{
  "id": 14961224,
  "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",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-16T12:44:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "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": "In an interview with The National, Josh Brolin described working with Austin Abrams on Whalefall as both enjoyable and uncomfortable. The two actors had previously collaborated in Weapons, but their scenes in Whalefall were central to understanding the relationship between Jay Gardiner, played by Abrams, and his father Mitt, portrayed by Brolin. Brolin noted that while working with Abrams was fun and pushed him to explore new dynamics, it also took a toll, causing discomfort on set. Abrams, known for his method acting, thrived on the tension and discomfort, preserving the authenticity of his character's fear and frustration. The film's premise, which sees a young diver swallowed by a sperm whale, required Abrams to convey Jay's fear, frustrations, and unfinished business with his father. Brolin praised Abrams for his willingness to explore uncharted territory in his performance, emphasizing the importance of actors pushing themselves and experimenting with their roles. Jay Gardiner's complex relationship with his father, Mitt, is a key aspect of the film, and Brolin commended Abrams for bringing both the desire for approval and the tendency to shut people out to life. He emphasized the importance of understanding the pain and discomfort behind these impulses. Overall, Brolin expressed his gratitude for working with Abrams on Whalefall, describing it as an opportunity to witness the actor's continued growth and exploration in his craft.",
  "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 UAE",
        "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",
        "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."
}