Summary
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20th Century Studios has officially released the first trailer for its upcoming survival thriller, Whalefall
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The film follows a scuba diver searching for his deceased father’s remains before being swallowed alive by an 80-foot sperm whale
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Starring Austin Abrams and Josh Brolin, the claustrophobic adaptation is set to hit theaters on October 16, 2026
20th Century Studios is officially taking audiences into the depths with the first trailer for Whalefall. Directed by Brian Duffield and based on Daniel Kraus’s 2023 novel, the upcoming survival thriller delivers a tense, claustrophobic premise that is already being described as The Martian meets 127 Hours. Following the recent trailer debut, the studio is setting the stage for an intense cinematic experience when the film arrives later this year.
The narrative centers on Jay Gardiner, played by Austin Abrams, a young scuba diver who embarks on a dangerous mission to recover the remains of his deceased father, portrayed by Josh Brolin. During the dive, the situation escalates catastrophically when Jay is swallowed whole by an 80-foot, 60-ton sperm whale. Trapped inside the massive creature, the diver is left with only an hour of oxygen to find a way out.
To simulate the visceral reality of the whale’s stomach, the production utilized intricate sets at Radford Studios, aiming to heighten the physical and emotional stakes. Adding to the immersive nature of the thriller, the film will also be showcased in 4DX formats, allowing audiences to feel the movement and sensations of the terrifying deep-sea ordeal. Rounding out the ensemble cast alongside Abrams and Brolin are Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy, and Emily Rudd.
Whalefall releases in theaters on October 16, 2026, via 20th Century Studios.
