20th Century Studios releases Whalefall, a survival thriller based on the acclaimed novel by Daniel Kraus, will arrive in theaters on October 16, 2026.
Directed by Brian Duffield, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Daniel Kraus, the film follows Jay Gardiner (Austin Abrams), a young diver searching for the remains of his late father off California’s Central Coast. After being swallowed by a massive sperm whale, Jay finds himself trapped inside the creature’s belly with only an hour of oxygen remaining. As time runs out, he must rely on the hard-earned lessons imparted by his father to find a way to survive and escape.
The film stars Austin Abrams, Josh Brolin, Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy, and Emily Rudd.
Whalefall is produced by Brian Grazer, Brian Duffield, Jeb Brody, and Allan Mandelbaum, with Doug Merrifield, Richard Abate, and Will Rowbotham serving as executive producers.
Film Details
Rating: PG-13
Release Date: October 16, 2026
Genre: Survival, Thriller
Cast
- Austin Abrams
- Josh Brolin
- Elisabeth Shue
- John Ortiz
- Jane Levy
- Emily Rudd
Crew
Director
- Brian Duffield
Screenplay By
- Brian Duffield
- Daniel Kraus
Based on the Book By
- Daniel Kraus
Producers
- Brian Grazer
- Brian Duffield
- Jeb Brody
- Allan Mandelbaum
Synopsis
Following the death of his father, Jay Gardiner embarks on a dive off the Central Coast of California in search of his remains. When he is swallowed by a massive sperm whale, Jay becomes trapped inside its belly with only one hour of oxygen left. Facing impossible odds, he discovers that the lessons his father taught him may hold the key to his survival.
Whalefall opens in theaters on October 16, 2026.
