Playwright Samuel D. Hunter is adapting his 2012 play The Whale for the screen, with Oscar nominee Darren Aronofsky (mother!) attached to direct and Brendan Fraser starring. Deadline reports A24 will produce and distribute worldwide.
The story follows a reclusive online writing instructor who, weighing in at 600 pounds, lives marooned on a couch. Redemption may be within reach as he tries to reconnect with his estranged, sharp-tongued daughter.
The Whale debuted in January 2012 at Denver Centre Theatre Company before heading Off-Broadway later that year at Playwrights Horizons, where it took home the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Play and the GLAAD Media Award for New York Theatrical Production, in addition to earning a Special Drama Desk Award for Significant Contribution to Theatre. The play subsequently crossed the pond for a run at Theatre Royal Bath in 2018.
