Whalefall is an upcoming Adventure, Drama, and Thriller film directed by Brian Duffield and written by Brian Duffield and Daniel Kraus. The film stars Josh Brolin, Austin Abrams, Emily Rudd, Elisabeth Shue, Jane Levy, and John Ortiz.
Based on Daniel Kraus’s bestselling novel, Whalefall tells a gripping survival story set in the deep waters of California’s coast. Here’s everything you need to know about the filming locations and behind-the-scenes details of this highly anticipated 2026 movie.
The story follows Jay Gardiner, a young scuba diver searching for the remains of his late father. During his dive, he is swallowed by a massive 80-foot sperm whale. With only one hour of oxygen left, Jay must fight for survival and find a way to escape before time runs out.
The movie is scheduled to be released on October 15, 2026. The film will be distributed by 20th Century Studios.
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When and Where Was 20th Century Studios’ Whalefall Filmed?
| Film Name | Whalefall |
|---|---|
| Genres | Adventure, Drama, Thriller |
| Filming Locations | Monterey Peninsula, Monastery Beach, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Jacks Peak County Park, Monterey High School, Los Angeles, California |
| Filming Dates | June 2025 – August 2025 |
| Cinematography by | Aaron Morton |
| Release Date | October 15, 2026 |
Whalefall was primarily filmed in California. Production took place across the beautiful Monterey Peninsula and several nearby coastal locations to capture the story’s realistic ocean setting. Filming reportedly began in June 2025 and wrapped in August 2025. The production later moved to Los Angeles, where large studio sets were built to recreate the inside of the giant sperm whale.
📍Monterey Peninsula, California
A major portion of Whalefall was filmed across the Monterey Peninsula on California’s Central Coast. The region’s rugged cliffs, cold Pacific waters, and dramatic shoreline closely matched the setting described in Daniel Kraus’s novel. Many exterior scenes, ocean sequences, and diving-related moments were reportedly filmed around Monterey Bay.
The filmmakers selected this location because of its natural beauty and authentic marine environment. The area’s foggy coastline, rocky beaches, and deep ocean waters helped create the tense and isolated atmosphere needed for the survival story.
📍Monastery Beach, Carmel, California
Monastery Beach became one of the movie’s most important filming locations. This stunning but dangerous beach served as the primary setting for Jay Gardiner’s dive into the ocean. Several shoreline and underwater scenes were reportedly filmed here to add realism to the film.
Known for its steep underwater drop-offs and strong currents, Monastery Beach perfectly matched the movie’s themes of danger, fear, and survival. Its dramatic coastal scenery also added visual depth to the story.
📍Carmel and Pacific Grove, California
The nearby communities of Carmel and Pacific Grove were used for additional coastal scenes and establishing shots. These locations helped showcase the peaceful seaside atmosphere that contrasts with the terrifying events unfolding in the ocean.
The filmmakers chose these towns because of their scenic waterfront views, charming coastal landscapes, and quiet surroundings. These locations helped bring emotional balance to the story while highlighting California’s beautiful coastline.
📍Jacks Peak County Park, Monterey County, California
Several scenes connected to Jay’s personal life and emotional journey were reportedly filmed around Jacks Peak County Park. The park’s forested trails and elevated views overlooking Monterey Bay provided a calm setting for character-driven moments.
This location was selected for its peaceful environment and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. It offered a visual contrast to the film’s intense underwater sequences and helped explore Jay’s relationship with his father.
📍Monterey High School, Monterey, California
Monterey High School was reportedly used for scenes connected to Jay’s earlier life and community background. Although exact details about the scenes filmed here have not been revealed, the location helped establish the character’s roots within the Monterey area.
The school’s authentic California setting and recognizable local atmosphere added realism to the story before the narrative shifts into the ocean survival adventure.
📍Radford Studio Center, Los Angeles, California
While the coastal scenes were filmed on location, the movie’s most challenging sequences were filmed at Radford Studio Center in Los Angeles. Massive practical sets were built to recreate the interior of the giant sperm whale.
The filmmakers reportedly focused on practical effects rather than relying entirely on CGI. Detailed sets featuring flooding chambers, dark passageways, and confined spaces allowed actors to perform in realistic environments. These studio-built whale interiors played a crucial role in creating the movie’s claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere.
Whalefall Behind the Scenes
To make your search for Whalefall filming locations even more interesting, several behind-the-scenes images and production updates have been shared during filming.
Austin Abrams reportedly performed most of his own underwater stunts, including many of the demanding scuba-diving sequences featured in the film. The production team combined real ocean footage from Monterey Bay with practical studio sets to create a realistic and immersive survival experience.
For more information about other shooting locations, stay tuned to this post. We will add more updates as additional production details become available.
Is There Any Trailer Available for Whalefall?
Yes, the official trailer for Whalefall has been released by 20th Century Studios.
You can watch it here:
Whalefall is set to be released on October 15, 2026, via 20th Century Studios.
FAQs
Q1: Where was Whalefall filmed?
A1: Whalefall was primarily filmed in California, including Monterey Peninsula, Monastery Beach, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Jacks Peak County Park, Monterey High School, and Radford Studio Center in Los Angeles.
Q2: What scenes were filmed at Monastery Beach in Whalefall?
A2: Several important diving and shoreline scenes in Whalefall were reportedly filmed at Monastery Beach. The location served as the setting for Jay Gardiner’s dangerous ocean dive.
Q3: When did filming for Whalefall begin?
A3: Filming for Whalefall reportedly began in June 2025 and wrapped in August 2025.
Q4: Can I visit the filming locations used in Whalefall?
A4: Yes. Many Whalefall filming locations, including Monterey Peninsula, Monastery Beach, Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Jacks Peak County Park, are open to visitors. Some areas may have local access rules, so it is best to check before visiting.
Q5: Which studio was used for the whale interior scenes in Whalefall?
A5: The interior whale sequences in Whalefall were filmed at Radford Studio Center in Los Angeles, where detailed practical sets were constructed.
Q6: Who stars in Whalefall?
A6: The cast of Whalefall includes Austin Abrams, Josh Brolin, Emily Rudd, Elisabeth Shue, Jane Levy, and John Ortiz.
The filming locations of Whalefall play a major role in bringing this intense survival thriller to life. From the rugged coastline of Monterey Peninsula and the dangerous waters of Monastery Beach to the elaborate whale sets built in Los Angeles, every location helps create the film’s gripping atmosphere. As the movie prepares for its October 2026 release, fans can look forward to experiencing one of the most unique and ambitious survival stories ever brought to the big screen.
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