Oscarwatch: Ron Howard’s In the Heart of the Sea Begins Test Screening

Though it’s slated for 2015, Warner Bros. In the Heart of the Sea has begun test screening for audiences, a source close to AwardsDaily reports. Does this mean there’s a chance it will be a 2014 release?

In the Heart of the Sea is directed by Ron Howard — starring Chris Hemsworth. It is said to be the basis for Moby Dick. The plot, as follows: Based on the 1820 event, a whaling ship is preyed upon by a sperm whale, stranding its crew at sea for 90 days, thousands of miles from home.

I’m guessing that this should ultimately be an anti-whaling messaged film. I hope so.

The above pic was tweeted by Ron Howard and shows Chris Hemsworth’s weight loss for the role.