Just weeks after riding the wave of Resident Evil's massive success, Austin Abrams is facing a very different reality. His latest film, the survival thriller Whalefall, has been dropped from more than 1,000 theaters nationwide as it enters its third week of release. The movie, which also stars Josh Brolin, has struggled to find its footing despite a buzzy premise and mostly positive reviews.
Whalefall opened in over 3,000 theaters and was produced on a reported $60 million budget. So far, it has managed to reel in just over $30 million at the global box office. While that number will eventually eclipse the $39 million worldwide total of Brolin's previous flop, The Dog Stars, it's a far cry from the nearly $400 million haul of Abrams' Resident Evil reboot. In fact, Whalefall has earned only about a tenth of that blockbuster's gross.
The film, co-written and directed by Brian Duffield, follows a young diver who is swallowed alive by a sperm whale. It's a high-concept survival story that critics largely embraced. On Rotten Tomatoes, Whalefall holds a 73% score, with the consensus praising its "unforgettably visceral" moments and "some of the most unusual set pieces the survival thriller genre has to offer." Collider's own Charlie Ridgely gave it a 9/10, calling it "terrifying, awe-inspiring, moving, a little sappy, unbelievably earnest, and wholly memorable."
But strong reviews haven't translated into ticket sales. The film's theatrical footprint is shrinking fast, and its future on the big screen looks bleak. For fans of the genre, there are still plenty of options—like these spine-chilling thrillers on Netflix or the most unforgettable thrillers that will shatter your nerves.
Meanwhile, Abrams' star continues to rise thanks to Resident Evil, which has become a global phenomenon. The disparity between the two films' fortunes highlights the unpredictable nature of the box office, even for a rising talent. Whalefall's underperformance also raises questions about the viability of mid-budget survival thrillers in a market increasingly dominated by franchises and event movies.
For those who missed it in theaters, Whalefall may eventually find a second life on streaming. Until then, audiences can explore other recent theatrical disappointments, like the Street Fighter movie losing theaters in its third week. Or they can revisit classics like Russell Crowe's L.A. Confidential, now streaming on Prime Video.
As for Abrams, he's likely to bounce back quickly. With Resident Evil still pulling in audiences worldwide, his career is on an upward trajectory. But Whalefall will serve as a cautionary tale about the challenges of launching an original, high-concept thriller in today's crowded marketplace.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on this developing story and all things entertainment.
