Free Willy is a media franchise from Warner Bros. that started with the 1993 film Free Willy that went on to become a sleeper hit at the box office. The original series primarily follows a street kid named Jesse who befriends an orca named Willy with whom he develops a strong friendship. He and Willy are challenged with overcoming or defeating various hazards to the ocean or Willy himself including corporate greed, hunters, poachers, and oil disasters.
Following the success of Free Willy, it was followed by an animated series, two sequels, and a direct-to-video first reboot film, and an upcoming theatrical second reboot film.
Contents
Films
Free Willy (1993)
A delinquent orphan named Jesse is forced to clean up graffiti at the Northwest Adventure Park as part of his probation while staying with new foster parents. There, he becomes attached to a captive killer whale, the film's eponymous "Willy", until he discovers a secret from the park's greedy owner that threatens their friendship.
Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home (1995)
Two years after setting him free, Jesse reunites with Willy during a camping trip in the San Juan Islands with the Greenwoods and newly-discovered half-brother named Elvis as the teenager tries to help Willy and his siblings Luna and Littlespot return to their mother Catspaw after an oil spill separated them in addition to endangering Luna.
Free Willy 3: The Rescue (1997)
Jesse works with his old friend Randolph at an orca institute where he tracks down Willy and his mate Nicky, and also teams up with Max to stop the latter's father from hunting the whales.
Free Willy: Escape from Pirate's Cove (2010)
Kirra discovers a baby killer whale washed ashore in the lagoon near her grandfather's rundown seaside amusement park during her stay in South Africa. She names the orca Willy and embarks on a quest to lead him back to his pod before he is sold. This film served as a reboot in the series.
Future
In July 2026, a reboot of the franchise was announced to be in development. Kassee Whiting with Mary-Margaret Kunze and Jade Halley Bartlett will serve as co-screenwriters, while Angela Russo-Otstot, Michael Disco, Kassee Whiting, Lauren Shuler Donner, and Courtney Baker will produce. Anthony and Joe Russo will serve in executive producing roles. The project is intended to be a joint-venture production between Warner Bros. and AGBO.
Television
Free Willy (1994–1995)
The show continues the adventures of the orca Willy and Jesse, the boy who freed him from captivity as shown in the film.