It’s worth noting that many of the film’s scenes, particularly those involving Willy, were created using computer graphics, which helped bring the movie’s magical storytelling to life.įree Willy was filmed in Oregon’s Seaside, Astoria, and Portland cities, as well as Mexico City, Mexico. Its diverse neighborhoods and bustling streets provided a realistic and dynamic backdrop for the film. Portland, Oregon’s largest city, was used as a filming location for some of the movie’s urban scenes. This town’s charming Victorian homes and scenic waterfront provided a perfect setting for Free Willy’s iconic escape scene. Astoria, a historic town located at the mouth of the Columbia River, was also used as a filming location. The town’s beautiful sandy beaches and rugged coastline provided an ideal backdrop for the film. Seaside, a charming coastal town in Oregon, was used as a filming location for some of the beach scenes in the movie. Additionally, some of the scenes in the movie were shot in Mexico City, Mexico, which added to the film’s dynamic visuals. These three cities were chosen for ther stunning coastal views and natural beauty, which complemented the movie’s storyline perfectly. Free Willy was filmed in three cities in Oregon, including Seaside, Astoria, and Portland. The film’s breathtaking scenery and wildlife captures the beauty of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Filming Locations for Free Willyįree Willy is a beloved family movie that was released in 1993. Its use of innovative technology and real-life animal stars make it a true classic of the film industry. The film’s success helped raise awareness about the plight of captive sea animals and eventually led to efforts to release Keiko back into the wild.įree Willy is a heartwarming and inspiring movie that captures the magic of the bond between humans and animals.

Keiko had a difficult life before being cast in the movie, having been captured in the wild and forced to live in captivity for years. The real-life star of Free Willy was Keiko, the killer whale who played the role of Willy. This allowed the actor to avoid any potential danger while still capturing the necessary footage for the film.

Though a life-size, 20-foot animatronic whale was used for scenes whee Jesse interacts with Willy in the tank, most of the film’s best scenes feature Willy created with the help of CGI technology.ĭuring the filming of Free Willy, a photo double was used for the scene where Jesse falls unconscious into the pool. One of the most impressive aspects of the film is the use of computer graphics to bring Willy to life.

Free willy 2 filming locations