Orca is a species of whale that is known as the killer whale, but the movie Free Willy shows it as a very friendly and unharmful species. Now the question arises whether the movie is based on a true story or it is just fictional.
Free Willy is a blockbuster film that has inspired and made many people aware of the fact that animals must live in their natural habitat. The movie became a commercial success and later an animated movie divided into two parts was also made on its story.
The movie Free Willy is based on a real-life whale who was popularly known as Keiko, the killer whale. Read the article to learn more about the movie and what happened in real life with the killer whale, Keiko.
Is Free Willy Based On A True Story?
The movie is not entirely based on a true story but it is somewhat based on an Orca, Keiko who was kept in captivity. The idea of the story was proposed by Keith Walker who is also the screenwriter of the film, they were looking for an Orca for the film and they found Keiko.
It means that the story was already written before they settled on Keiko as Willy in the movie. The story and character of Willy match with the real story of Keiko and he was featured as Willy in the movie. Keiko in real life has never harmed any human.
What Happens In The Movie Free Willy?
The plot revolves around a 12-year-old boy named Jesse whose parents abandoned him and he begins to beg for food. He ended up in an adventure park where he found an Orca and he felt a connection with him. He befriended him and named the Orca Willy.
Seeing their relationship, the owner of the park Dial decides to make money by forcing Willy to perform tricks in front of the audience. But Willy was unable to perform under pressure and he broke the tank. Dial then decided to kill Whilly and take the insurance money.
When Jesse learns that the owner of the Park is planning to kill Willy, he decides to free him into the ocean. Randolph and Rae also joined the plan and they transported Willy in a stolen truck. Willy finally jumped into the water and was free to meet his family.
What Is The Real Story Behind The Movie Free Willy?
In the movie, Willy has a very happy ending and he is set free into his natural habitat where he can meet his family. But in reality, the Orca Keiko did not have a chance to enjoy his life freely in the ocean and he eventually died due to Pneumonia.
Keiko was trained to survive along with other sea animals in the ocean. But unfortunately in 2003 just before 1 year of his release, Keiko died and he never made it to the ocean to meet his family members.
Also, read Is The Waltons Based On A True Story?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Willy Alive In Real Life?
The whale who was portrayed as Willy in the movie is Keiko and he died at the age of 27 years due to Pneumonia.
What Whale Was Used In Free Willy 2?
In Free Willy 2, they used a robotic whale as the real Willy, Keiko was about to be set free in the ocean.
Conclusion
This was all you needed to know about the film “Free Willy” directed by Simon Wincer. The movie is not just for children but adults should also watch and learn from the film. The character of Jesse inspires many people, despite having a troublesome life he values his friendship.