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newsThursday, July 9, 2026·3 min read

Free Willy Reimagining Set at Warner Bros

Free Willy is being reimagined at Warner Bros

Two handheld gaming consoles on a sofa with game cartridges, creating a cozy game night mood.
Photo: Adriano Calleja

Warner Bros. and the Russo brothers’ AGBO are partnering on a reimagining of the 1993 adventure movie Free Willy. The original Free Willy follows a troubled preteen who finds his purpose to free an aging orca that was captured from the wild and put into a local aquarium as a tourist attraction. The beloved 90s movie became a franchise that spanned numerous theatrical and home video releases. The new reimagining will be written by Mary-Margaret Kunze and Jade Halley Bartlett.

What happened

The original Free Willy was released in 1993 and became a successful franchise. The new reimagining will be written by Mary-Margaret Kunze and Jade Halley Bartlett, with AGBO’s Angela Russo-Otstot, Michael Disco, and Kassee Whiting producing. Anthony and Joe Russo will executive produce. The screenplay will be written by Kunze and Bartlett, who have experience in the film industry. Kunze started her career as a creative executive at Marvel Television, working on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Daredevil. Bartlett made her feature debut on the Lionsgate movie Miller’s Girl. The new Free Willy reimagining is part of AGBO’s slate, which includes a John Rambo movie starring Noah Centineo and the Robert De Niro crime thriller The Whisper Man.

Why it matters

The reimagining of Free Willy is significant because it will introduce the beloved story to a new generation. The original movie was a huge success and became a franchise, and the new reimagining will likely appeal to both old and new fans. The partnership between Warner Bros. and the Russo brothers’ AGBO is also notable, as it brings together two major players in the film industry. The new Free Willy reimagining will also provide opportunities for the cast and crew to explore themes and issues that are relevant to today’s audience.

+ Pros
  • The reimagining will introduce the story to a new generation
  • The partnership between Warner Bros. and AGBO brings together two major players in the film industry
  • The new screenplay will provide opportunities to explore themes and issues relevant to today’s audience
Cons
  • The reimagining may not live up to the original
  • The new screenplay may not appeal to fans of the original
  • The production may face challenges in bringing the story to life

How to think about it

The reimagining of Free Willy is a significant development in the film industry, and it will be interesting to see how the new story is received by audiences. Fans of the original should be excited to see the story reimagined for a new generation, while newcomers will have the opportunity to experience the beloved story for the first time.

FAQ

What is the new Free Willy reimagining about+
The new Free Willy reimagining is a reimagining of the 1993 adventure movie, with a new screenplay written by Mary-Margaret Kunze and Jade Halley Bartlett.
Who is producing the new Free Willy reimagining+
The new Free Willy reimagining is being produced by AGBO’s Angela Russo-Otstot, Michael Disco, and Kassee Whiting, with Anthony and Joe Russo executive producing.
When will the new Free Willy reimagining be released+
There is no official release date for the new Free Willy reimagining, but it is expected to be released in the near future.
Sources
  1. 01‘Free Willy’ Reimagining Set at Warner Bros., Russo Bros’ AGBO (Exclusive)
  2. 02‘Free Willy’ Reimagining Set at Warner Bros., Russo Bros’ AGBO (Exclusive)
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