In 1988, LucasFilm and legendary director Ron Howard introduced the world to Willow Ufgood — an aspiring sorcerer who makes it his duty to protect an infant from an evil queen who is out to kill her. Willow was an instant hit and was so popular that George Lucas worked with writer Chris Claremont to write the novel, Shadow Moon, which is a follow-up to the film. Discussions about a continuation of the story had been talked about since 2005, and Disney officially greenlit the project for Disney+ in 2020.
Since the series was given the go-ahead, there have been a number of setbacks, mainly the series losing two directors — Jon M. Chu and Jonathan Entwistle. Despite the struggles, the series persevered and Disney made the special premiere announcement at the Star Wars Celebration convention being held at the Anaheim Convention Center. Warwick Davis — who played Willow in the film and will return for the series — made the announcement to an excited crowd. Willow will premiere on Disney+ on November 30, 2022.
After the premiere announcement was made, Disney also dropped the first trailer for the series, which you can watch below:
Disney shared more information on what the new series will encompass and how it will follow the original movie. According to Disney:
An epic period fantasy series with a modern sensibility set in an enchanted land of breathtaking beauty, “Willow” features a diverse international cast with Jonathan Kasdan, Ron Howard, Wendy Mericle, Kathleen Kennedy, and Michelle Rejwan serving as executive producers. The story began with an aspiring magician from a Nelwyn village and an infant girl destined to unite the realms, who together helped destroy an evil queen and banish the forces of darkness. Now, in a magical world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls, and other mystical creatures flourish, the adventure continues, as an unlikely group of heroes set off on a dangerous quest to places far beyond their home, where they must face their inner demons and come together to save their world.
Unfamiliar with the original 1988 movie? Here is a brief synopsis, courtesy of Disney:
When young Willow Ufgood (Warwisk Davis) finds an abandoned baby girl, he learned she is destined to end the reign of the wicked Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh). To protect the child, Willow must team up with a rogue swordsman (Val Kilmer) and overcome the forces of darkness in the ultimate battle of good versus evil.
The original film is currently available to stream on Disney+, so fans can rewatch the cult classic before the series premieres on Disney+ this November.
Are you excited to see a new Willow series come to Disney+?