Another day, another fascinating piece of movie trivia from Gavin and Stacey's James Corden, who revealed he almost got to star in The Whale.
While it's hard to imagine anyone else but Brendan Fraser in Darren Aronofsky's film, it seems The Mummy star hadn't always been in the lead for the role.
To be released in February in the UK, the movie tells the story of a 600-pound man desperately trying to mend the relationship with his teenage daughter (Stranger Things' Sadie Sink).
After admitting he failed the audition for Samwise Gamgee in Lord of the Rings, Corden has explained how The Whale could have looked very different.
Related: Brendan Fraser defends infamous Mummy Returns CGI of Dwayne Johnson's Scorpion King
"I was going to play that part, and Tom Ford was going to direct," the TV presenter told Deadline.
What to Read Next
Corden also said that the fashion designer and director, best known for directing A Single Man, ultimately exited the project as he wanted more control of it.
But Ford wasn't the only filmmaker involved in the adaptation of Samuel D Hunter's play, as it appears that George Clooney had also been briefly on board. According to Corden, the Ocean's Eleven star intended to cast a real 600-pound, unknown man for the role of Charlie, but that version never came into being.
Related: Brendan Fraser's new movie The Whale sets box office record
Corden has recently starred in and executive produced Prime Video marriage series The Mammals opposite Sally Hawkins, Melia Kreiling and Colin Morgan.
The TV host also appeared in the latest, star-studded adaptation of Cinderella, with singer Camila Cabello making her acting debut in the titular role. Alongside Corden and the former Fifth Harmony member, the musical rom-com also featured Disenchanted's Idina Menzel, The Witcher: Blood Origin's Minnie Driver, Nicholas Galitzine, Pose's Billy Porter, and Pierce Brosnan.
The Whale is in US cinemas now and will be released in the UK on February 3.
Best Entertainment and Tech Deals
Coronation Street X Joanie - Gilroy Retro Newton And Ridley Sweatshirt
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
