Warner Bros. Revives 'Free Willy' With New Screenwriters

WHO:

Deadline - Warner Bros. Pictures, AGBO, Mary-Margaret Kunze, Jade Halley Bartlett, Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Variety - Warner Bros., AGBO, Mary-Margaret Kunze, Jade Halley Bartlett, Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

WHAT:

Deadline - Warner Bros. Pictures is developing a reimagining of the film "Free Willy."

Variety - The new screenplay for "Free Willy" is being written by Mary-Margaret Kunze and Jade Halley Bartlett.

WHEN:

Deadline - The original "Free Willy" film was released in 1993.

Variety - The reimagining of "Free Willy" is currently in development.

WHY:

Deadline - The reimagining aims to revive the franchise that began with the original film about a beloved orca whale.

Variety - The project is part of a broader trend of reviving classic films for new audiences.

HOW:

Deadline - The screenplay is being developed by tapping Mary-Margaret Kunze and Jade Halley Bartlett to write it.

Variety - The project is produced by the Russo brothers' company, AGBO.

(UPDATED July 9, 2026 19:29 UTC)

Warner Bros. Pictures is developing a reimagining of the beloved film "Free Willy," which originally premiered in 1993. The new screenplay is being crafted by Mary-Margaret Kunze and Jade Halley Bartlett, with production led by the Russo brothers' company, AGBO. This project is part of a growing trend to revive classic films for new audiences, aiming to bring the story of the orca whale back to life.