TideBreakers backs CGI whales in Free Willy remake, pushes end to captive breeding

TideBreakers is praising Warner Bros. Pictures’ reported decision to use computer-generated whales in the upcoming Free Willy remake, saying the choice shows the film can honor marine life without captive animals. The group is using the moment to call for an end to whale and dolphin captivity and breeding worldwide.

Why it matters: - TideBreakers says the Free Willy remake could help set a new standard for Hollywood by avoiding live captive whales and dolphins. - The group is trying to turn a familiar animal-rights story into a broader campaign against marine mammal captivity and captive breeding. - TideBreakers argues the film’s message about freedom should extend to the way entertainment treats whales and dolphins in real life.

What happened: - TideBreakers welcomed Warner Bros. Pictures’ reported decision to use CGI whales in the upcoming Free Willy remake. - The organization said the choice shows modern filmmaking can tell the story without using captive animals. - TideBreakers publicly urged the filmmakers to support an end to whale and dolphin captivity for entertainment worldwide. - The group also called for an end to breeding whales and dolphins in captivity. - The release was issued July 23, 2026, from Toronto.

The details: - TideBreakers said the original Free Willy inspired millions to think differently about marine mammals and their place in the wild. - TideBreakers called the remake an opportunity to promote conservation and animal welfare action. - Marketa Schusterova said the organization wants the filmmakers to stand with TideBreakers against captive breeding and captivity worldwide. - Jana Richardson said more than 50 orca whales are held in captivity globally for public entertainment. - Richardson said two orcas, Keijo and Wikie, are held in deteriorating conditions at a shuttered marine park in Antibes, France. - Richardson said dolphins are used for “experiential swims” in several places, including shallow pools in Mexico on property rented to a third party by Hyatt hotels. - Richardson said more than 30 beluga whales are held in a closed marine park in Canada. - TideBreakers included links to its social accounts and campaign page, including the organization’s campaign page.

Between the lines: - The remake gives TideBreakers a high-profile platform to press an animal-welfare message that goes beyond the film itself. - The organization is framing CGI as both a creative and ethical choice, which could influence future productions. - The statement suggests TideBreakers wants Warner Bros. to turn a nostalgic franchise into a public stance against marine mammal captivity.

What’s next: - TideBreakers said it wants to engage with Warner Bros. and the Free Willy creative team. - The group hopes to explore ways to celebrate marine life while advancing a future where whales and dolphins live in the wild. - TideBreakers is inviting the filmmakers to join its call for an end to captive breeding and captivity worldwide.

The bottom line: - TideBreakers is treating the Free Willy remake as more than a movie update. The group wants it to become a public line in the sand against keeping whales and dolphins in captivity for entertainment.