In 1988, the enchanting George Lucas film Willow stole hearts around the world.
Starring Warwick Davis (Harry Potter) as the titular character, Willow Ufgood, a young farmer who is chosen to undertake a perilous journey in order to protect a special baby, Elora Danan, from an evil queen (Jean Marsh). The film also starred Val Kilmer as Madmartigan in arguably one of his most iconic roles yet.
Now, Disney+ has confirmed a sequel series taking place after the events of the film and will star Davis once again in the lead role.
Ron Howard, who directed the original film, will return to executive produce and describes it as a “creative lean-forward” rather than a “nostalgic throw-back”.
The series will be directed by Crazy Rich Asians director, Jon M. Chu, who said that the film had a “profound effect” on him growing up in the ’80s.
“The story of the bravest heroes in the least likely places allowed me, an Asian-American kid growing up in a Chinese restaurant looking to go to Hollywood, to believe in the power of our own will, determination and of course, inner magic. So the fact that I get to work with my heroes from Kathleen Kennedy to Ron Howard is bigger than a dream-come-true. It’s a bucket-list moment for me.
“Jon Kasdan and Wendy Mericle have added such groundbreaking new characters and delightful surprises to this timeless story that I can’t wait for the world to come along on this epic journey with us.”
Producers of the series are currently in negotiations with Erin Kellyman (Solo: A Star Wars Story), Cailee Spaeny (The Craft: Legacy), and Ellie Bamber (Les Misérables) to star, however, details about who they will play are being kept under wraps.
According to Variety, the sequel will introduce new characters into the magical world as the story moves forward.
The long-awaited sequel is Lucasfilm’s first non-Star Wars project in five years.