Whalefall Hits Theaters as Abrams Defends Unannounced Weight Gain for Resident Evil
Austin Abrams stars in Whalefall, a new survival drama where a son searches for his father's remains and is swallowed by a sperm whale. The film opens October 16, following Abrams' recent role in the box-office hit Resident Evil. Abrams discussed the physical demands of both films, noting he gained weight for Resident Evil without prior approval from the director, a choice that was ultimately accepted.
Key points
- Whalefall, directed by Brian Duffield, releases in theaters on October 16, 2026.
- The film follows Jay Gardiner, played by Austin Abrams, who dives to find his father's body after the father commits suicide by drowning following a mesothelioma diagnosis.
- Abrams was trapped inside a practical sperm whale stomach set during filming, a process he described as more physically restrictive than his role in Resident Evil.
- Abrams gained weight for his role as Bryan in Resident Evil without informing director Zach Cregger beforehand, citing a need to make the character look unfit for survival.
- Resident Evil has grossed over $324 million worldwide, while Whalefall is distributed by 20th Century Studios and Imagine Entertainment.
Background
Austin Abrams previously starred in Zach Cregger's Resident Evil, which opened in September 2026 and became a commercial success, surpassing $100 million domestically and breaking franchise records. The film was noted for its survival-horror tone and lack of traditional franchise characters. Whalefall is Abrams' second genre film in a month, following the massive success of Resident Evil.
How outlets are covering it
The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes the physical toll of filming Whalefall, with Abrams refusing to admit it was harder than Resident Evil, while director Brian Duffield claims the whale stomach set was more punishing. The New York Times criticizes the film as too literal and compares it to other claustrophobic survival movies. Science Friday validates the scientific accuracy of the whale's anatomy, noting that while swallowing a human is unlikely, the esophagus size and stomach chambers are depicted realistically. Deadline highlights the production's technical challenges, including the construction of life-sized whale parts by Weta Workshop and the use of LED lighting to simulate bioluminescence, as well as the emotional core of the father-son relationship.
Why it matters
Whalefall represents a significant commercial and artistic risk for 20th Century Studios, leveraging the momentum of Resident Evil's box-office success. The film's unique premise and practical effects challenge traditional horror conventions, while Abrams' unconventional preparation methods highlight the evolving dynamics between actors and directors in high-budget productions.
What to watch
Whalefall is now in theaters nationwide. Austin Abrams and Brian Duffield are collaborating on an upcoming project titled Siren Head with Zach Cregger. The film's performance will likely influence future adaptations of Daniel Kraus's work and the trajectory of Abrams' career in genre films.
- Austin Abrams Still Won’t Admit Which Was Tougher to Shoot, ‘Whalefall’ or ‘Resident Evil’ The Hollywood Reporter
- ‘Whalefall’ Review: In the Belly of the Beast The New York Times
- Could a whale swallow a human, ‘Whalefall’ style? Science Friday
- ‘Whalefall’s Father-Son Relationship Unpacked By Director & Author During Set Visit Deadline
- 'Whalefall' Ending, Explained Time Magazine
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