The ‘Whalefall’ Popcorn Bucket Launches Featuring a Sperm Whale and Diver

Avatar photoValentina Kraljik
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Movie theaters are finding innovative ways to boost revenue, and collectible popcorn buckets have transformed from a novelty into a full-blown phenomenon. The latest quirky design to hit the market is the ‘Whalefall’ popcorn bucket, which is sure to catch the eye of moviegoers.

This trend began in 2019 with AMC’s R2-D2 bucket for ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,’ which sold out almost immediately. By 2024, the sandworm bucket for ‘Dune: Part Two’ went viral, prompting studios and theaters to compete in creating increasingly elaborate and whimsical containers.

The collectible bucket market has seen significant growth, reportedly doubling in size over the past three years, with projections reaching $100 million by 2026. Some buckets are priced as high as $70 and can sell out within a day. Now, 20th Century Studios is entering the fray with a design that matches the film’s unusual premise.

As the film’s October 16 release approaches, a first look at the ‘Whalefall’ bucket has been revealed. Shaped like a sperm whale, it features a hinged opening on top for popcorn and a tiny scuba diver floating near its head.

The promotional image showcases the whale brimming with popcorn, accompanied by the phrases “Collectible Popcorn Container” and “Comes with a Large Popcorn.” The whale measures nearly 2 feet in length, although its exact capacity has yet to be disclosed.

Tickets for ‘Whalefall’ became available on September 30, and Fandango is already offering a Whalebucket Bundle for $49.99, which includes one movie ticket and the bucket. Tickets can be purchased on Fandango and at major chains like AMC, Regal, and Cinemark.

Regal is hosting an early 4DX screening on October 14, where admission includes a complimentary Whalebucket and popcorn while supplies last. The bucket will be available for purchase starting October 15 at select locations, also bundled with a large popcorn.

Other theater chains have yet to announce their ‘Whalefall’ concessions, with AMC, Cinemark, Marcus, Harkins, Alamo Drafthouse, Showcase, Epic, and Swan still pending.

The 4DX format is particularly fitting for a film set inside a whale. Regal describes it as an immersive experience that combines motion and vibrating seats with effects like water, wind, lighting, and scents, all synchronized with the film.

This early screening promises to be an event in itself. The whale bucket serves as the collectible, while the seats enhance the overall experience.

The ‘Whalefall’ bucket is the third major theater collectible announcement this week, following the Rocky Steps bucket for the ‘Rocky’ 50th anniversary and the Book Stack tin for ‘Sense and Sensibility’.

Four of the six highest-grossing films this year have sold collectible buckets, including ‘Toy Story 5’ with a Buzz Lightyear bucket, ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ with a Yoshi bucket, and ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ with a red handbag. The Trojan horse from ‘The Odyssey’ has been listed on eBay for prices ranging from $63.89 to $149.

The ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ tub even set a Guinness World Record for the largest commercially available popcorn container.

AMC’s Nels Storm noted that this business was virtually non-existent for the company seven years ago. While he doesn’t claim that buckets are the sole reason people attend movies, he acknowledges they have become a significant part of the conversation surrounding major releases.

KTLA has also pointed out that a large popcorn costs theaters less than $2 to serve, which explains the industry’s strong push into this trend.

‘Whalefall’ follows Jay Gardiner, portrayed by Austin Abrams, a scuba diver searching for his late father’s remains who gets swallowed by an 80-foot, 60-ton sperm whale. With only 60 minutes of oxygen remaining, he realizes that the lessons his father, played by Josh Brolin, imparted may hold the key to his escape.

Directed by Brian Duffield, who co-wrote the screenplay with Daniel Kraus, whose 2023 novel inspired the film, ‘Whalefall’ also stars Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy, and Emily Rudd, and it opens nationwide on October 16.

Whether the whale becomes a sought-after collector’s item or a humorous anecdote, it aligns perfectly with the meme-friendly vibe surrounding the film. As with previous buckets, the true test will be how quickly it sells out.

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