Warner Bros. has unveiled plans to revive a cherished family favorite with a fresh take on the 1993 film Free Willy. This reboot, developed in collaboration with AGBO, the production company established by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, aims to reintroduce the story of the young boy and the captive orca to today’s audiences, maintaining the original’s heartfelt and environmental messages.
New Voices and Vision for a Classique Tale
Tasked with crafting the screenplay are writers Mary-Margaret Kunze and Jade Halley Bartlett, who bring experience from their joint Biscuit Belly Productions venture. Their previous work includes Miller’s Girl, where Bartlett took on writing and directing responsibilities while Kunze produced. Kunze’s background includes a tenure as a creative executive at Marvel Television with credits on series such as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Daredevil, and she is also involved as co-executive producer on the forthcoming Netflix series The Boroughs. Bartlett recently adapted the bestselling novel Icebreaker by Hannah Grace for Netflix.
The production will be overseen by AGBO executives Angela Russo-Otstot, Michael Disco, and Kassee Whiting, ensuring a blend of fresh creative energy and franchise continuity under the guidance of veteran producer Lauren Shuler Donner. This alignment of new talent with established leadership signals a thoughtful approach to honoring the original while updating it for contemporary viewers.