The first trailer for the Ron Howard directed In The Heart Of The Sea has been unveiled, starring Aussie hunk Chris Hemsworth.

In the newly-released clip the Hollywood actor is seen hurling a harpoon at a whale, as the ship he is aboard is destroyed through the force of the sea.

Flashbacks show the crew of the Essex enjoying their time aboard the ship, before a voiceover explains, "Trust gave way to doubt, hope to superstition."

The film tells the story of the harrowing events that inspired Herman Melville to write Moby Dick, with Ben Whishaw taking on the role of the author.

Benjamin Walker, George Pollard, Cillian Murphy, Tom Holland, Brendan Gleeson and Jordi Molla also star in the flick, due out next year.