In the many years since its original debut, many people may have forgotten about the 1998 cult classic dark fantasy filmWillow. But that lull in the public consciousness may be at an end thanks to a highly-anticipated follow-up that’s closer than some may realize.
Lucasfilm released a teaser trailer for its upcomingDisney Plus series set in the world ofWillow, and it looks like the fan-favorite has received one heck of a glow-up. Featuring a returning star and gorgeous visuals,Disney Plus’Willowseries may be paying respect to the original, but it appears to have an identity all its own. Legends never truly die, and this one still has quite a lot of life left in it.
RELATED:Obi-Wan Kenobi Borrows Story Ideas From Canceled Star Wars Spinoff Movie
The trailer fittingly starts off with the epic reveal of Warwick Davis, reprising his role as the titular Willow from the film. A voice over briefly tells of the movie’s plot, revolving around an infant princess sent away to protect her from an evil and power-hungry sorceress. The child is found by the simple farmer and aspiring sorcerer Willow Ufgood, who sets out to return her to her rightful family. Now, many years later, it seems as though the world needs Willow’s help once again. Original film directorRon Howard has said the series won’t rely on nostalgia, but that doesn’t mean it can’t pay respectful homage.
This time around, little information has been given about the series' premise. But based on the trailer and some rumors floating around, it seems to involve a group of heroes (including Davis' Willow) teaming up to rescue a kidnapped prince. Apparently, young royalty is a pretty perilous position in the world ofWillow. Maybe they should start offering insurance plans specifically for falling prey to evil magician hostage-takers.
TheWillowseries has already faced a few hardships, namely theloss of original director Jon M. Chudue to COVID lockdowns. But it appears to have recovered beautifully. Featuring the writing ofSoloscribe Jonathan Kasdan (keeping things consistent after George Lucas wrote the 1988 original), the Disney Plus show will also feature Ruby Cruz as Princess Kit, Ellie Bamber as the kitchen maid Dove, Erin Kellyman as the aspiring knight Jade, Amer Chadha-Patel as the thief Boorman, and Joanne Whalley as the warrior Sorsha (and daughter of the movie’s villain).
The trailer is striking and beautiful, hopefully catching the attention of fans and newcomers alike. Davis recently appeared atStar Wars Celebrationto express his own excitement at returning to his classic character, and it looks as though lovers of the original film share in his infectious enthusiasm. Luckily, it won’t be much longer before the magical (and often terrifying) world ofWillowmakes its triumphant return.
