{
  "id": 14960589,
  "title": "Working with Austin Abrams on Whalefall made even Josh Brolin uncomfortable",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/working-with-austin-abrams-on-whalefall-made-even-josh-brolin",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T12:44:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film-tv/2026/10/16/austin-abrams-method-actor-whalefall-resident-evil-josh-brolin/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Working with Austin Abrams on Whalefall not only made Josh Brolin uncomfortable, but it also showcased the actor's ability to bring a complex character to life. Abrams' portrayal of Jay Gardiner, a young diver swallowed by a sperm whale, allowed viewers to connect with his fear, frustrations, and unfinished business with his father. The film, directed by Brian Duffield and based on Daniel Kraus's novel, follows Jay's attempt to recover his father's remains while dealing with an hour of oxygen left and the lessons his father taught him. Josh Brolin, who played Jay's father Mitt, appeared in flashbacks that provided insight into their relationship. Both actors had previously collaborated in Weapons, and their scenes in Whalefall were central to understanding Jay's character. The tension between Brolin and Abrams on set added to the authenticity of their performances. For Brolin, working with Abrams was both fun and uncomfortable, as he pushed himself to deliver a convincing portrayal. Abrams, known for his method acting approach, embraced the discomfort on set, understanding that it was necessary to create the desired emotional impact. Their on-screen chemistry and the depth of their performances helped make Whalefall a unique and emotionally resonant film.",
  "summary": "Austin Abrams has a way of making you care about a character before you quite understand him. There is something familiar in his awkwardness and flaws, even when he is keeping much of himself hidden. It helped him stand out in last year’s Weapons , and has become harder to overlook as he has moved into leading roles in Resident Evil and now Whalefall . The latter gives him an extraordinary…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Working with Austin Abrams on Whalefall made even Josh Brolin uncomfortable",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/working-with-austin-abrams-on-whalefall-made-even-josh-brolin-14961224",
        "published": "2026-10-16T12:44:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}