Reynolds-narrated 'The Whale' to surface in theaters courtesy of Paladin (HWT)

By Nancy Tartaglione

Paladin has acquired "The Whale," a new documentary narrated by Ryan Reynolds which the company will distribute theatrically beginning in late summer. The story follows a lonely young killer whale who causes upheaval in a small town and amazement around the world when he tries to make friends with humans.

The film is directed by Michael Parfit and Suzanne Chisholm, who encountered the young orca, nicknamed Luna, at the height of his celebrity and spent several years chronicling his adventures both in print and on film.

Reynolds served as executive producer, along with his ex-wife Scarlett Johansson and Eric Desatnik.

Film is set to roll out in late summer and expand in the fall.

Synopsis:

Set on the rugged western coast of Vancouver Island, THE WHALE describes what happens when Luna, a baby orca, gets separated from his family and unexpectedly starts making contact with people along a scenic fjord called Nootka Sound. Because orcas are highly social creatures who spend their lives traveling with their pods, Luna attempts to find a surrogate family among the area residents, much to their delight. But as word spreads about Luna, people become torn between their love for the lonely young whale and fears that human contact might harm him.

"'The Whale' is a wondrous experience," said Paladin president Mark Urman. "It speaks volumes about our complex and ever-changing relationship with nature. Michael and Suzanne have told this story so effectively that, while it has all the power of truth, it also has all the emotion and beauty of a perfect fable."