Deadline has reported that Imagine Entertainment has acquired the film rights to Daniel Kraus’s upcoming novel, “Whalefall,” set to hit stores on August 8th. The accomplished author, known for collaborations with Guillermo del Toro and finishing George A. Romero’s novel “The Living Dead,” has crafted an intriguing survival thriller with “Whalefall,” described as a cross between “The Martian” and “127 Hours.”

The novel follows Jay Gardiner, who embarks on a daring quest to find the remains of his deceased father in the Pacific Ocean near Monastery Beach. Haunted by guilt after his father’s suicide, Jay is determined to confront his emotions and lay his demons to rest. However, his dive takes a treacherous turn when he encounters a colossal squid, putting his life in grave danger. As if that weren’t enough, a massive sperm whale enters the scene, seeking its next meal. Caught in the tentacles of the squid and sucked into the whale’s mouth, Jay finds himself inside the belly of the beast, with only one hour of oxygen left to survive. With the odds stacked against him, Jay must confront his inner struggles and find a way to escape the perilous situation within the whale’s four stomachs.

Whalefall promises to be a suspenseful and cinematic tale, offering a unique twist on the classic Jonah story. With its scientific accuracy and gripping narrative, the novel has garnered praise from acclaimed author Gillian Flynn as “astoundingly great.”

However, the development of the film adaptation is currently on hold due to the ongoing writers’ guild strike. Imagine Entertainment aims to proceed with the project once the strike is resolved and Hollywood resumes full operation.

As we anticipate the release of “Whalefall” in the literary world, fans of thrilling survival stories and unique premises can look forward to experiencing this gripping tale on both page and screen.