Meet the Cast of the New Disney+ ‘Willow’ Series
The adventures of magician extraordinaire Pesto the Magnificent will continue in a new ‘Willow‘ series on Disney+.
Willow was one of those movies that kids that grew up in the 1980s were enamored by and terrified of (that transmutation scene on a big theater screen was horrifying when I was 6). One of those odd fantasy movies (like Dragonslayer, The Never Ending Story, and The Dark Crystal) from the era that came off as being kid-friendly in marketing, but had dark fantasy imagery and horror elements that parents weren’t really happy about.
While it’s not really seen as a ‘good’ movie, it’s become a classic in its own right. You can revisit the original on Disney+ now.
It was a story George Lucas created in the early 70s, but was unable to get to at the time; partly due to tech limitations. ILM made history with the digital morphing tech they created to make the centerpiece of that horrifying scene work. It earned them a visual effects Oscar nomination (Willow lost to another ILM project, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?).
There’s been talk for a while about a new Willow sequel movie or series. The talk actually turned out to be more than just talk this time – there’s a series in production for Disney+ that stars Warkwick Davis as Willow Ufgood.
The actor introduces us to the new cast members (Amar Chadha-Patel, Ellie Bamber, Tony Revolori, Ruby Cruz, and Dempsey Bryk) in this video that is funnier than it has any right to be.
Forget what you know, or think you know, and meet the young(er) cast of Willow, an Original Series streaming on @DisneyPlus in 2022. #DisneyPlusDay pic.twitter.com/e83UZ67tCd
Advertisement— Willow (@WillowMovie) November 12, 2021
The original movie’s director, Ron Howard, has signed on as an executive producer. Director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights) is helming the pilot, and the showrunners are Jonathan Kasdan (Solo) and Wendy Mericle (Arrow).
No word on a release date, but it’s clear filming is full steam ahead.
Thank you @RealRonHoward for your kind words and support throughout. You set the bar very high with the movie #Willow, and it’s good to know we’re exceeding your expectations. Cheers! https://t.co/RhCsmk2JQK
— Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) November 12, 2021
