One of the most intense films that I saw at CinemaCon 2026 was this film and 20th Century Studios and Imagine Entertainment have released a first look at “Whalefall.” The teaser trailer and poster are available to download and share. The survival thriller about a young man’s encounter with a sperm whale opens exclusively in theaters Oct. 16.
The film is directed by Brian Duffield, who co-wrote the screenplay with Daniel Kraus, based on Kraus’ book of the same name. It stars Austin Abrams, Josh Brolin, Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy and Emily Rudd. Brian Grazer, Duffield, Jeb Brody and Allan Mandelbaum produced the film. Doug Merrifield, Richard Abate and Will Rowbotham serve as executive producers.
Following the death of his father (Brolin), Jay Gardiner (Abrams) goes diving off the central coast of California in search of his remains but is swallowed by a sperm whale. Trapped inside with only one hour of oxygen remaining, Jay realizes that lessons his father imparted may be the key to his escape.
On Monday night, Abrams and Duffield attended a special 4DX trailer preview at the Regal Sherman Oaks Galleria in Sherman Oaks, California, offering an immersive experience for journalists and guests.
