Could we have seen James Corden in the line for an Oscar nomination this year? In an alternative universe, the actor and talk show host would’ve been in The Whale instead of Brendan Fraser.
In a new story from Deadline, the possibility of a James Corden-led version of The Whale was unleashed into the world. Corden tells the outlet that he was once in line to star as Charlie in an adaptation of Samuel D. Hunter’s 2012 play of the same name, but not from Darren Aronofsky.
During a recent Q&A for his Amazon series Mammals, Corden mentioned that he was once pegged to star in the movie, though it was from filmmaker Tom Ford instead of Aronofsky. “I was going to play that part, and Tom Ford was going to direct,” he said, but felt like “he may have been too young to do it justice.”
And for those thinking the ever-so-lovely Corden could be making this up, there was confirmation from Aronofsky himself.
The Tom Ford-directed The Whale never came to be, as Corden claims, “Ford wanted complete control of the project.” Ford is best known for his work in the fashion world but is also a filmmaker who has helmed A Single Man and Nocturnal Animals.
Deadline writer Pete Hammond added to the story, saying even more big-name talent was involved. Hammond says that Corden told him, “George Clooney also got involved with it at one point but only wanted to make the film if an actual 600-pound unknown could be found to play the lead role.”
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As we have seen, none of that happened, and filmmaker Darren Aronofsky instead helmed The Whale. Fraser has earned nominations for Best Actor at the 80th Golden Globe Awards and the 28th Critics’ Choice Awards. Many predict the actor will receive his first-ever Academy Award nomination for his work.
From Darren Aronofsky comes The Whale, the story of a reclusive English teacher who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter.
Joining Brendan Fraser and Sadie Sink in the cast of The Whale are Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins, and Samantha Morton.
The Whale is currently playing in cinemas.
Originally published January 2, 2023. Updated January 3, 2023.
