TideBreakers urges Warner Bros. to turn Free Willy remake into anti-captivity campaign

TideBreakers is praising Warner Bros. Pictures’ reported choice to use CGI whales in the upcoming Free Willy remake instead of live captive animals. The group is using the film’s return to push for an end to whale and dolphin captivity and breeding worldwide.

Why it matters: - TideBreakers says the Free Willy remake could do more than update a beloved film. - The group wants the production to help normalize the end of whale and dolphin captivity for entertainment. - The organization argues the remake can influence both the film industry and public attitudes toward marine mammal welfare.

What happened: - TideBreakers welcomed Warner Bros. Pictures’ reported decision to use computer-generated whales in the upcoming Free Willy remake. - The group said the choice avoids the use of live captive animals in production. - TideBreakers publicly called on the filmmakers to partner on a global effort to end whale and dolphin captivity and captive breeding for entertainment.

The details: - TideBreakers said the original Free Willy inspired millions of people to think differently about whales and marine mammals. - The group said audiences now expect that same message of compassion to extend into film production. - TideBreakers said the remake should support an end to breeding whales and dolphins in captivity. - The organization said keeping intelligent, socially complex marine mammals in artificial environments is out of step with public expectations and modern cetacean welfare standards. - TideBreakers said phasing out captive breeding would help end lifelong confinement for future generations. - In a quoted statement, Jana Richardson of TideBreakers said more than 50 orcas are held in captivity worldwide, including Keijo and Wikie in Antibes, France. - Richardson also said dolphins are used for “experiential swims” in shallow pools in Mexico on property rented to a third party by Hyatt Hotels. - Richardson said there are more than 30 beluga whales in a closed marine park in Canada. - TideBreakers said the film offers an opportunity to become a catalyst for conservation and animal welfare action. - The organization said it looks forward to engaging with Warner Bros. and the creative team behind the remake. - TideBreakers said it wants future projects to celebrate marine life while advancing a future where whales and dolphins live in the wild. - The press release included links to TideBreakers’ social channels and a campaign page on the organization’s website.

Between the lines: - TideBreakers is using a major entertainment release to keep pressure on the broader captive marine mammal industry. - The group is framing CGI as proof that animal-free filmmaking is both technically feasible and morally preferable. - The remarks suggest TideBreakers wants the remake to function as a public-facing policy moment, not just a movie promotion. - The quoted claims about captivity numbers and facilities are presented by TideBreakers and were not independently verified in the release.

What's next: - TideBreakers wants Warner Bros. and the filmmakers to publicly support an end to captive breeding. - The organization is seeking a partnership that would align the remake with its anti-captivity campaign. - TideBreakers said it will continue engaging the studio and creative team as the project develops.

The bottom line: - TideBreakers sees the Free Willy remake as a chance to turn a familiar animal-freedom story into a real-world push to end whale and dolphin captivity.