Willow Show Will Release 2022 On Disney+

Willow, an original series produced by Lucasfilm, is set to release on Disney+ in 2022. The series is based on the 1988 fantasy film of the same name, which tells the story of a young farmer named Willow who journeys to protect an orphaned baby from an evil queen. Warwick Davis stars as Willow, and he’s joined by Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Jean Marsh, and Billy Barty. 

The original film was directed by Ron Howard, who’s well known for helming classics like A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13. Howard more recently teamed up with Lucasfilm to direct Solo: A Star Wars Story. The director expressed interest in a Willow reboot or sequel back in 2018, but when news of the Willow sequel first hit, it was unclear whether he would be involved. It was previously announced that Warwick Davis will be reprising the titular role, which became one of his most iconic characters alongside Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter film series. He will also be joined by Ellie Bamber, Cailee Spaeny, and Solo: A Star Wars Story standout Erin Kellyman.

During Disney’s Investors Day, it was account announced that the Willow series will be available to stream on Disney+ in 2022. Jon M. Chu, who most recently directed Crazy Rich Asians, is set to direct the pilot and Howard will be joining the project as executive producer.

The Willow series marks Lucasfilm’s first departure from the Star Wars universe since Strange Magic in 2015. Willow will function as a sequel to the original film, taking place years later and introducing new characters into the fantasy world. The 2022 release date suggests there’s plenty of time to film the project, which will hopefully be less affected by COVID-19 production delays, and the announcement gives fans of the original something to look forward to as the pandemic rages on. Like most Disney+ original series and movies, the Willow series will likely benefit from the nostalgia factor when it is released. 

Disney+ is no stranger to reboots and sequels, as a large percentage of the streamer’s content is reimagined versions of already beloved stories. But with many live action reboots of animated Disney classics on the horizon, the Willow show suggests Disney+ may be looking to broaden its content. Despite the original Willow film’s large fanbase, it underperformed at the box office and had a generally lukewarm reception from critics. A Willow show is an opportunity to amend the original’s shortcomings while still capturing the magic and visuals that attracted the film’s cult following. 

Source: Disney

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