''Free Willy'' is a media franchise from
Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (WBEI), commonly known as Warner Bros. (WB), is an American filmed entertainment studio headquartered at the Warner Bros. Studios complex in Burbank, California and the main namesake subsidiary of Warner Bro ...
that started with the 1993 film ''
Free Willy
''Free Willy'' is a 1993 American Adventure film, adventure Drama (film and television), drama film, directed by Simon Wincer, produced by Lauren Shuler Donner and Jennie Lew Tugend, written by Keith A. Walker and Corey Blechman from a story by ...
'' 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
The orca (''Orcinus orca''), or killer whale, is a toothed whale and the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. The only extant species in the genus '' Orcinus'', it is recognizable by its black-and-white-patterned body. A cosmopol ...
named Willy whom he develops a strong friendship with. 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 reboot.
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
The San Juan Islands is an archipelago in the Pacific Northwest of the United States between the U.S. state of Washington and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The San Juan Islands are part of Washington state, and form the core of ...
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 now 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
An amusement park is a park that features various attractions, such as rides and games, and events for entertainment purposes. A theme park is a type of amusement park that bases its structures and attractions around a central theme, often fea ...
during her stay in
South Africa
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the Southern Africa, southernmost country in Africa. Its Provinces of South Africa, nine provinces are bounded to the south by of coastline that stretches along the Atlantic O ...
. She names the orca Willy and embarks on a quest to lead him back to his pod before he is sold.
Television
''Free Willy'' (1994 - 1995)
Cast and crew
Cast
Crew
Reception
Box office performance
Critical and public response
References
Notes
External links
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{{Warner Bros. franchises
Film series introduced in 1993
Adventure film series
Children's film series
Film franchises
American film series
Fiction about orcas
Amusement parks in fiction
Warner Bros. Pictures franchises