A new trailer for Whalefall has been released, starring Austin Abrams as a scuba diver in a deep-sea thriller. The upcoming film is an adaptation of author Daniel Kraus’ eponymous 2023 novel. The film also stars Josh Brolin as Abrams’ father.
Whalefall’s synopsis reads, “Following the death of his father (Josh Brolin), Jay Gardiner (Austin Abrams) goes diving off the central Coast of California in search of his remains, but is swallowed by a massive sperm whale. While trapped inside its belly with only one hour of oxygen left, Jay comes to realize that the hard-earned lessons his father imparted may be the key to his escape.”
Check out the Whalefall trailer below:
What do we see in the trailer for Whalefall?
The trailer begins by showing glimpses of the life lessons Gardiner learned from his late father. The rest of the footage is an extended scene from the film. In a scene, Gardiner dives into the ocean and is seen trying to escape the clutches of a massive sperm whale. The thrilling sequence ends with Abrams’ character being swallowed by the whale while battling a giant squid. It is largely the same trailer that played at CinemaCon earlier this year.
A special 4DX version of the trailer was shown to journalists in a preview this week, with Abrams and Duffield in attendance at Regal Sherman Oaks Galleria. The 2023 novel on which the film is based was included in The New York Times’ Best Thrillers of 2023 list. Author Kraus has also written Angel Down, Trollhunters, Rotters, and more.
Whalefall is directed by Brian Duffield, based on a screenplay by him and Daniel Kraus. It is produced by Brian Grazer, Brian Duffield, Jeb Brody, and Allan Mandelbaum. Doug Merrifield, Richard Abate, and Will Rowbotham serve as executive producers.
Before Whalefall, Abrams will be seen in Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil. The actor also starred in 2025’s Weapons, 2024’s Wolfs, and HBO’s Euphoria. Alongside Abrams and Brolin, Whalefall’s cast includes Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy, and Emily Rudd.
Whalefall releases in theaters on October 16, 2026.
Originally reported by Rahul Majumdar on ComingSoon.net.
