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
Seven days before the thirty-third anniversary of Free Willy, it was announced through The Hollywood Reporter on July 9, 2026 that Warner Bros. and AGBO are partnering up on a new Free Willy film produced by Angela Russo-Otstot, Michael Disco, and Kassee Whiting with Mary-Margaret Kunze and Jade Halley Bartlett tapped to write the script, and Lauren Shuler Donner returning to co-produce alongside Courtney Baker in addition to the Russo Brothers serving as executive producers. The reboot will be over seen by Jesse Ehrman and Cate Adams.
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.