Whalefall (film)
| Whalefall | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Brian Duffield |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Based on | Whalefall by Daniel Kraus |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Aaron Morton |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Studios |
| 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.
Premise
A scuba diver searching for their father's remains in the ocean is swallowed by a sperm whale, leaving them an hour to find a way to escape.
Cast
- Austin Abrams as Jay Gardiner
- Josh Brolin as Mitt Gardiner
- Elisabeth Shue
- John Ortiz
- Jane Levy
- Emily Rudd
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.[1] 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.[2] The following year, Austin Abrams was cast as the lead,[3] with Josh Brolin entering negotiations to join.[4] Brolin would be confirmed by June, with Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy, and Emily Rudd added to the cast.[5]
Production was granted a tax credit to film in California,[6] with principal photography beginning on June 9, 2025.[5][7] Aaron Morton serves as cinematographer, having previously collaborated with Duffield on No One Will Save You.[8] Scenes were shot at Monterey Peninsula on June 17.[9]
References
- ^ 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.