The 1988 Cult-hit Fantasy ‘Willow’ is Revived by Disney+ 

Willow returns

Released in 1988, the Ron Howard-directed Willow brought viewers to a fantasy realm populated by faeries, brownies, trolls and the like, following the quest of diminutive farmer and aspiring sorcerer Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis). Disney+Receiving mixed reviews, Willow was a modest box office success that never attained the blockbuster status that had been expected from a project originated by Star Wars/Indiana Jones creator George Lucas. 

Over the years, however, the film has built up enough of a cult following that Disney+ is resurrecting Willow as a new series, with Davis reprising his role. 

In the original, Willow leaves his Nelwyn village to rescue an infant girl destined to unite the realms, ultimately vanquishing an evil queen and banishing the forces of darkness. In this continuation set 35 years later, Willow must undertake a dangerous quest to places far beyond his home, where he and his companions will come face to face with their inner demons as they band together to save their world.  Disney+Described as “an epic period fantasy series with a modern sensibility set in an enchanted land of breathtaking beauty,” Warwick is joined by a diverse international cast that includes Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Ellie Bamber, Tony Revolori, Amar Chadha-Patel and Dempsey Bryk, with Joanne Whalley reprising her role as Sorsha, warrior daughter of the aforementioned queen.  

Interviewed by ET Canada during the 2022 edition of the annual Star Wars Celebration event, Davis admitted he never imagined he’d be playing Willow again. 

“To see a sequel for something, it has to be a huge hit to start with, and Willow wasn’t a huge hit in movie theatres,” Davis said. “But now we have channels like Disney+ that’s the perfect platform for something like this to continue to tell its story.” 

Willow premieres Wednesday, November 30 on Disney+