Oscar winner Brendan Fraser, who recently starred in “The Whale,” will star as Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower in the planned D-Day movie named “Pressure. ” Anthony Maras, the director of “Hotel Mumbai,” will direct the movie, which aims to depict the final hours before one of World War II's key landmark events.
Performing Eisenhower at a time when his profession warrants a revival, known as the ‘Brenaissance', Fraser also bagged an Oscar for Best Actor for his play in “The Whale”. In “Pressure,” Fraser is supported by Andrew Scott, who portrays Britain's Chief Meteorological Officer James Stagg. Scott's character is very important because he presents the weather forecast that can either save or cost the largest seaborne invasion in history.
The movie script was crafted by Maras and David Haig as the script was developed from Haig's successful stage play. The events are described in detail in the 72 hours before D-Day, with emphasis on the tension that Stagg and Eisenhower experience as they wrestle with the responsibility of orchestrating the invasion. The conflict concerns the Allies' top brass and the English Channel's variable weather conditions, with millions of people at stake.
To complicate matters, drama is heightened by Stagg suffering from a disastrous D-Day rehearsal while Eisenhower has only the loyal aide Captain Kay Summersby played by yet unnamed actors. The plot focuses on historical events and personal struggles and is presented as an intense drama.
“Pressure” is set to go into production in September of this year but the exact filming date has not been released. Apart from this project, Fraser has already shot for his next role in Searchlight's “Rental Family” which is directed by Hikari. With “Pressure” on the horizon, a depict of Eisenhower by Fraser will be another milestone in his acting career.
For those fascinated by historical dramas and the intricate details of pivotal moments in history, “Pressure” is shaping up to be a must-watch film. Keep an eye out for more updates as production progresses and prepare to witness a dramatic retelling of the events leading to D-Day.
