Movies

More than 30 years later, ‘Free Willy’ is coming back: Warner Bros. announces a modern reboot

The reimagining of the 1993 classic brings together new writers and franchise veteran Lauren Shuler Donner.

Update: Jul 9th, 2026 22:56 CEST

Warner Bros. is bringing back one of its most beloved family films. The studio has announced a new ‘Free Willy’ movie, a modern reimagining of the 1993 classic, with AGBO, the production company founded by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, attached to produce (via The Hollywood Reporter). The project aims to introduce the story of the young boy and the captive orca to a new generation while preserving its emotional and environmental themes.

New creative team behind the ‘Free Willy’ reboot

Warner Bros. has tapped Mary-Margaret Kunze and Jade Halley Bartlett to write the screenplay through their Biscuit Belly Productions banner. The duo previously collaborated on Miller’s Girl, with Bartlett serving as writer and director and Kunze producing. Kunze previously worked as a creative executive at Marvel Television, contributing to series including Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Daredevil. She also serves as co-executive producer on Netflix’s upcoming series The Boroughs. Bartlett recently adapted Icebreaker, based on Hannah Grace’s bestselling novel, for Netflix. Production will be led by AGBO’s Angela Russo-Otstot, Michael Disco, and Kassee Whiting, while Anthony and Joe Russo will serve as executive producers.

The new adaptation will also see franchise veteran Lauren Shuler Donner return as an executive producer, with Courtney Baker attached as co-producer. Jesse Ehrman and Cate Adams will oversee the project on behalf of Warner Bros.

What was ‘Free Willy’ about?

Released in 1993, the original ‘Free Willy’ follows Jesse, an orphaned boy who forms an unlikely friendship with a captive orca named Willy and sets out to free him. Produced on a reported $20 million budget, the film grossed more than $150 million worldwide and launched a franchise that included multiple sequels.