Only one actor was at the forefront of the minds of fans and critics as the 2023 Academy Awards drew nearer: Brendan Fraser. In equal parts, people were impressed with Fraser’s towering performance in The Whale, and they were willing the beloved actor of decades past to finally make his comeback.
Naturally, the next question on everyone’s mind is, what’s Brendan Fraser going to be in next? Importantly, though, it’s important to know why there’s so much hype around Fraser now, as it certainly isn’t purely from one performance in an Oscar-bait film.
Beloved star of a more fondly remembered time for cinema
Nostalgia is certainly a powerful tool, but given the way that so many blockbuster films right now can be so easily picked apart, the fun flick of the past has only become more revered. Brendan Fraser just so happened to be the star of what remains one of the most enjoyable movies to draw from ancient Egypt, The Mummy.
As intrepid explorer Rick O’Connell, he was both a brave action hero and revelled in the campy comedy, cementing him and the film as fan favourites. It’s why The Mummy: Books of Amun Ra can sit prominently among Paddy Power’s online slots today and even just be made and released in 2021. That’s 13 years after the third movie.
Along with The Mummy, Fraser also won over moviegoers with George of the Jungle in 1997, Crash in 2004, and The Air I Breathe in 2007. It’s still his romp as The Mummy that most born in the 90s and prior known Fraser for, speaking to how memorable the character and movies were even with CGI in its awkward growing pains stage.
While a much, much more minor role, one of Fraser’s most impactful stints came in a couple of episodes in the fondly-remembered series Scrubs. Part comedy, part serious hospital drama, Brendan Fraser’s appearances are integral to the building of a main character Dr Cox, as Paste Magazine’s article describes.
Buzzing for more Brendan on the big screen
Like London buses, it looks as though Brendan Fraser quickly turned one major role as the star of The Whale into a couple of other parts in big-name movies. Interestingly, it was back in August 2021 that it was announced by Deadline’s news blast that Fraser had joined the ranks of two more flicks with impressive creatives behind them.
The Whale hit cinemas in late 2022, and in 2023, he’ll be in at least one more big production – perhaps two. The first looks to be Martin Scorsese’s next production, Killers of the Flower Moon. Pencilled in for October 6, it’s a Western crime drama which will see Fraser star alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, John Lithgow, Lily Gladstone, and Jesse Plemons.
Also on the way, potentially for 2024 but planned for 2023, is Brothers. From the creator of time-loop comedy Palm Springs, Max Barbakow, the two leads – the brothers – will be played by Peter Dinklage and Josh Brolin, with Fraser joining Glenn Close, Taylour Paige, and William Tokarsky in the surrounding cast.
Both of these upcoming roles were secured before his lead in The Whale was even released, let alone so highly praised. So, it should be fair to say that we can expect much more from Fraser on the big screen in the coming years.