Whalefall trailer reveals survival thriller set inside a sperm whale

20th Century Studios has released a new trailer for the survival thriller Whalefall, directed by Brian Duffield. The film follows Jay Gardiner, played by Austin Abrams, a diver exploring California’s Central Coast. After being caught in a struggle between a sperm whale and a giant octopus, Jay is swallowed whole and becomes trapped inside the whale’s stomach.

The trailer highlights the claustrophobic nature of the situation, showing Jay attempting to survive with only one hour of oxygen remaining. The story, based on the book by Daniel Kraus, also explores themes of grief and the complicated relationship between Jay and his deceased father, played by Josh Brolin. Whalefall is scheduled for theatrical release on October 16, 2026.