A couple of weeks ago director Jon M. Chu stepped away from Lucasfilm’s Willow sequel series. I was hoping that Ron Howard would come in to replace him, but that’s not the case. Lucasfilm and Disney have found a new director and that director is Jonathan Entwistle, who is known for working on shows such as The End of the F***ing World and I Am Not Okay With This. Entwistle said in a statement:
“With its epic world of swords, sorcery and adventure, Willow captivated and influenced so many. I’m excited to be going on this journey and working with Jon and Wendy to create something that is both deeply rooted in that original film and also a fresh, funny and charming addition to the beloved story. To be able to play within the world so painstakingly crafted by Ron back in ’88 is a dream come true for me.”
I can say I’m overly excited about the choice, but I’m rooting for him and hope that he ends up delivering a great Willow series! I’ve been waiting for the story of Willow to continue for a long time, and now it’s finally happening! So, of course, I want this to be an incredible series and huge success.
Jonathan Kasdan (Solo) wrote the pilot episode and will act as showrunner alongside Wendy Mericle (Arrow). The epic fantasy adventure is set in an age of swords, sorcery, myths and monsters. The series takes place years after the events of the original Willow film. “It introduces all-new characters to the enchanted realm of fairy queens and two-headed Eborsisk monsters, and welcomes back its namesake hero, Willow Ufgood, performed once again by the unmatchable Warwick Davis.“
Ron Howard previously shared the following statement:
“It’s creatively exciting to not only revisit the world and characters first conceived by George Lucas, Bob Dolman and myself but to see it take flight in such fresh, fun and cinematic ways through the imagination of Jon Kasdan and Team Willow. This isn’t a nostalgic throw-back, it’s a creative lean-forward and it’s a blast to be a part of it all.”
Star 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.”
Erin Kellyman (Solo), Cailee Spaeny (The Craft: Legacy), and Ellie Bamber (Nocturnal Animals) are set to join the cast of the sequel series and they will play the three female leads. It’s said that the story revolves around a group on a mission to save a kidnapped prince.
The members of this group include “Dove (Bamber), whose backstory resembles that of Willow from the movie. Dove is an unassuming kitchen maid who proves she is the ‘chosen one’ as she embarks on the journey. She is joined by Kit (Spaeny), the princess whose twin brother was abducted. She is destined to be a leader and ultimately the queen. Kellyman plays Jade, a servant who is Kit’s best friend and moral compass. She is on her way to becoming the best young warrior in the kingdom. Also part of the group is a guy who echoes Val Kilmer’s character in the movie. A thief and liar, he joins the quest in exchange for getting out of prison.”
The production begins shooting this spring in Wales.