Dwayne Johnson calls for his The Mummy Returns co-star Brendan Fraser to bag an Oscar for The Whale
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Dwayne Johnson has enlisted his former The Mummy Returns colleague Brendan Fraser to take home an Oscar for his role in The Whale.
The action star, 50, supported Brendan, 53, and shared how he would love to see him win an Academy Award for his portrayal as a morbidly obese teacher named Charlie in the Darren Aronofsky-directed film.
In a new interview, Dwayne has insisted he wants Brendan to “go all the way” amid the Hollywood star’s full-fledged comeback role, which has already earned him minutes-long standing ovations from the audience.
Big Support: Dwayne Johnson has called on his former The Mummy Returns co-star Brendan Fraser to take home an Oscar for his role in The Whale
Speak with MTV Newsthe hunk insisted he was “so happy” for Brendan, adding: “I want him to go all the way, man, I want to see him on that Oscar stage, hold that sucker and deliver, I know sure what a great speech will be.’
Former wrestler Dwayne, known to fans as The Rock, made his acting debut in the 2001 sequel to The Mummy as the Scorpion King, co-starring Brendan playing adventurer Rick O’Connell.
And the star credits Brendan — who was already a big name thanks to roles like George Of The Jungle — for kick-starting his Hollywood career.
Role: The action star, 50, supported Brendan, 53, and shared how he would love to see him win an Academy Award for his portrayal as morbidly obese teacher Charlie
Dwayne explained that Brendan had to give “OK” to star in the film, but he said he came from his WWE background and they had never met before.
But he admitted that he was delighted to hear from their director Stephen Sommers that Brendan “liked” the idea of being in the film.
“I’d never been on a movie set before and all of a sudden I’m in the middle of the Sahara desert making The Mummy Returns,” he said.
“And I get such an approving nod from the star of the movie, it really meant a lot to me – so many years later I’ve never forgotten it.”
The Black Adam actor has previously expressed support for Brendan’s latest role after Brendan burst into tears after a standing ovation at the screening of The Whale in Venice.
Award-winning: In a new interview, Dwayne has insisted he wants Brendan to ‘go all the way’ amid the Hollywood star’s full-fledged comeback role
Rotting for his friend, “I want him to go all out, man. I want to see him on that Oscar stage, hold up that sucker and, I’m sure, give a great speech.”
Dwayne congratulated him on his return to the Hollywood spotlight, after a years-long hiatus during which Brendan struggled with depression and numerous health problems.
“Man, this makes me so happy to see this beautiful ovation for Brendan,” Dwayne wrote. “He supported me in getting into his Mummy Returns franchise for my very first role, which kicked off my Hollywood career.
“Rooted in all your success brother and congratulations to my friend Darren Aronofsky.”
Supporting roles: Former wrestler Dwayne, known to fans as The Rock, made his acting debut in the 2001 sequel to The Mummy as the Scorpion King, along with lead actor Brendan who played adventurer Rick O’Connell (both depicted in the film)
Thanks: The star credits Brendan – who was already a big name thanks to roles like George Of The Jungle – for kick-starting his Hollywood career (pictured together in 2001)
The film marks the legendary star’s comeback after struggling with depression following a sexual assault claim and being in and out of hospital due to health issues.
The film will hit theaters on December 9 and will mark Brendan’s first starring role in a movie since 2013’s thriller Breakout.
The Whale is a psychological drama in which Brendan undergoes a physical transformation as he plays a 600-pound man who is in a wheelchair, a role that also required him to wear prosthetics.
The official synopsis reads: “A reclusive English teacher suffering from severe obesity tries to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter for one last chance at redemption.”
Fun: Since its premiere last month, The Whale has received critical acclaim from critics and has kick-started Brendan’s comeback after stepping out of the spotlight after a struggle with depression