Whale Shark Jack (2026)

Whale Shark Jack is a 2026 Australian family adventure drama set around the spectacular Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. The film follows 12-year-old Sarah, who has grown up aboard a research boat with her marine-biologist parents and formed a special friendship with a whale shark named Jack. After a devastating change to her family’s life, Sarah must find a way to adjust to a new home and a world on land.

Directed by Miranda Edmonds and Khrob Edmonds and written by Kathryn Lefroy, the film combines an emotional coming-of-age story with ocean adventure and themes of friendship, family, grief and resilience. Alyla Browne stars as Sarah, alongside Abbie Cornish, Michael Dorman, Ursula Yovich and Rachel Ward. The story places the natural beauty of Western Australia at the heart of the film while offering a gentle family-oriented exploration of moving forward after loss.

• Whale Shark Jack is an Australian production from Cottesloe Films, Southern Light Films and Stan Originals, with the Australian Children's Television Foundation involved in its development and release.
• The film was directed by siblings Miranda Edmonds and Khrob Edmonds, marking their feature directorial debut.
• Principal photography took place around Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, with filming completed in 2025.
• Alyla Browne leads the film as Sarah, following prominent roles in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
• The film was released in Australia on April 2, 2026, as a Stan Original and received a PG classification for mild themes and some scenes that may scare young children.