Disney Plus is bringing back the beloved Willow, played by Warwick Davis, for a new sequel TV series.
The show is reportedly set several years after the events of the original 1988 movie, directed by Ron Howard and based on a story by Star Wars creator George Lucas.
Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) has come aboard to direct the pilot episode, written by Jonathan Kasdan (Solo: A Star Wars Story).
Willow returns: Disney Plus is bringing back the beloved Willow, played by Warwick Davis, for a new sequel TV series
Director: Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) has come aboard to direct the pilot episode, written by Jonathan Kasdan (Solo: A Star Wars Story)
Production is expected to take place next year in Wales, returning to the same locations where most of the original 1988 movie was filmed.
The story will introduce, ‘all-new characters to the enchanted realm of fairy queens and two-headed Eborsisk monsters,’ though no specific story details were given.
There is no indication yet if any other characters or cast members from the original movie will be featured in the series.
Ufgood: Production is expected to take place next year in Wales, returning to the same locations where most of the original 1988 movie was filmed
‘Growing up in the ’80s, Willow has had a profound effect on me,’ Chu said in a heartfelt statement.
‘The story of the bravest heroes in the least likely places allowed me, an Asian-American kid growing up in a Chinese restaurant looking to go to Hollywood, to believe in the power of our own will, determination and of course, inner magic,’ he added.
‘So the fact that I get to work with my heroes from Kathleen Kennedy to Ron Howard is bigger than a dream come-true. It’s a bucket-list moment for me,’ he added.
Director: ‘Growing up in the ’80s, Willow has had a profound effect on me,’ Chu said in a heartfelt statement
Chu also praised Jon Kasdan and Wendy Mericle for adding, ‘such groundbreaking new characters and delightful surprises to this timeless story.’
Warwick Davis added, ‘”So many fans have asked me over the years if Willow will make a return, and now I’m thrilled to tell them that he will indeed.’
‘Many have told me they grew up with Willow and that the film has influenced how they view heroism in our own world. If Willow Ufgood can represent the heroic potential in all of us, then he is a character I am extremely honored to reprise,’ Davis added.
Quest: Warwick Davis added, ‘”So many fans have asked me over the years if Willow will make a return, and now I’m thrilled to tell them that he will indeed’
The original movie followed Willow Ufgood, a kind farmer and would-be sorcerer, goes on an epic quest to protect a newborn child, whose birthmark is part of a prophecy that foretells the downfall of Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh).
Willow is joined on his quest by Madmartigan (Val Kilmer), a swordsman and mercenary, with Joanne Whaley playing Sorsha, Bavmorda’s daughter who falls for Madmartigan.
While Willow wasn’t a huge box office hit when it debuted in 1988, it would go on to become a beloved cult classic.
Farmer: The original movie followed Willow Ufgood, a kind farmer and would-be sorcerer, goes on an epic quest to protect a newborn child, whose birthmark is part of a prophecy that foretells the downfall of Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh)
Madmartigan: Willow is joined on his quest by Madmartigan (Val Kilmer), a swordsman and mercenary, with Joanne Whaley playing Sorsha, Bavmorda’s daughter who falls for Madmartigan