Warner Bros. is rebooting the 1993 adventure film Free Willy, with AGBO Pictures attached to produce.
Warner Bros. Pictures is moving forward with a new iteration of the 1990s adventure film, Free Willy. The project will be produced by AGBO Pictures, the company founded by directors Anthony and Joe Russo. Screenwriters Mary-Margaret Kunze and Jade Halley Bartlett are attached to pen the screenplay, bringing a fresh perspective to the beloved story.
Angela Russo-Otstot, Michael Disco, and Kassee Whiting are producing the new film for AGBO, overseeing the creative development. The Russo brothers themselves will serve as executive producers, alongside Lauren Shuler Donner, who was a key figure in the original Free Willy franchise. Kunze and Bartlett operate under their production banner, Biscuit Belly, signaling a collaborative approach to the script.
Jade Halley Bartlett's recent work includes writing and directing the 2024 film Miller's Girl, adapted from her own play, and creating the Netflix series Icebreaker. Mary-Margaret Kunze brings a background from Marvel Television, where she co-produced series such as Daredevil and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and was a co-executive producer on The Boroughs.
The original Free Willy, released in 1993, captivated audiences with its narrative of an orphaned boy, Jesse, forming an unlikely bond with a captive orca named Willy. The film became a global success, grossing over $153 million worldwide against a $20 million budget. Beyond its box office performance, the movie is recognized for influencing public opinion on orcas and inspiring conservation efforts.
Simon Wincer directed the 1993 feature, working from a screenplay by Keith Walker and Corey Blechman. The cast included Jason James Richter as Jesse, alongside Lori Petty, Jayne Atkinson, August Schellenberg, and Michael Madsen. The iconic role of Willy was portrayed by Keiko, a real-life orca whose story mirrored the film's themes of freedom.
Critics largely responded positively to the original Free Willy, noting its emotional resonance despite a conventional plot, earning it a 71% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's cultural impact was further amplified by Michael Jackson's hit song "Will You Be There," which was featured prominently. Its success led to a franchise that extended beyond the initial film.
The original trilogy continued with Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home in 1995 and Free Willy 3: The Rescue in 1997. An animated television series also aired for two seasons between 1994 and 1995. The franchise later saw a direct-to-DVD reboot in 2010, Free Willy: Escape from Pirates Cove, which marked the acting debut of Bindi Irwin.
