Brendan Fraser is making his official comeback to the silver screen with his new lead role in “The Whale.” The reception toward the material even reportedly caused him to break down in tears.

The New York Post reported that the 53-year-old actor kept his “best composure” on the red carpet at the Venice International Film Festival on Sunday. But, he shed tears inside the cinema after receiving a six-minute standing ovation for his performance.

The outlet continued that many believe Fraser’s comeback role is an Oscar contender, with the actor playing the lead character, Charlie, “a 600-pound gay man who feels as though his life is coming to an end.”

Variety was the first to report about the matter later on Sunday. As noted, Brendan Fraser “sobbed” throughout the minutes-long standing ovation inside the cinema.

It also said that the “Mummy” star hugged Darren Aronofsky, director of “The Whale,” a couple of times during the ovation. He reportedly tried to leave the theater, as well, at one point, but the “outpouring of clapping” was loud and apparent, causing him to stay longer and take a bow.

Elsewhere in the report, the outlet shared that the ovation began when the credits rolled on the screen. Several others were said to have shed tears, especially during the title’s heartbreaking final scenes.

Ahead of the premiere of “The Whale” and the opening of the red carpet at the film festival, Brendan Fraser spoke to reporters at the venue. Reports said he shared an insight into his stint playing the character, noting that it required him to wear prosthetics and makeup.

Reuters quoted the “Inkheart” actor, sharing, “I needed to learn to absolutely move in a new way. I developed muscles I did not know I had.”

It continues, “It gave me an appreciation for those whose bodies are similar, because I learnt that you need to be an incredibly strong person physically and mentally to inhabit that physical being.”

Brendan Fraser also told reporters that Charlie, the character he played in “The Whale,” is the “most heroic man” he has ever played. He explained that it is because “his superpower is to see the good in others and bring that out.”

Later in the engagement, the “Journey to the Center of the Earth” star stated that the role in his new and upcoming film “presented the biggest challenge” to him. He noted, though, that he had put his all into the role, adding that his “journey to where [he is] now has been to explore as many characters as [he] can.”