One ’80s fantasy hits is going to get a TV adaptation. The film Willow will get a reboot on Disney Plus.
It was announced back in October that the fantasy film would be gaining new life on the streaming platform, marking Lucasfilm’s first non-Star Wars project in five years.
The original film tells the story of Willow Ufgood of Warwick Davis, a dwarf Nelwyn who is forced to protect a baby named Elora Danan from an evil queen (Jean Marsh).
The film shpws Willow being protected by a swordsman played by Val Kilmer. Joanne Whalley, Billy Barty and Kevin Pollak also star in the production.
Despite an indifferent start to life at the box office, it eventually proved to be one of the 80’s most popular fantasy films, developing a cult following in the years that followed.
Here’s everything we know about the upcoming Willow TV series, from the release date to the cast and plot.
What is Willow Series About?
While plot details are kept hidden under the rugs, we know that the series will not be a direct remake of the film.
Instead of replicating the original story, the series will set in motion the action thirty years after the events of the film, introducing new characters to a world that was first created in the 1988 film.
Is the Willow TV series a sequel to the original movie?
It won’t be a sequel, The series will take place years after the events in the film and will introduce new characters. The series will follow a group of people on a search and rescue mission for a kidnapped prince.
Willow Release Date on Disney Plus
This is an exciting news for fans of the original film. However, they will have to wait a while before they can see the show.
Disney announced in October 2020 that the Willow series will arrive on streaming platforms in 2022.
“Willow, Lucasfilm Original Series starring Warwick Davis, directed by @JonMChu, is coming in 2022,” Disney tweeted.
It was the last announcement made in the rush of Disney projects confirmed in October, which also includes the likes of the new Indiana Jones film Star Wars Acolyte with Harrison Ford.
Willow TV Series Cast: Who’s In It?
There wouldn’t be a series without him, and the big news is that Warwick Davis will be returning to the lead role as Willow Ufgood.
There may be other big names from the film returning as well. Warwick recently revealed to Metro.co.uk that he is ‘very hopeful’ that Val Kilmer will return as well.
Meanwhile, the first part of the new casting has been confirmed.
Erin Kellyman, Cailee Spaeny, and Ellie Bamber are in negotiations to star in the Disney Plus series, according to Variety.
British actress Erin is best known for her performance as the rebel leader Cloud Riders Enfys Nest in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Callie and Ellie have starred as Jane Ginsburg in On The Basis of Sex and Cosette in Les Miserables, respectively.
Further details of the roles of the three have yet to be confirmed.
Jon M. Chu will direct the project and serve as executive producer. Ron Howard, who directed the original film, will return as the executive producer of the series.
How many episodes are there of Willow?
According to IMDB, there looks to be eight episodes in the first season of Willow.
Who Is Creating “Willow”
Jonathan Entwistle will be directing the Upcoming “Willow” Disney+ Series. Jon M. Chu (“In The Heights,” “Crazy Rich Asians”) will serve as executive producer along with showrunners Jonathan Kasdan (“Solo”) and Wendy Mericle (“Arrow”). Jonathan Kasdan wrote the pilot. Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Jon M. Chu, Jonathan Kasdan, Wendy Mericle, Ron Howard and Imagine Television will serve as executive producers, with Roopesh Parekh and Hannah Friedman as co-executive producers. Additionally, Bob Dolman will serve as a consulting producer with Julia Cooperman as a producer.
