Whalefall (film)
Upcoming film by Brian Duffield
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Whalefall is an upcoming American survival thriller film directed and produced by Brian Duffield, based on the 2023 novel by Daniel Kraus, who co-wrote the script with Duffield. The film follows a scuba diver (Austin Abrams) who, while searching for the remains of his father (Josh Brolin), gets swallowed alive by a whale and attempts to escape. Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy, and Emily Rudd star in supporting roles.
- Brian Duffield
- Daniel Kraus
by Daniel Kraus
- Brian Grazer
- Ron Howard
- Brian Duffield
- Jeb Brody
- Allan Mandelbaum
| Whalefall | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Brian Duffield |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Based on | Whalefall by Daniel Kraus |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Aaron Morton |
| Edited by | Pietro Scalia[1] |
| Music by | Joseph Trapanese[2] |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Studios |
Release date |
|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Whalefall is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on October 16, 2026 by 20th Century Studios.
Premise
A scuba diver searching for his father's remains in the ocean is swallowed by a sperm whale, leaving him an hour to find a way to escape.
Cast
- Austin Abrams as Jay Gardiner
- Josh Brolin as Mitt Gardiner, Jay's father
- Elisabeth Shue as Zara Gardiner, Jay's mother
- John Ortiz as Hewey
- Jane Levy as Eva Gardiner
- Emily Rudd as Nan Gardiner
Production
In August 2023, just before the book's publication, Imagine Entertainment announced that it had struck a pre-emptive film rights deal for Whalefall.[3] In March 2024, 20th Century Studios won a bidding war for distribution for Daniel Kraus' novel and set Brian Duffield as director and co-writer.[4] The following year, Austin Abrams was cast as the lead,[5] with Josh Brolin entering negotiations to join.[6] Brolin would be confirmed by June, with Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy, and Emily Rudd also added to the cast.[7]
Production was granted a tax credit to film in California,[8] with principal photography beginning on June 9, 2025.[7][9] Aaron Morton serves as cinematographer, having previously collaborated with Duffield on No One Will Save You and Spontaneous.[10] Scenes were shot at Monterey Peninsula on June 17.[11]
Release
Whalefall is scheduled to be released in the United States on October 16, 2026 by 20th Century Studios.[12]
