Whalefall (film)
| Whalefall | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Brian Duffield |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Based on | Whalefall by Daniel Kraus |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Aaron Morton |
| Edited by | Pietro Scalia[1] |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Studios |
Release date |
|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Whalefall is an upcoming American survival thriller film directed by Brian Duffield, based on the novel of the same name by Daniel Kraus.
Whalefall is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on October 16, 2026, by 20th Century Studios.
Premise
[edit]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
[edit]- Austin Abrams as Jay Gardiner
- Josh Brolin as Mitt Gardiner, Jay's father
- Elisabeth Shue
- John Ortiz
- Jane Levy
- Emily Rudd
Production
[edit]In August 2023, just before the book's publication, Imagine Entertainment announced that it had struck a pre-emptive film rights deal for Whalefall.[2] 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.[3] The following year, Austin Abrams was cast as the lead,[4] with Josh Brolin entering negotiations to join.[5] Brolin would be confirmed by June, with Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy, and Emily Rudd added to the cast.[6]
Production was granted a tax credit to film in California,[7] with principal photography beginning on June 9, 2025.[6][8] Aaron Morton serves as cinematographer, having previously collaborated with Duffield on No One Will Save You.[9] Scenes were shot at Monterey Peninsula on June 17.[10]
Release
[edit]Whalefall is scheduled to be released in the United States on October 16, 2026.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ In Conversation with Pietro Scalia
- ^ Grober, Matt (August 1, 2023). "Imagine Entertainment Pre-emptively Secures Film Rights To Daniel Kraus' Anticipated Novel Whalefall". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (March 7, 2024). "20th Wins Bidding War For Imagine's Survival Thriller Whalefall; Brian Duffield To Co-Write & Direct". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (March 6, 2025). "'Wolfs' Breakout Austin Abrams To Star In 'Whalefall' From 20th Century, Imagine And Brian Duffield". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (March 27, 2025). "Josh Brolin In Talks To Co-Star Opposite Austin Abrams In Whalefall From 20th Century And Imagine Entertainment". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ a b Kroll, Justin (June 5, 2025). "Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy And Emily Rudd Join Whalefall Adaptation From 20th Century & Imagine Entertainment". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ "Tax Credit Program Approved Projects". California Film Commission. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ DiVincenzo, Alex (June 9, 2025). "First Look at Tatted Up Josh Brolin in Whalefall Adaptation, Now in Production". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
- ^ Aaron Morton
- ^ Tovar, Ricardo (June 17, 2025). "See what Monterey Peninsula locations will be featured in 20th Century Studios' Whalefall". KSBW. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ Lang, Brent (August 1, 2025). "'Star Wars: A New Hope' Will Get 50th Anniversary Theatrical Re-Release in 2027". Variety. Retrieved August 1, 2025.