The new film Whalefall, now in theaters, centers on a diver who is swallowed by a sperm whale while searching for his father's remains. Starring Austin Abrams as the diver and Josh Brolin as his father, the film, based on Daniel Kraus's novel and co-written by Kraus and director Brian Duffield, presents a high-stakes scenario with only an hour of oxygen for the protagonist to escape his predicament.
Speaking at New York Comic Con 2026, the creative team shared insights into the film's production and its deeper meaning. For author and co-screenwriter Daniel Kraus, adapting the novel involved significant research into whale biology. He explained that bringing the whale's digestive system to life on screen was particularly challenging, requiring intricate set design to accurately represent the complex, multi-chambered stomach.
"As difficult as that was, it's much more difficult in the movie," Kraus said. "I can obscure things in the writing, but in the movie, you have to build it and it all has to be there." He noted that production designer Ramsey Avery's expertise was crucial in visualizing the realistic, yet bioluminescent, interior of the whale.
Star Austin Abrams echoed the sentiment, identifying the physical sensation of compression within the whale as the most demanding aspect of his performance. "the compression, being squeezed," he stated.
Despite the film's premise, the creators emphasize that the whale itself is not intended as a villain. Both Kraus and Duffield expressed a profound respect for whales, viewing them not as antagonists but as majestic and intelligent creatures. Kraus described sperm whales as "bizarre, magical, mystical, strange beings that I almost saw as gods," citing numerous accounts of whales assisting humans in distress.
Director Brian Duffield added, "Everyone involved loves whales. We approached it with a lot of love and respect. It's the most innocent character in the movie." He suggested that the whale, in its natural existence, is largely unaware of the human drama unfolding within it.
Ultimately, the filmmakers view Whalefall as a story about relationships, particularly the complex bond between father and son. The perilous journey inside the whale serves as a metaphorical space for the protagonist to confront his own issues and find peace.
Josh Brolin summarized this thematic core: "Whales are a symbol in this movie, to get you to a place where you get out of your own way."