Story perspectives

Warner Bros. Plans Russo-Produced Free Willy Reboot

7/10/2026

Summary

Warner Bros. Reimagines

Warner Bros. is developing a reimagining the 1993 film Free Willy, with Anthony Russo and Joe Russo’s AGBO producing and brothers serving as executive producers.
Mary-Margaret Kunze and Jade Halley Bartlett are writing the screenplay.
Angela Russo-Otstot, Michael Disco, Kassee Whiting, Lauren Shuler Donner and Courtney Baker produce, with Jesse Ehrman and Cate Adams overseeing project.
No director, cast or release date has been disclosed, leaving the film in development.

Summary

Free Willy Inspires

The 1993 film Free Willy shifted public attitudes toward orca captivity and sparked marine-mammal activism.
Michael Jackson’s theme song “Will You Be There” reached the Hot 100 top 10 and earned platinum certification.
The film’s success generated two theatrical sequels, an animated TV series and a video continuation, expanding the franchise.
Biscuit Belly Productions, Kunze and Bartlett’s partnership, collaborated on Miller’s Girl (2024) and bring credentials from Netflix’s The Boroughs and Black List scripts (2016-2017).

History

Historical Context

President Richard Nixon signed the Marine Mammal Protection Act on October 21 1972; it took effect 60 days later, banning the take of all marine mammals and creating oversight by NOAA and the Marine Mammal Commission. The act’s cultural echo appeared in the 1993 film *Free Willy*, inspiring campaigns that now frame Warner Bros.’ 2024 Russo-produced remake.

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Warner Bros. Reimagines

Warner Bros. is developing a reimagining the 1993 film Free Willy, with Anthony Russo and Joe Russo’s AGBO producing and brothers serving as executive producers.
Mary-Margaret Kunze and Jade Halley Bartlett are writing the screenplay.
Angela Russo-Otstot, Michael Disco, Kassee Whiting, Lauren Shuler Donner and Courtney Baker produce, with Jesse Ehrman and Cate Adams overseeing project.
No director, cast or release date has been disclosed, leaving the film in development.

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