Inspired by a true story, ‘Dolphin Tale’ is an American 3D movie helmed by director Charles Martin Smith and written by Karen Janszen and Naomi Dromi and a novel of the exact title. It features Harry Connick Jr., Nathan Gamble, Cozi Zuehlsdorff, Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson, and Morgan Freeman. The story follows a Bottlenose Dolphin named Winter that was saved in December 2005 off the coast of Florida and sheltered by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. In the movie, Winter’s tail had been severed as it was entrapped with a rope connected to a crab trap, and she had to be fitted with a prosthetic tail.
Dolphin Tale premiered on September 23, 2011, by Warner Bros. Pictures. The movie earned favorable responses from reviewers and grossed over $95 million at the box office against a budget of $37 million. The second part of the film was launched on September 12, 2014, and collected over $57 million at the box office worldwide.
Following the success of the previous two movies, fans have been looking forward to the third part of the movie although it seemed quite unlikely as it has been over a decade since the last movie dropped. But can we still expect Dolphin Tale 3? Let’s get on with the deets below:
Dolphin Tale 3 Renewal Update 2025: Are we getting the threequel?
The cast and crew of Dolphin Tale 3 have not yet announced a third film. In a 2022 interview, director Charles Martin Smith indicated he would make a third Dolphin Tale film if the first two were successful and the cast and crew were available. However, as of March 18, 2025, no official updates have confirmed the production of a third movie.
The first two Dolphin Tale films grossed over $150 million worldwide and were well-received. Stars including Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman, and Kris Kristofferson appeared in the flicks. Despite the interest from the cast, crew, and fans, Dolphin Tale 3 remains uncertain. Earlier speculation suggested the film might be shelved in favor of a TV show, but no concrete developments have emerged.
Dolphin Tale 3 Release Date
As of now, there is no confirmed release date for Dolphin Tale 3. Previous speculation suggested the movie might be in development, potentially transitioning into a TV show expected in 2024 or 2025. However, with no updates, it appears unlikely that a third film or a TV show will materialize soon.
What To Expect From The Plot Dolphin Tale 3?
As of now, nothing is known about Dolphin Tale 3 nor are plot details available as it is uncertain whether a new movie will happen or not.
The 2011 film Dolphin Tale and its 2014 sequel Dolphin Tale 2 may return in Dolphin Tale 3. Plot rumors have circulated regarding the film, which has not been announced yet whatsoever. Dolphin Tale 3 could have Winter, the bottlenose dolphin that inspired the first two films, nearing death. At the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, her keepers want her to live comfortably and happily.
As a young man, Sawyer Nelson, the youngster who saved Winter’s life in the first film, Returned to the aquarium as a marine biologist. Sawyer loves his work and wants to help marine animals. A new dolphin needs help, and Sawyer and his team find it. Tangled in fishing nets, the dolphin cannot escape. Team Sawyer fights time to save the dolphin.
Sawyer and his team restore the dolphin after safety. Hope is a dolphin who soon joins the Clearwater Marine Aquarium family. Winter is renewed by hope. The dolphins bond and help one other through their struggles. At the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Sawyer and her staff work hard to keep Winter comfortable as her health declines. She may die, so they prepare.
Winter dies quietly with her family. In mourning, Sawyer and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium team are grateful for Winter’s time. She will always be recognised for her bravery and spirit. Dolphin Tale 3 depicts camaraderie, hope, and the value of spending time with loved ones in a touching way. Stay tuned for more updates!
The Cast Of Dolphin Tale 3: Who Will Return?
As previously mentioned, Dolphin Tale 3 might probably not happen but instead, a TV show is expected to get launched soon. However, nothing is confirmed. It could be that a third movie might just happen; nothing is known for now.
Nevertheless, if a third movie takes place viewers will likely get to see the same character as appeared in the first and second movie of Dolphin Tale including–
- Nathan Gamble will play the character of Sawyer Nelson
- Winter will portray herself
- Harry Connick Jr. will be seen playing Dr Clay Haskett
- Ashley Judd will play Lorraine Nelson
- Kris Kristofferson will be playing Reed Haskett
- Morgan Freeman will portray Dr Cameron McCarthy
- Kim Ostrenko will play Alyce Connellan
- Jim Fitzpatrick will portray Max Connellan
- Cozi Zuehlsdorff in the the role of Hazel Haskett
- Ray McKinnon will play Mr Doyle
- Austin Stowell will be playing the part of Kyle Connellan
- Michael Roark will be playing the position of Donovan Peck
- Frances Sternhagen will play the part of Gloria Forrest
Additionally, Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman, Cozi Zuehlsdorff, Austin Stowell, Frances Sternhagen, and Nathan Gamble are expected to join if the third movie kicks off.
Dolphin Tale 3: Will it Return in 2025?
As of yet, there has been no official word on Dolphin Tale 3. The second film was released over a decade ago, and the lack of updates from filmmakers or cast members suggests that a third installment is not currently planned. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that Dolphin Tale 3 will return in 2025.
How Winter Changed Lives
Winter’s story didn’t just inspire blockbuster films—it changed lives and advanced marine science. Since her passing in November 2021, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium has continued to honor her legacy with the Winter’s Legacy Exhibit, opened in late 2024, featuring her prosthetic tails and interactive displays about her impact. The real Winter inspired advancements in prosthetic technology, benefiting not only dolphins but also human amputees worldwide. In early 2025, the aquarium announced a partnership with a biotech firm to develop next-generation prosthetics inspired by Winter’s case, blending her story with cutting-edge innovation.
Beyond science, Winter’s tale sparked a global conservation movement. Posts on X in 2025 reveal fans still share stories of how her resilience motivated them, with some launching small-scale ocean cleanup initiatives in her name. While a third movie remains unconfirmed, this real-world momentum hints at untapped potential. Could a documentary or animated series pick up where the films left off, focusing on Winter’s successors like Hope, who remains at the aquarium? As of March 18, 2025, no such projects are confirmed, but the enduring fascination with Winter’s legacy suggests her story might evolve in new, unexpected formats.
