 2017’s “Mother” for Paramount.
Fraser was most recently seen in “Trust,” the FX limited series.
Aronofsky is repped by CAA and Fraser is repped by Gersh and Brillstein Entertainment
Deadline first reported the news.
A24 did not respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.