Disney+ has just released the first teaser trailer for Willow, an upcoming series that serves as a continuation to the original fantasy film of the same name. The reveal comes as part of the Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim on Thursday in which it was also announced that the series will start streaming on Nov. 30, 2022. Warwick Davis is back as the titular hero, joined by an all-new cast for a different adventure. You can watch the teaser trailer below.
The new Willow series is set 20 years after the events of the original film released in 1988. The show will primarily follow a new group of characters on a quest to find Willow at a time when his magic is very badly needed, as hinted at in the teaser trailer. Joining a returning Davis as new cast members are Ellie Bamber, Erin Kellyman, Tony Revolori, and Cailee Spaeny.
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“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,” Davis said when the series was officially ordered at Disney+, per THR. “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.”
Ron Howard, who directed the original Willow and executive produces the new series, added: “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 throwback, it’s a creative lean-forward and it’s a blast to be a part of it all.”
Jonathan Kasdan and Wendy Mericle developed the new series for Disney+ with Jon M. Chu originally on board to direct the pilot episode. Scheduling conflicts have since led to Chu’s exit and Stephen Woolfenden subsequently coming in to direct the opening episodes.
Will Willow’s Cult Following Result in the TV Show’s Success?
The original Willow movie was directed by Ron Howard and written by Bob Dolman, based on a story by George Lucas. Along with Warwick Davis in the lead, the film starred Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Jean Marsh, Patricia Hayes, and Billy Barty. It performed well enough in theaters to debut in the top spot at the box office, but the film still fell short of studio expectations, as it wasn’t a blockbuster on the level of something like Star Wars, despite Lucas’ involvement.
But Willow is also one of those movies that seems to have only gotten more and more popular as time has gone on. It has a cult following and remains widely celebrated by fans over three decades later. The hope at Disney+ is that this continued popularity will result in high viewership for the series.
Willow will start streaming on Disney+ on Nov. 30, 2022.
