Willow First Look: The Legend Continues In A New Disney+ Series
'80s kids will either be delighted or disturbed that Disney+ has made a sequel television series to the 1988 adventure fantasy film "Willow." Directed by Ron Howard and based on a story by George Lucas, the original film follows a humble farmer named Willow Ufgood (played by Warwick Davis) who discovers an abandoned baby that is prophesied to destroy evil Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh) and halt her plans to take over the world. He protects the baby girl to the best of his abilities and gets help from an unruly swordsman named Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) along the way. Set in a mythical land filled with evil creatures, fairies, and magic, "Willow" is one of those films that pushes the boundary of what is scary and sweet for kids who grew up in the golden age of practical effects.
Disney revealed a new look at the series as part of Disney+ Day, with Davis introducing us to the supporting cast of the new series, and you can check it out below.
More Magic and More Adventure
Ron Howard serves as an executive producer alongside Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. Michelle Rejwan ("Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"), Wendy Mericle ("Arrow"), Jonathan Kasdan ("Solo: A Star Wars Story"), and Roopesh Parekh ("His Dark Materials") also executive produce. Initially, Jon M. Chu ("Crazy Rich Asians," "In the Heights") was set to direct the "Willow" show's pilot but dropped out in January 2021 due to production delays and personal reasons. Jonathan Entwistle ("The End of the F***ing World", "I Am Not Okay with This") stepped in to replace Chu but quickly left "Willow" due to scheduling issues. In July 2021, Stephen Woolfenden ("Outlander") filled Entwistle's spot and finished filming the first two episodes of the eight episode series.
Warwick Davis is reprising his role as Willow and acts opposite of Erin Kellyman ("Solo: A Star Wars Story", "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier"), Ellie Bamber ("Nocturnal Animals"), Ruby Cruz ("Mare of Easttown"), and Tony Revolori ("The Grand Budapest Hotel"). "Cruella", "Mad Max: Fury Road", and "The Favourite" assistant costume designer Sarah Young is on board as the series' lead costume designer. It's unclear if any other past cast members will reprise their role in the series, but it seems like the heart of the original story will carry on through Davis and Howard's involvement especially.
Few specific details have been released about the series' plot, but there will definitely be new creatures to battle, magic and sorcery abound, and plenty of excitement for Willow on his next epic adventure. Filming for the series takes place in remote areas of Wales where the original film was also shot. The sequel series will also take place years after the original tale told in the 1988 film. Some of the elements that make "Willow" a timeless classic are the character's courage and determination as well as themes of good versus evil. It appears as though the Disney + series will propel the storyline forward by enhancing the world instead of merely revisiting the '80s script through a modern lens.