All-star Irish cast head line In the Heart of the Sea movie due out December 26

Ron Howard’s In the Heart of the Sea that has Irish actors, Brendan Gleeson, Cillian Murphy and Sam Keeley among its star-studded cast, hits cinema screens on St Stephen’s Day.

Based on Nathaniel Philbrick’s bestselling book of the same name, it is the true story of the New England whaling ship, Essex, that was attacked and sunk by a massive white whale in 1820.

Australian actor, Chris Hemsworth leads the cast as the vessel’s veteran first mate, Owen Chase. Gleeson plays the elder Tom Nickerson, with Murphy playing second mate Matthew Joy.