Famously known as a leading man in action movies, the Tom Cruise Western Far and Away movie is the only time the actor has worked in the genre. The 1992 epic Western romantic drama was directed by Ron Howard. Like Tom Cruise, Far and Away was Howard’s first Western project. However, unlike Cruise, Howard later directed two movies (The Missing and Solo: A Star Wars Story) in the genre. Ron Howard and Canadian screenwriter and filmmaker Bob Dolman developed Far and Away‘s story and screenplay. Although the film enjoyed relative success, it’s more famous for being Tom Cruise’s only credit
The post Far and Away: Everything to Know About Tom Cruise’s Only Western Movie first appeared on TVovermind.
The post Far and Away: Everything to Know About Tom Cruise’s Only Western Movie first appeared on TVovermind.
- 4/9/2024
- by Onyinye Izundu
- TVovermind.com
Willow star Warwick Davis is not happy about the removal of the Disney+ fantasy-adventure series from the streaming platform, calling it “#embarrassing”.
“I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus series was made,” Davis wrote on X (fka Twitter). “Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing”
The streamer announced in March that there would be no second season of the original series, based on the 1988 fantasy film directed by Ron Howard. However, series creator Jon Kasdan later categorized Willow‘s status as more of a pause than cancellation, noting that Season 2 has been written and he is hopeful that it will eventually be made, but not for at least the next 12 months, leading to a decision to release the cast.
Disney removed...
“I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus series was made,” Davis wrote on X (fka Twitter). “Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing”
The streamer announced in March that there would be no second season of the original series, based on the 1988 fantasy film directed by Ron Howard. However, series creator Jon Kasdan later categorized Willow‘s status as more of a pause than cancellation, noting that Season 2 has been written and he is hopeful that it will eventually be made, but not for at least the next 12 months, leading to a decision to release the cast.
Disney removed...
- 10/16/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Willow creator Jon Kasdan remains hopeful that we will see a second season of the fantasy series, following news that it is ending, at least for now. Kasdan took to social media Thursday to reassure fans that a Season 2 has been written and he has every hope that it will eventually air, but not for at least the next 12 months.
“A decision was made last week to release our main cast for other series opportunities that may arise for them in the coming year,” he wrote, taking issue with Deadline’s and other online reports of the series ending. He added that he feels “fairly confident that, if asked, neither I, nor the folks at Lucasfilm, would or have actually characterized it” as a final cancellation.
As Deadline noted, while the series won’t continue in its current form as the cast has been released, Willow remains an important IP in the Lucasfilm library,...
“A decision was made last week to release our main cast for other series opportunities that may arise for them in the coming year,” he wrote, taking issue with Deadline’s and other online reports of the series ending. He added that he feels “fairly confident that, if asked, neither I, nor the folks at Lucasfilm, would or have actually characterized it” as a final cancellation.
As Deadline noted, while the series won’t continue in its current form as the cast has been released, Willow remains an important IP in the Lucasfilm library,...
- 3/17/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
“Willow” creator Jon Kasdan has addressed reports from earlier this week that the fantasy series has been canceled after one season.
In a statement posted to Twitter Friday morning, Kasdan, in an attempt to clarify the “juicy” and “splashy” headlines he saw online, that Lucasfilm and the production team made a decision last week to “release our main cast for other series opportunities that may arise for them in the coming year.” He added that he feels “fairly confident that, if asked, neither I, nor the folks at Lucasfilm, would or have actually characterized” their predicament as a full-on, final cancellation.
pic.twitter.com/Di0vEGLyTD
— Jon Kasdan (@JonKasdan) March 17, 2023
“With all the TV and movies in production around the world, it feels unfair to limit an actor’s availability without a clear sense of when you’re going to need them again,” he explained. “It’s further trivialized by...
In a statement posted to Twitter Friday morning, Kasdan, in an attempt to clarify the “juicy” and “splashy” headlines he saw online, that Lucasfilm and the production team made a decision last week to “release our main cast for other series opportunities that may arise for them in the coming year.” He added that he feels “fairly confident that, if asked, neither I, nor the folks at Lucasfilm, would or have actually characterized” their predicament as a full-on, final cancellation.
pic.twitter.com/Di0vEGLyTD
— Jon Kasdan (@JonKasdan) March 17, 2023
“With all the TV and movies in production around the world, it feels unfair to limit an actor’s availability without a clear sense of when you’re going to need them again,” he explained. “It’s further trivialized by...
- 3/17/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
“Willow,” the fantasy series that continued the story of Ron Howard’s beloved 1988 movie, won’t return for a second season Disney+, TheWrap confirmed on Wednesday.
The eight-episode first season, which brought back original cast member Warwick Davis as the title character, premiered on Nov. 30, 2022. It costarred Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Amer Chadha-Patel and Tony Revolori.
After the news broke, fans lamented that another show with a queer storyline was ending. The series featured a romance between Princess Kit Tanthalos (Cruz) and her knight errant, Jade Claymore (Kellyman).
Also Read:
Every Renewed and Canceled TV Show in 2023
Showrunner Jonathan Kasdan told EW in December. “It was not a decision that was ever made because we thought we needed queer representation in the show or that that was something we were intent on doing. What was clear was that we wanted to put at the center of this story a daughter for Madmartigan,...
The eight-episode first season, which brought back original cast member Warwick Davis as the title character, premiered on Nov. 30, 2022. It costarred Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Amer Chadha-Patel and Tony Revolori.
After the news broke, fans lamented that another show with a queer storyline was ending. The series featured a romance between Princess Kit Tanthalos (Cruz) and her knight errant, Jade Claymore (Kellyman).
Also Read:
Every Renewed and Canceled TV Show in 2023
Showrunner Jonathan Kasdan told EW in December. “It was not a decision that was ever made because we thought we needed queer representation in the show or that that was something we were intent on doing. What was clear was that we wanted to put at the center of this story a daughter for Madmartigan,...
- 3/15/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
It appears “Willow’s” magic has already run out again. The Disney+ fantasy series, a sequel to the 1988 Ron Howard film of the same name, will not return for a second season, IndieWire has confirmed.
The news comes two months after the show, which premiered on November 30, concluded its eight-episode run on Disney+ in January. Like the film, “Willow” was produced by Lucasfilm, which has been one of the main drivers of content for Disney’s core streaming service through shows based on the “Star Wars” franchise; others include “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Andor,” and the upcoming “Ahsoka,” “Skeleton Crew,” and “The Acolyte.”
Disney+ ended 2022 with 102.9 subscribers; another 61.3 million are in the ecosystem via Disney+ Hotstar.
The original ’80s film, which was directed by Ron Howard and executive produced by “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, told the story of aspiring sorcerer Willow (Warwick Davis), as...
The news comes two months after the show, which premiered on November 30, concluded its eight-episode run on Disney+ in January. Like the film, “Willow” was produced by Lucasfilm, which has been one of the main drivers of content for Disney’s core streaming service through shows based on the “Star Wars” franchise; others include “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Andor,” and the upcoming “Ahsoka,” “Skeleton Crew,” and “The Acolyte.”
Disney+ ended 2022 with 102.9 subscribers; another 61.3 million are in the ecosystem via Disney+ Hotstar.
The original ’80s film, which was directed by Ron Howard and executive produced by “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, told the story of aspiring sorcerer Willow (Warwick Davis), as...
- 3/15/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
The journey of Willow won’t continue on Disney+.
The streamer has canceled the Lucasfilm series, a sequel to the 1988 movie of the same title, after a single season. The news comes two months after the eight-episode season concluded its run.
Disney+ doesn’t provide viewing data for its programming, but Willow didn’t break into the Nielsen top 10 rankings of streaming titles during its run. The series earned mostly positive reviews from critics.
The cancellation comes during a transition period for both Lucasfilm, which is reconsidering the output of its signature Star Wars franchise, and Disney’s streaming operations. Like other companies, Disney is pulling back some on the lavish spending on streaming content; Willow’s cancellation at Disney+ follows the ends of Big Shot and The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers in February.
Warwick Davis reprises his title role from the Ron Howard-directed film in the series. The...
The streamer has canceled the Lucasfilm series, a sequel to the 1988 movie of the same title, after a single season. The news comes two months after the eight-episode season concluded its run.
Disney+ doesn’t provide viewing data for its programming, but Willow didn’t break into the Nielsen top 10 rankings of streaming titles during its run. The series earned mostly positive reviews from critics.
The cancellation comes during a transition period for both Lucasfilm, which is reconsidering the output of its signature Star Wars franchise, and Disney’s streaming operations. Like other companies, Disney is pulling back some on the lavish spending on streaming content; Willow’s cancellation at Disney+ follows the ends of Big Shot and The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers in February.
Warwick Davis reprises his title role from the Ron Howard-directed film in the series. The...
- 3/15/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The “Willow” TV series is done after just one season at Disney+, Variety has confirmed.
The news comes around two months after the high fantasy series aired its eighth and final episode, with the show having debuted in November 2022 and airing until January 2023.
“Willow” continued the story of the film of the same name, with Warwick Davis returning for the series in the title role of Willow Ufgood. The show was originally reported as being in the works at Disney+ back in 2019 and ordered to series in late 2020.
Along with Davis, the cast of the show included Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Ellie Bamber, Tony Revolori, Amar Chadha-Patel, Dempsey Bryk, and Joanne Whalley. The official logline for the series states “In a magical world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls, and other mystical creatures flourish, the adventure continues, as an unlikely group of heroes set off on a dangerous quest to places far beyond their home,...
The news comes around two months after the high fantasy series aired its eighth and final episode, with the show having debuted in November 2022 and airing until January 2023.
“Willow” continued the story of the film of the same name, with Warwick Davis returning for the series in the title role of Willow Ufgood. The show was originally reported as being in the works at Disney+ back in 2019 and ordered to series in late 2020.
Along with Davis, the cast of the show included Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Ellie Bamber, Tony Revolori, Amar Chadha-Patel, Dempsey Bryk, and Joanne Whalley. The official logline for the series states “In a magical world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls, and other mystical creatures flourish, the adventure continues, as an unlikely group of heroes set off on a dangerous quest to places far beyond their home,...
- 3/15/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: There will be no second season of Willow, Disney+’s live-action original series based on the 1988 fantasy film directed by Ron Howard. The news comes two months after the eight-episode first season of the show, which served as a sequel to the classic movie, ended its run on the streaming platform.
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Willow, which picked up years after the events of the film, did not have the zeitgeist cultural impact of the original but was well received by critics, getting a 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Related Story TV Series Fading To Black In 2023 & Beyond: Photo Gallery Of Canceled Shows Related Story Disney Being "Very Careful" With 'Star Wars' Movie Development, CEO Bob Iger Says; Marvel Brand Not "Inherently Off," But "Do You Need A Third Or Fourth" Sequel For Every Character? Related Story Bono And The Edge Aim Jay Leno Joke At David Letterman As Trio Unveil New Documentary About Their Musical Adventures In Dublin
Willow, which picked up years after the events of the film, did not have the zeitgeist cultural impact of the original but was well received by critics, getting a 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- 3/15/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Ron Howard isn’t all that surprised that a Willow sequel now exists in the form of a Disney+ series. After all, Willow mastermind George Lucas always believed that a TV series would be the optimal way to expand the world of Willow, and the idea has been kicked around ever since Lucas and Howard collaborated on the latter’s 1988 film.
In retrospect, Howard credits Lucas and Willow for teaching him how to helm effects-heavy films on a larger canvas. He also learned a great deal about narrative, especially when writer Joseph Campbell came to visit Lucas during the development of Willow. Campbell’s book The Hero with a Thousand Faces served as the foundation for all of Lucas’ mythological narratives.
“We wound up around George’s [Lucas] dinner table, telling [Joseph Campbell] the entire story of Willow, and so he told us the origins of the myths that we were borrowing from,...
In retrospect, Howard credits Lucas and Willow for teaching him how to helm effects-heavy films on a larger canvas. He also learned a great deal about narrative, especially when writer Joseph Campbell came to visit Lucas during the development of Willow. Campbell’s book The Hero with a Thousand Faces served as the foundation for all of Lucas’ mythological narratives.
“We wound up around George’s [Lucas] dinner table, telling [Joseph Campbell] the entire story of Willow, and so he told us the origins of the myths that we were borrowing from,...
- 1/21/2023
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s no secret that George Lucas struggled to develop 1988’s “Willow.” Lucas hatched his idea for the film before “Star Wars,” but he couldn’t make it until he approached Ron Howard to direct in 1985. Shortly afterward, MGM entered the production process, Bob Dolman came on board to pen the script, and things moved forward. And while Lucas was very hands-on during the writing process of “Willow,” Dolman preferred that experience to the one he just had writing the Disney+ sequel series on the streamer now.
Continue reading ‘Willow’: Film Writer Says New Disney+ Sequel’s Creative Process Had “More Of A Corporate Feeling” Than The 1988 Film at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Willow’: Film Writer Says New Disney+ Sequel’s Creative Process Had “More Of A Corporate Feeling” Than The 1988 Film at The Playlist.
- 12/2/2022
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Click here to read the full article.
The screenwriter of the original Willow film is reflecting on the process of making the movie, along with opening up about ways in which working in the writers room of the new Disney+ television reboot didn’t feel as freeing.
Willow, the tale of a humble farmer enlisted to go on a quest to save the world, hit theaters in 1988 — but the idea for the fantasy film had been on George Lucas’ mind even before the 1977 release of Star Wars. Lucas, an executive producer on Willow and credited with writing the story, brought the project to filmmaker Ron Howard, whom Lucas had directed in 1973’s American Graffiti.
Howard, who had helmed such movies as Splash (1983) and Cocoon (1985), turned to Bob Dolman, his collaborator on a failed NBC pilot in the early 1980s, to write Willow’s script. Its story focuses on the titular farmer,...
The screenwriter of the original Willow film is reflecting on the process of making the movie, along with opening up about ways in which working in the writers room of the new Disney+ television reboot didn’t feel as freeing.
Willow, the tale of a humble farmer enlisted to go on a quest to save the world, hit theaters in 1988 — but the idea for the fantasy film had been on George Lucas’ mind even before the 1977 release of Star Wars. Lucas, an executive producer on Willow and credited with writing the story, brought the project to filmmaker Ron Howard, whom Lucas had directed in 1973’s American Graffiti.
Howard, who had helmed such movies as Splash (1983) and Cocoon (1985), turned to Bob Dolman, his collaborator on a failed NBC pilot in the early 1980s, to write Willow’s script. Its story focuses on the titular farmer,...
- 11/30/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Plot: The Nelwyn sorcerer returns, years after rescuing the infant empress Elora Danan, to lead a group of misfit heroes on a harrowing rescue mission through a world beyond imagination.
Review: Of all the sequels and continuations that I have wanted, few ranks as high on my list as Willow. As an eight-year-old, I saw Willow on the big screen based purely on being from the imagination of George Lucas. I was unprepared for the sword and sorcery and dark fantasy about to unfold on a scale I had not seen on the big screen before. Ron Howard’s epic direction, James Horner’s immortal score, and the performances of Warwick Davis, Joanne Whalley, and Val Kilmer had me absolutely blown away. Like Star Wars, for over twenty years I have been stuck with rumors of a possible sequel and only a trilogy of novels to take me back to the story of Willow,...
Review: Of all the sequels and continuations that I have wanted, few ranks as high on my list as Willow. As an eight-year-old, I saw Willow on the big screen based purely on being from the imagination of George Lucas. I was unprepared for the sword and sorcery and dark fantasy about to unfold on a scale I had not seen on the big screen before. Ron Howard’s epic direction, James Horner’s immortal score, and the performances of Warwick Davis, Joanne Whalley, and Val Kilmer had me absolutely blown away. Like Star Wars, for over twenty years I have been stuck with rumors of a possible sequel and only a trilogy of novels to take me back to the story of Willow,...
- 11/30/2022
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
It's almost a breath of fresh air to watch the new Disney+ show "Willow," a sequel sharing the same name as its 1988 predecessor. Where so many of the current spate of big-budget Disney+ series are heavily tied to something greater, whether it's the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the "Star Wars" franchise, nu-"Willow" is connected only to itself. While the TV revival comes from the greater Lucasfilm enterprise, it is, of course, fully disconnected from the franchise on which George Lucas made his name, set in a galaxy far, far away. That singular connection for "Willow" is the selling point ... or rather, that should be the selling point. Yet even by the end of the first episode, "Willow" feels very much like a TV-length take on the way "The Force Awakens" revived "Star Wars" seven years ago. Everything old is new again.
Of course, where shows like "The Book of Boba Fett...
Of course, where shows like "The Book of Boba Fett...
- 11/30/2022
- by Josh Spiegel
- Slash Film
Ironically, Willow was a bit too big. Or at least too big to succeed as George Lucas had imagined it could. The brainchild of Lucas since before the first Star Wars, the 1988 film starred Warwick Davis as the eponymous Willow Ufgood, a farmer and would-be sorcerer’s apprentice from a race of dwarves called Nelwyn. The premise was classic fantasy: after discovering a baby Daikini (or regular-sized folk), Willow goes on a journey to protect the baby from an evil sorceress queen (the deliciously pantomime-esque Jean Marsh) – by way of mountains, monsters, and some riotous action sequences.
Back then, studio bosses baulked at the film’s 35m (£29m) price tag. The production spanned three continents, a huge cast of little people and featured more special effects work than Lucas’s FX house, Industrial Light & Magic, was prepared for. The finished film is a bloated two hours-plus, which feels too much...
Back then, studio bosses baulked at the film’s 35m (£29m) price tag. The production spanned three continents, a huge cast of little people and featured more special effects work than Lucas’s FX house, Industrial Light & Magic, was prepared for. The finished film is a bloated two hours-plus, which feels too much...
- 11/29/2022
- by Tom Fordy
- The Independent - Film
Few filmmakers have had a run quite like George Lucas did from 1977 to 1990. In those years, he created "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones," was creatively involved with movies as worlds apart as "Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters" and "Labyrinth," and produced the first-ever Marvel film: 1986's "Howard the Duck" (never forget). He also received story credit for "Willow," director Ron Howard's 1988 fantasy adventure movie starring Warwick Davis as Willow Ufgood, a humble Nelwyn (little person) farmer charged with protecting a baby who is prophecied to bring about the downfall of an evil sorceress.
Co-written by Bob Dolman and starring Val Kilmer as Madmartigan -- a rascally swordsman prone to getting chased by his mistress's jealous husband -- "Willow" is neither as generally beloved nor widely despised as Lucas's other genre films from the 1980s. But it does have a great hero and an imaginative fantasy setting ripe for...
Co-written by Bob Dolman and starring Val Kilmer as Madmartigan -- a rascally swordsman prone to getting chased by his mistress's jealous husband -- "Willow" is neither as generally beloved nor widely despised as Lucas's other genre films from the 1980s. But it does have a great hero and an imaginative fantasy setting ripe for...
- 11/16/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
The minute-long “Special Look” video for Disney+’s Willow showcases the return of the titular character, teases a search for Elora, and declares “their first quest is the world’s last hope.” There’s a little bit of action, some magical moments, a lot of humor, and a character who looks like the Cryptkeeper.
The new video arrived along with the final poster for season one.
Warwick Davis reprises his role as Willow and Joanne Whalley returns as Sorsha. The cast also includes Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Tony Revolori, Amar Chadha-Patel, and Dempsey Bryk.
Ron Howard, director of the 1988 film (written by George Lucas and Bob Dolman), executive produces along with Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Jonathan Kasdan, Tommy Harper, Wendy Mericle, Roopesh Parekh, and Samie Kim Falvey. John Bickerstaff, Hannah Friedman, and Jonathan Kasdan are the season one writers, and Stephen Woolfenden, Julia Cooperman, Hameed Shaukat, and Max Taylor serve as producers.
The new video arrived along with the final poster for season one.
Warwick Davis reprises his role as Willow and Joanne Whalley returns as Sorsha. The cast also includes Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Tony Revolori, Amar Chadha-Patel, and Dempsey Bryk.
Ron Howard, director of the 1988 film (written by George Lucas and Bob Dolman), executive produces along with Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Jonathan Kasdan, Tommy Harper, Wendy Mericle, Roopesh Parekh, and Samie Kim Falvey. John Bickerstaff, Hannah Friedman, and Jonathan Kasdan are the season one writers, and Stephen Woolfenden, Julia Cooperman, Hameed Shaukat, and Max Taylor serve as producers.
- 10/30/2022
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
“Willow” fans have long questioned how the new Disney+ series will linkup with Val Kilmer’s beloved character Madmartigan. And that answered was revealed via Christian Slater. The new character was announced at the D23 Expo where the actor surprised fans on stage.
Announced by series star Warwick Davis, Slater’s character is somehow tied to Madmartigan as a “friend,” but more will be revealed later. “You have such a lot of energy, I can’t wait until you see him he’s great,” Davis said.
Slater seemed pretty impressed with the ability to go rogue on set. “This was a very fun character, we got to have some improve, ad-libs we came up with stuff on the spot which was fun,” Slater said.
A new trailer was also released showcasing more trolls, Brownies and more. Davis and Joanne Whalley reprise their roles as Willow Ufgood and Sorsha, respectively. Set...
Announced by series star Warwick Davis, Slater’s character is somehow tied to Madmartigan as a “friend,” but more will be revealed later. “You have such a lot of energy, I can’t wait until you see him he’s great,” Davis said.
Slater seemed pretty impressed with the ability to go rogue on set. “This was a very fun character, we got to have some improve, ad-libs we came up with stuff on the spot which was fun,” Slater said.
A new trailer was also released showcasing more trolls, Brownies and more. Davis and Joanne Whalley reprise their roles as Willow Ufgood and Sorsha, respectively. Set...
- 9/10/2022
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Christian Slater will be seen in Willow, Disney+’s upcoming live-action series based on the 1988 fantasy film directed by Ron Howard. Slater’s casting was revealed today during Disney’s D23 Expo in Anaheim.
No details on his role were shared other than a “character aiding in quest,” and a friend of Madmartigan.
“I love the fantasy, the sci-fi, just getting to be a part of this show was, I will be honest with you an absolute dream come true,” said Slater. “This was a very fun character, we got to have some improve, ad-libs we came up with stuff on the spot which was fun,” he added.
Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Amer Chadha-Patel and Tony Revolori star alongside Warwick Davis, who is reprising his title role as Willow Ufgood, a reluctant farmer who plays a critical role in protecting a special baby from a tyrannical queen who...
No details on his role were shared other than a “character aiding in quest,” and a friend of Madmartigan.
“I love the fantasy, the sci-fi, just getting to be a part of this show was, I will be honest with you an absolute dream come true,” said Slater. “This was a very fun character, we got to have some improve, ad-libs we came up with stuff on the spot which was fun,” he added.
Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Amer Chadha-Patel and Tony Revolori star alongside Warwick Davis, who is reprising his title role as Willow Ufgood, a reluctant farmer who plays a critical role in protecting a special baby from a tyrannical queen who...
- 9/10/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney+ said Thursday that Willow, its live-action original series based on the 1988 fantasy film directed by Ron Howard, will premiere on November 30.
The news was revealed during a Lucasfilm panel at Star Wars Celebration, where the series, from Lucasfilm and Imagine Entertainment, also got its first teaser trailer, along with some first-look images (see those below).
The series, which picks up years after the events of the movie, introduces new characters and is set in a world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls and other mystical creatures flourish. An unlikely group of heroes set off on a dangerous quest to places far beyond their home, where they must face their inner demons and come together to save their world.
Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Amer Chadha-Patel and Tony Revolori star alongside Warwick Davis, who is reprising his title role as Willow Ufgood, a reluctant farmer who plays a critical role in...
The news was revealed during a Lucasfilm panel at Star Wars Celebration, where the series, from Lucasfilm and Imagine Entertainment, also got its first teaser trailer, along with some first-look images (see those below).
The series, which picks up years after the events of the movie, introduces new characters and is set in a world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls and other mystical creatures flourish. An unlikely group of heroes set off on a dangerous quest to places far beyond their home, where they must face their inner demons and come together to save their world.
Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Amer Chadha-Patel and Tony Revolori star alongside Warwick Davis, who is reprising his title role as Willow Ufgood, a reluctant farmer who plays a critical role in...
- 5/26/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney’s Star Wars Celebration kicked off in Anaheim today, and the studio hit the ground running. Lucasfilm gave fans their best look so far at “Willow,” an upcoming Disney+ series based on the 1988 film of the same name. The first teaser reveals a return to the lush fantasy world that George Lucas and Ron Howard created in the original film, albeit with slightly more modern special effects.
The film “Willow” was originally conceived by George Lucas, who brought in Bob Dolman to write the screenplay and hired Ron Howard to direct. Expectations were sky-high when the film was released in 1988, with many expecting it to do for fantasy what “Star Wars” did for science fiction. While it never quite reached those heights, the film has gradually built up a cult following over the years.
When Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, rumors about some kind of “Willow” sequel in the pipeline instantly began swirling.
The film “Willow” was originally conceived by George Lucas, who brought in Bob Dolman to write the screenplay and hired Ron Howard to direct. Expectations were sky-high when the film was released in 1988, with many expecting it to do for fantasy what “Star Wars” did for science fiction. While it never quite reached those heights, the film has gradually built up a cult following over the years.
When Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, rumors about some kind of “Willow” sequel in the pipeline instantly began swirling.
- 5/26/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Talisa Garcia has been cast in Disney+’s Willow series, making history as the first openly trans woman to be cast in a Lucasfilm production. Garcia (Baptiste) will play a queen who is the mother of Tony Revolori’s character. The role is small, Deadline reports, but her casting is monumental for trans representation in television. And it is reportedly the first known time a trans actor has played a cisgender character in a Disney+ production. Garcia’s casting is especially noteworthy given that Disney and its CEO, Bob Chapek, have been under fire for the company’s actions surrounding Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Willow is a sequel series of the 1988 film of the same name which starred Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer, and Joanne Whalley. The story was created by George Lucas, Bob Dolman wrote the screenplay, and Ron Howard directed the film. In it, a...
- 4/8/2022
- TV Insider
Dempsey Bryk (The Birch) has been added to the cast of Willow, Disney+ and Lucasfilm’s upcoming TV series follow-up to the 1988 fantasy movie. Bryk’s casting was revealed Friday as part of Disney+ Day, the second anniversary of the streaming platform. You can see the casting announcement below.
The film’s star Warwick Davis reprises his title role in the series, which is slated to premiere in 2022 on Disney+. Bryk joins fellow new lead cast members Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Tony Revolori and Amer Chadha-Patel. Davis introduced Bamber, Cruz, Kellyman, Revolori and Chadha-Patel in a video from the set. (You can watch it below).
The new incarnation of Willow comes from Jonathan Kasdan, who wrote the pilot and serves as co-showrunner alongside Wendy Mericle; the original film’s director Ron Howard and writer Bob Dolman; as well as Lucasfilm, which produced the movie. Jonathan Entwistle is directing.
The film’s star Warwick Davis reprises his title role in the series, which is slated to premiere in 2022 on Disney+. Bryk joins fellow new lead cast members Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Tony Revolori and Amer Chadha-Patel. Davis introduced Bamber, Cruz, Kellyman, Revolori and Chadha-Patel in a video from the set. (You can watch it below).
The new incarnation of Willow comes from Jonathan Kasdan, who wrote the pilot and serves as co-showrunner alongside Wendy Mericle; the original film’s director Ron Howard and writer Bob Dolman; as well as Lucasfilm, which produced the movie. Jonathan Entwistle is directing.
- 11/12/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Willow, the Disney+ and Lucasfilm fantasy series based on the 1988 movie, has changed its pilot director for the second time.
Jonathan Entwistle, who had signed up for the job in late January, calling it “a dream come true,” left the project in April, I have learned. Entwistle replaced Jon M. Chu, who had stepped down two weeks prior citing scheduling concerns.
The production schedule for Willow was pushed, in part because of a recasting of one of the leads. As a result, Entwistle left during prep in April due to a scheduling conflict with his Apple TV+ series Hello Tomorrow, starring Billy Crudup, which is about to start production.
I hear Entwistle’s exit did not impact production. Stephen Woolfenden (Outlander), a producing director on the Willow series, stepped in to shoot the first two episodes, which now have been completed. A rep for Lucasfilm declined comment.
2020-21 Disney+ Pilots & Series Orders
Ellie Bamber,...
Jonathan Entwistle, who had signed up for the job in late January, calling it “a dream come true,” left the project in April, I have learned. Entwistle replaced Jon M. Chu, who had stepped down two weeks prior citing scheduling concerns.
The production schedule for Willow was pushed, in part because of a recasting of one of the leads. As a result, Entwistle left during prep in April due to a scheduling conflict with his Apple TV+ series Hello Tomorrow, starring Billy Crudup, which is about to start production.
I hear Entwistle’s exit did not impact production. Stephen Woolfenden (Outlander), a producing director on the Willow series, stepped in to shoot the first two episodes, which now have been completed. A rep for Lucasfilm declined comment.
2020-21 Disney+ Pilots & Series Orders
Ellie Bamber,...
- 7/16/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Amer Chadha-Patel (Doom: Annihilation) has landed a male lead opposite Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz and Erin Kellyman in Willow, Disney+ and Lucasfilm’s upcoming TV series follow-up to the 1988 fantasy movie, with the film’s star Warwick Davis reprising his title role, I have learned. Lucasfilm declined comment.
The new incarnation of Willow, which also stars Tony Revolori, comes from Jonathan Kasdan, who wrote the pilot and serves as co-showrunner alongside Wendy Mericle; the original film’s director Ron Howard and writer Bob Dolman; as well as Lucasfilm, which produced the movie. Jonathan Entwistle is directing.
The Willow movie, written by Dolman from a story by George Lucas, starred Davis as a reluctant farmer who leads a ragtag crew on a quest to protect a special baby from a tyrannical queen who vows to destroy her. The series takes place years after the events of the film. It introduces...
The new incarnation of Willow, which also stars Tony Revolori, comes from Jonathan Kasdan, who wrote the pilot and serves as co-showrunner alongside Wendy Mericle; the original film’s director Ron Howard and writer Bob Dolman; as well as Lucasfilm, which produced the movie. Jonathan Entwistle is directing.
The Willow movie, written by Dolman from a story by George Lucas, starred Davis as a reluctant farmer who leads a ragtag crew on a quest to protect a special baby from a tyrannical queen who vows to destroy her. The series takes place years after the events of the film. It introduces...
- 4/26/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ruby Cruz (Castle Rock) has landed the female co-lead opposite Ellie Bamber and Erin Kellyman in Willow, Disney+ and Lucasfilm’s upcoming TV series follow-up to the 1988 fantasy movie, with the film’s star Warwick Davis reprising his title role, I have learned. She replaced Cailee Spaeny, who had been originally tapped for the role, after an extensive recasting process. Lucasfilm declined comment.
The new incarnation of Willow, which also co-stars Tony Revolori, comes from Jonathan Kasdan, who wrote the pilot and serves as co-showrunner alongside Wendy Mericle; the original film’s director Ron Howard and writer Bob Dolman; as well as Lucasfilm, which produced the movie. Jonathan Entwistle is directing.
The Willow movie, written by Dolman from a story by George Lucas, starred Davis as a reluctant farmer who leads a ragtag crew on a quest to protect a special baby from a tyrannical queen who vows to destroy her.
The new incarnation of Willow, which also co-stars Tony Revolori, comes from Jonathan Kasdan, who wrote the pilot and serves as co-showrunner alongside Wendy Mericle; the original film’s director Ron Howard and writer Bob Dolman; as well as Lucasfilm, which produced the movie. Jonathan Entwistle is directing.
The Willow movie, written by Dolman from a story by George Lucas, starred Davis as a reluctant farmer who leads a ragtag crew on a quest to protect a special baby from a tyrannical queen who vows to destroy her.
- 3/11/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Spider-Man franchise’s Tony Revolori is in negotiations for a lead role opposite Ellie Bamber, Cailee Spaeny and Erin Kellyman in Willow, Disney+ and Lucasfilm’s upcoming TV series follow-up to the 1988 fantasy movie, with the film’s star Warwick Davis reprising his title role, I have learned. The new incarnation of Willow comes from Jonathan Kasdan, who wrote the pilot and serves as co-showrunner alongside Wendy Mericle; the original film’s director Ron Howard and writer Bob Dolman; as well as Lucasfilm, which produced the movie. Reps for Disney+ and Lucasfilm declined comment.
The series, which marks Lucasfilm’s first venture into non-Star Wars storytelling since 2015, will take place years after the events of the film. It introduces all-new characters to the enchanted realm of fairy queens and two-headed Eborsisk monsters, and welcomes back its hero Willow Ufgood (Davis).
No additional details about the series’ storyline have been released.
The series, which marks Lucasfilm’s first venture into non-Star Wars storytelling since 2015, will take place years after the events of the film. It introduces all-new characters to the enchanted realm of fairy queens and two-headed Eborsisk monsters, and welcomes back its hero Willow Ufgood (Davis).
No additional details about the series’ storyline have been released.
- 1/26/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights director Jon M. Chu has stepped down from directing the pilot for Disney+’s upcoming series, Willow.
The filmmaker announced his exit on Monday afternoon, noting that he’s “heartbroken” to step away from the project.
“With the production schedule moving due to continued lockdowns in the UK, and with a new baby coming this summer (surprise!), the timing is just not going to work for me and my family,” Chu wrote in a statement. “As you may know, Willow has been one of my favorite movies since I was a child, so I’m devastated that I won’t be able to work with my heroes old and new like Kathy, Ron, Jon, Wendy, Michelle, and the amazing cast and crew they’ve put together.”
In October 2020, Disney+ announced that Chu would helm the series pilot. The announcement of the new Disney+ series,...
The filmmaker announced his exit on Monday afternoon, noting that he’s “heartbroken” to step away from the project.
“With the production schedule moving due to continued lockdowns in the UK, and with a new baby coming this summer (surprise!), the timing is just not going to work for me and my family,” Chu wrote in a statement. “As you may know, Willow has been one of my favorite movies since I was a child, so I’m devastated that I won’t be able to work with my heroes old and new like Kathy, Ron, Jon, Wendy, Michelle, and the amazing cast and crew they’ve put together.”
In October 2020, Disney+ announced that Chu would helm the series pilot. The announcement of the new Disney+ series,...
- 1/11/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
In a statement on his social media profiles, Jon M. Chu announced today that he will no longer be directing the forthcoming “Willow” sequel series on Disney Plus.
The “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights” director is stepping away from the whimsy of George Lucas’ realm of ethereal fairy-queens, two-headed monsters and prospective sorcerer dwarves, citing production lockdowns and personal reasons as motivating factors of his decision.
“With the production schedule moving due to continued lockdowns in the UK, with a new baby coming in the summer (surprise!), the timing is just not going to work for me and my family,” Chu wrote in a post on Twitter. The director said that he was “heartbroken” and “devastated” to not be able to work with his heroes “old and new” like showrunners Jonathan Kasdan (“Solo”) and Wendy Mericle (“Arrow”), consulting producer Bob Dolman, writer of the original 1988 film, as well as executive producers Michelle Rejwan,...
The “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights” director is stepping away from the whimsy of George Lucas’ realm of ethereal fairy-queens, two-headed monsters and prospective sorcerer dwarves, citing production lockdowns and personal reasons as motivating factors of his decision.
“With the production schedule moving due to continued lockdowns in the UK, with a new baby coming in the summer (surprise!), the timing is just not going to work for me and my family,” Chu wrote in a post on Twitter. The director said that he was “heartbroken” and “devastated” to not be able to work with his heroes “old and new” like showrunners Jonathan Kasdan (“Solo”) and Wendy Mericle (“Arrow”), consulting producer Bob Dolman, writer of the original 1988 film, as well as executive producers Michelle Rejwan,...
- 1/11/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
Jon M. Chu is stepping away from directing the Disney+ series “Willow” due to timing issues, the filmmaker announced Monday on Instagram.
“I’m heartbroken to let you all know that I unfortunately have to step away from directing ‘Willow,'” he wrote. “With the production schedule moving due to continued lockdowns in the UK, and with a new baby coming this summer (surprise!), the timing is just not going to work for me and my family.”
In October, it was announced that Disney+ gave the green light to a “Willow” sequel series from Lucasfilm and Ron Howard, the director of the 1988 original. Chu signed on to direct the pilot.
The new series, which will see Warwick Davis reprise his role as the titular character, will take place years after the events of Howard’s film.
Howard is an executive producer on the project, with “Solo” writer Jonathan Kasdan and Wendy Mericle serving as showrunners.
“I’m heartbroken to let you all know that I unfortunately have to step away from directing ‘Willow,'” he wrote. “With the production schedule moving due to continued lockdowns in the UK, and with a new baby coming this summer (surprise!), the timing is just not going to work for me and my family.”
In October, it was announced that Disney+ gave the green light to a “Willow” sequel series from Lucasfilm and Ron Howard, the director of the 1988 original. Chu signed on to direct the pilot.
The new series, which will see Warwick Davis reprise his role as the titular character, will take place years after the events of Howard’s film.
Howard is an executive producer on the project, with “Solo” writer Jonathan Kasdan and Wendy Mericle serving as showrunners.
- 1/11/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Ron Howard’s “Willow” sequel series has found its three female leads, TheWrap has confirmed.
Ellie Bamber, Cailee Spaeny and Erin Kellyman are in talks to star in the Disney+ follow-up to Howard’s 1988 original film. They join star Warwick Davis, who will reprise his role as the titular character.
Plot and character details are being kept under wraps, but the new series is said to take place years after the events of movie.
“Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu is set to direct the pilot, which will shoot next year.
Howard is an executive producer on the project, with “Solo” writer Jonathan Kasdan and Wendy Mericle serving as showrunners.
Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Chu, Kasdan, Mericle, Howard and Imagine Television will serve as executive producers, with Roopesh Parekh and Hannah Friedman as co-executive producers. Bob Dolman, writer of the original film, will serve as consulting producer with Julia Cooperman as producer.
Ellie Bamber, Cailee Spaeny and Erin Kellyman are in talks to star in the Disney+ follow-up to Howard’s 1988 original film. They join star Warwick Davis, who will reprise his role as the titular character.
Plot and character details are being kept under wraps, but the new series is said to take place years after the events of movie.
“Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu is set to direct the pilot, which will shoot next year.
Howard is an executive producer on the project, with “Solo” writer Jonathan Kasdan and Wendy Mericle serving as showrunners.
Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Chu, Kasdan, Mericle, Howard and Imagine Television will serve as executive producers, with Roopesh Parekh and Hannah Friedman as co-executive producers. Bob Dolman, writer of the original film, will serve as consulting producer with Julia Cooperman as producer.
- 11/30/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Erin Kellyman, Cailee Spaeny, and Ellie Bamber are negotiating to star in the “Willow” series at Disney Plus, Variety has confirmed.
Details on the characters the three would play are being kept under wraps. The show will take place years after the original and will introduce new characters to the world originally established in the 1988 film.
Kellyman previously appeared in the Lucasfilm release “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” Her other credits include the recent BBC miniseries take on “Les Misérables” along with shows like “Life” and “Don’t Forget the Driver.” She is repped by CAA and Curtis Brown Group.
Spaeny most recently starred in ” The Craft: Legacy.” She also starred in the FX on Hulu limited series “Devs” and will appear in HBO’s upcoming “Mares of Easttown.” Her other feature credits include “Pacific Rim: Uprising” and “Bad Times at the El Royale.” She is repped by WME, Identity Agency Group,...
Details on the characters the three would play are being kept under wraps. The show will take place years after the original and will introduce new characters to the world originally established in the 1988 film.
Kellyman previously appeared in the Lucasfilm release “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” Her other credits include the recent BBC miniseries take on “Les Misérables” along with shows like “Life” and “Don’t Forget the Driver.” She is repped by CAA and Curtis Brown Group.
Spaeny most recently starred in ” The Craft: Legacy.” She also starred in the FX on Hulu limited series “Devs” and will appear in HBO’s upcoming “Mares of Easttown.” Her other feature credits include “Pacific Rim: Uprising” and “Bad Times at the El Royale.” She is repped by WME, Identity Agency Group,...
- 11/30/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Ellie Bamber (Nocturnal Animals), Cailee Spaeny (The Craft: Legacy) and Erin Kellyman (Solo) are in negotiations for the three female leads in Willow, Disney+ and Lucasfilm’s upcoming TV series follow-up to the 1988 fantasy movie, with the film’s star Warwick Davis reprising his title role, I have learned. The new incarnation of Willow comes from Jonathan Kasdan, who wrote the pilot and serves as co-showrunner alongside Wendy Mericle; Jon M. Chu, who will direct the pilot episode; the original film’s director Ron Howard and writer Bob Dolman; as well as Lucasfilm, which produced the movie. A rep for Disney+ declined comment.
The Willow movie, written by Dolman from a story by George Lucas, starred Davis as a reluctant farmer who leads a ragtag crew on a quest to protect a special baby from a tyrannical queen who vows to destroy her.
The series, which marks Lucasfilm’s...
The Willow movie, written by Dolman from a story by George Lucas, starred Davis as a reluctant farmer who leads a ragtag crew on a quest to protect a special baby from a tyrannical queen who vows to destroy her.
The series, which marks Lucasfilm’s...
- 11/30/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
After the wildly successful conclusion of the original Star Wars trilogy and meeting the wonderful Warwick Davis, George Lucas had a plan: to launch a new fantasy franchise with the man who’d bought Wicket the Ewok to life at the forefront. Reimagining a film he’d first conceived in 1972, Lucas got to work and five years later Willow hit screens in 1988. Directed by Ron Howard and written by Bob Dolman based on Lucas’ story, the film tells the tale of the titular hero and aspiring sorcerer who heads off on an incredible journey to return a baby to its people.
While the film wasn’t a huge commercial success and received mixed reviews on release, to a whole generation of kids–who have now grown up–and their kids it remains a classic. That’s why this Willow fan was incredibly excited to hear that Howard and Lucas will...
While the film wasn’t a huge commercial success and received mixed reviews on release, to a whole generation of kids–who have now grown up–and their kids it remains a classic. That’s why this Willow fan was incredibly excited to hear that Howard and Lucas will...
- 11/6/2020
- by Mike Cecchini
- Den of Geek
Willow is coming back! Disney+ has ordered a series based on the 1988 fantasy movie, and it will bring back Warwick Davis in the title role. Ron Howard, who directed the film, will serve as an executive producer and Bob Dolman, who wrote the movie, will be a consulting producer.
The new TV series will be a sequel to the Willow movie. Viewers will see new characters and adventures in the fantasy realm created by Lucasfilm and Ron Howard more than 30 years ago.
Read More…...
The new TV series will be a sequel to the Willow movie. Viewers will see new characters and adventures in the fantasy realm created by Lucasfilm and Ron Howard more than 30 years ago.
Read More…...
- 10/21/2020
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
‘Crazy Rich Asians’ helmer Jon M. Chu has jumped onboard Disney+ return to ‘Willow’ with both Warwick Davis and Ron Howard set to return.
Chu will direct the pilot and will serve as executive producer along with showrunners Jonathan Kasdan (“Solo”) and Wendy Mericle (“Arrow”). Jonathan Kasdan wrote the pilot.
“Growing up in the ’80s, ‘Willow’ has had a profound effect on me,” says Chu. “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...
Chu will direct the pilot and will serve as executive producer along with showrunners Jonathan Kasdan (“Solo”) and Wendy Mericle (“Arrow”). Jonathan Kasdan wrote the pilot.
“Growing up in the ’80s, ‘Willow’ has had a profound effect on me,” says Chu. “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...
- 10/21/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The magical world of George Lucas’ “Willow,” the epic fantasy adventure set in an age of swords, sorcery, myths and monsters, will be returning in a Disney+ series slated to begin production next year.
Jon M. Chu (“In The Heights,” “Crazy Rich Asians”) is set to direct the pilot, and will serve as executive producer along with showrunners Jonathan Kasdan (“Solo”)and Wendy Mericle (“Arrow”). Jonathan Kasdan wrote the pilot.
“Growing up in the ’80s, ‘Willow’ has had a profound effect on me,” says Chu. “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.
Jon M. Chu (“In The Heights,” “Crazy Rich Asians”) is set to direct the pilot, and will serve as executive producer along with showrunners Jonathan Kasdan (“Solo”)and Wendy Mericle (“Arrow”). Jonathan Kasdan wrote the pilot.
“Growing up in the ’80s, ‘Willow’ has had a profound effect on me,” says Chu. “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.
- 10/20/2020
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Director of 1988 feature director Ron Howard on board as EP; Warwick Davis to reprise titular role.
Jon Chu will direct a TV adaptation of Lucasfilm’s swords and sorcery epic Willow for Disney+, teaming up with the original feature’s director Ron Howard and star Warwick Davis.
Production has been earmarked for early 2021 and the producers have their eye on Wales, where most of the original feature shot.
Jonathan Kasdan wrote the pilot inspired by the 1988 feature that starred Davis as a farmer who rescues a baby from an evil queen.
The series marks Lucasfilm’s first venture into non-...
Jon Chu will direct a TV adaptation of Lucasfilm’s swords and sorcery epic Willow for Disney+, teaming up with the original feature’s director Ron Howard and star Warwick Davis.
Production has been earmarked for early 2021 and the producers have their eye on Wales, where most of the original feature shot.
Jonathan Kasdan wrote the pilot inspired by the 1988 feature that starred Davis as a farmer who rescues a baby from an evil queen.
The series marks Lucasfilm’s first venture into non-...
- 10/20/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Another beloved Lucasfilm property is being relaunched at the House of Mouse. This afternoon, Disney officially announced that classic 80s fantasy movie Willow is getting a sequel series on Disney Plus. Original star Warwick Davis is returning as the eponymous hero Willow Ufgood and Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu has signed up to helm the project.
Solo filmmaker Ron Howard directed the 1988 movie, which was based off a story by George Lucas. It featured Davis’ Willow being reluctantly drawn into an adventure to protect a young infant destined for greatness from an evil queen. Val Kilmer co-starred as a mercenary swordsman who aids Willow in his quest. Not much is known about the plot for the sequel at present, but the story is expected to pick up years after the first film and find Willow becoming embroiled in another mission to save the kingdom. Solo‘s Jonathan Kasdan...
Solo filmmaker Ron Howard directed the 1988 movie, which was based off a story by George Lucas. It featured Davis’ Willow being reluctantly drawn into an adventure to protect a young infant destined for greatness from an evil queen. Val Kilmer co-starred as a mercenary swordsman who aids Willow in his quest. Not much is known about the plot for the sequel at present, but the story is expected to pick up years after the first film and find Willow becoming embroiled in another mission to save the kingdom. Solo‘s Jonathan Kasdan...
- 10/20/2020
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
Yet another story beloved by children of the 1980s is about to get another chapter.
Disney+ has ordered a tv series that will serve as a sequel to Willow, Ron Howard and George Lucas’ 1988 fantasy film about a farmer who finds himself wrapped up in an epic journey. The streaming service announced the series order Tuesday.
More from TVLineDisney+'s Sneakerella: Chosen Jacobs and Lexi Underwood to Star in MusicalThe Mandalorian Fires Up His Jet Pack in Latest Season 2 Teaser -- WATCHDisney+ Strengthens Disclaimer About 'Harmful' Stereotypes in Peter Pan, Dumbo, Fantasia and Other Films
Warwick Davis, who played Willow Ufgood in the movie,...
Disney+ has ordered a tv series that will serve as a sequel to Willow, Ron Howard and George Lucas’ 1988 fantasy film about a farmer who finds himself wrapped up in an epic journey. The streaming service announced the series order Tuesday.
More from TVLineDisney+'s Sneakerella: Chosen Jacobs and Lexi Underwood to Star in MusicalThe Mandalorian Fires Up His Jet Pack in Latest Season 2 Teaser -- WATCHDisney+ Strengthens Disclaimer About 'Harmful' Stereotypes in Peter Pan, Dumbo, Fantasia and Other Films
Warwick Davis, who played Willow Ufgood in the movie,...
- 10/20/2020
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Disney+ has given the green light to a “Willow” sequel series from Lucasfilm and Ron Howard, the director of the 1988 original.
The new series, which will see Warwick Davis reprise his role as the titular character, will take place years after the events of Howard’s film. Jon M. Chu has signed on to direct the pilot, which is slated to shoot next year.
Howard is an executive producer on the project, with “Solo” writer Jonathan Kasdan and Wendy Mericle serving as showrunners.
“Growing up in the ’80s, ‘Willow’ has had a profound effect on me,” Chu said in a statement. “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...
The new series, which will see Warwick Davis reprise his role as the titular character, will take place years after the events of Howard’s film. Jon M. Chu has signed on to direct the pilot, which is slated to shoot next year.
Howard is an executive producer on the project, with “Solo” writer Jonathan Kasdan and Wendy Mericle serving as showrunners.
“Growing up in the ’80s, ‘Willow’ has had a profound effect on me,” Chu said in a statement. “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...
- 10/20/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
The Willow television adaptation has been handed a series order at Disney+.
Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu will direct the pilot for the series, which is slated to begin production next year.
This comes 18 months after news of the development of the adaptation of the movie, directed by Ron Howard from a story by George Lucas, first emerged.
The fantasy film starred Warwick Davis as a reluctant farmer who plays a critical role in protecting a special baby from a tyrannical queen who vows to destroy her and take over the world. Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Jean Marsh, and Billy Barty also starred.
Chu will also serve as executive producer along with showrunners Jonathan Kasdan (Solo) and Wendy Mericle (Arrow). Jonathan Kasdan wrote the pilot. Ron Howard, also returns as executive producer on the series with Bob Dolman, writer of the original film, serving as consulting producer. Kathleen Kennedy,...
Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu will direct the pilot for the series, which is slated to begin production next year.
This comes 18 months after news of the development of the adaptation of the movie, directed by Ron Howard from a story by George Lucas, first emerged.
The fantasy film starred Warwick Davis as a reluctant farmer who plays a critical role in protecting a special baby from a tyrannical queen who vows to destroy her and take over the world. Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Jean Marsh, and Billy Barty also starred.
Chu will also serve as executive producer along with showrunners Jonathan Kasdan (Solo) and Wendy Mericle (Arrow). Jonathan Kasdan wrote the pilot. Ron Howard, also returns as executive producer on the series with Bob Dolman, writer of the original film, serving as consulting producer. Kathleen Kennedy,...
- 10/20/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The enchanting world of “Willow,” created by George Lucas, is officially coming to the small screen.
Disney Plus has confirmed a sequel series taking place years after the events of the original Ron Howard-directed pic is heading into production next year. Howard is returning to the project as executive producer alongside original star Warwick Davis, who will once again play the titular hero Willow Ufgood.
The series has also tapped “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights” director Jon M. Chu to helm the pilot and exec produce. Jonathan Kasdan (“Solo”) and Wendy Mericle (“Arrow”) will serve as showrunners.
“Willow” the series hails from Lucasfilm and represents the company’s first non-“Star Wars” venture since 2015. The show will introduce all-new characters to the magical realm of fairy queens and two-headed Eborsisk monsters. News of the official greenlight from Disney Plus comes over a year after the project was...
Disney Plus has confirmed a sequel series taking place years after the events of the original Ron Howard-directed pic is heading into production next year. Howard is returning to the project as executive producer alongside original star Warwick Davis, who will once again play the titular hero Willow Ufgood.
The series has also tapped “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights” director Jon M. Chu to helm the pilot and exec produce. Jonathan Kasdan (“Solo”) and Wendy Mericle (“Arrow”) will serve as showrunners.
“Willow” the series hails from Lucasfilm and represents the company’s first non-“Star Wars” venture since 2015. The show will introduce all-new characters to the magical realm of fairy queens and two-headed Eborsisk monsters. News of the official greenlight from Disney Plus comes over a year after the project was...
- 10/20/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Disney is re-creating the fantasy world of Willow.
Streaming platform Disney+ has greenlit a series based on Ron Howard’s 1988 movie. Warwick Davis will reprise his role in the series, and Jon M. Chu is set to direct the first episode and executive produce. Jonathan Kasdan (Solo), who wrote the pilot, and Wendy Mericle (Arrow) will serve as showrunners.
Howard, who hinted at a possible Willow sequel in a 2019 interview, will be an executive producer of the series. The film’s screenwriter, Bob Dolman, will be a consulting producer. Lucasfilm will produce.
“Growing up in the’80s, Willow has had a ...
Streaming platform Disney+ has greenlit a series based on Ron Howard’s 1988 movie. Warwick Davis will reprise his role in the series, and Jon M. Chu is set to direct the first episode and executive produce. Jonathan Kasdan (Solo), who wrote the pilot, and Wendy Mericle (Arrow) will serve as showrunners.
Howard, who hinted at a possible Willow sequel in a 2019 interview, will be an executive producer of the series. The film’s screenwriter, Bob Dolman, will be a consulting producer. Lucasfilm will produce.
“Growing up in the’80s, Willow has had a ...
- 10/20/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Disney is re-creating the fantasy world of Willow.
Streaming platform Disney+ has greenlit a series based on Ron Howard’s 1988 movie. Warwick Davis will reprise his role in the series, and Jon M. Chu is set to direct the first episode and executive produce. Jonathan Kasdan (Solo), who wrote the pilot, and Wendy Mericle (Arrow) will serve as showrunners.
Howard, who hinted at a possible Willow sequel in a 2019 interview, will be an executive producer of the series. The film’s screenwriter, Bob Dolman, will be a consulting producer. Lucasfilm will produce.
“Growing up in the’80s, Willow has had a ...
Streaming platform Disney+ has greenlit a series based on Ron Howard’s 1988 movie. Warwick Davis will reprise his role in the series, and Jon M. Chu is set to direct the first episode and executive produce. Jonathan Kasdan (Solo), who wrote the pilot, and Wendy Mericle (Arrow) will serve as showrunners.
Howard, who hinted at a possible Willow sequel in a 2019 interview, will be an executive producer of the series. The film’s screenwriter, Bob Dolman, will be a consulting producer. Lucasfilm will produce.
“Growing up in the’80s, Willow has had a ...
- 10/20/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
I'm going to sound like an old man yelling at a cloud for the next few moments, but I'm perfectly okay with that. Back in my day, Lucasfilm unleashed one of the greatest fantasy-action films of all time with Ron Howard's 1988 classic: Willow. Based on a story from Mr. Star Wars himself, George Lucas, with a screenplay penned by Bob Dolman (The Banger…...
- 12/19/2019
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
The American Cinematheque hosted a tribute to Ron Howard over the weekend, concluding with a screening of Willow. Howard and screenwriter Bob Dolman gave a Q&A after the screening and one of the stories they shared was about how the wife of The Hero’s Journey writer Joseph Campbell inspired a line that Howard put in the […]
The post A Key Line in ‘Willow’ Came From Joseph Campbell’s Wife appeared first on /Film.
The post A Key Line in ‘Willow’ Came From Joseph Campbell’s Wife appeared first on /Film.
- 11/1/2018
- by Fred Topel
- Slash Film
Joseph Baxter Jan 29, 2020
Ron Howard is teasing a Willow television series for Disney+, whose greenlight he awaits as development commences.
Willow, director Ron Howard’s highly-touted 1988 fantasy flick, was supposed to be the next E.T.; a title to which it laid claim bearing a story from George Lucas, an at-the-time substantial $35 million budget and magical themes that were tailor-made for family consumption at theaters. However, while the film fell short of phone-home-level box office grosses, it was widely acclaimed, and has since maintained a fanbase, one that might soon be mollified with a Disney+ TV revival.
A sequel television series for Willow is in development, as Howard reveals to Collider in a Sundance Film Festival sit-down interview. In another example of second-generation scribes taking classic franchise reins, Jonathan Kasdan, son of legendary Star Wars scribe Lawrence Kasdan, is writing the Willow series, set as showrunner. As Howard, who is not yet attached to direct,...
Ron Howard is teasing a Willow television series for Disney+, whose greenlight he awaits as development commences.
Willow, director Ron Howard’s highly-touted 1988 fantasy flick, was supposed to be the next E.T.; a title to which it laid claim bearing a story from George Lucas, an at-the-time substantial $35 million budget and magical themes that were tailor-made for family consumption at theaters. However, while the film fell short of phone-home-level box office grosses, it was widely acclaimed, and has since maintained a fanbase, one that might soon be mollified with a Disney+ TV revival.
A sequel television series for Willow is in development, as Howard reveals to Collider in a Sundance Film Festival sit-down interview. In another example of second-generation scribes taking classic franchise reins, Jonathan Kasdan, son of legendary Star Wars scribe Lawrence Kasdan, is writing the Willow series, set as showrunner. As Howard, who is not yet attached to direct,...
- 5/14/2018
- Den of Geek
Sometimes you are born for a life of adventure and sometimes adventure recruits you into its cause. For George Lucas, the latter approach is preferable as witnessed in Luke Skywalker in Star Wars and Willow Ufgood in Willow. While Skywalker unknowingly had it in his blood, Willow was far more the ordinary person thrust into an extraordinary cause.
Lucas conceived of Willow’s tale back in 1972 and kept it rattling around his mind until technology was sophisticated enough to tackle it on film. Casting Warwick Davis as Wicket in Return of the Jedi probably began the move from backburner to the front of the production slate even though it was another five years before the film began production. By then, Lucas was no longer interested in directing, instead choosing Ron Howard to mount his first major fantasy. By then, Howard, who was a directing contemporary of Lucas although they traveled in different circles,...
Lucas conceived of Willow’s tale back in 1972 and kept it rattling around his mind until technology was sophisticated enough to tackle it on film. Casting Warwick Davis as Wicket in Return of the Jedi probably began the move from backburner to the front of the production slate even though it was another five years before the film began production. By then, Lucas was no longer interested in directing, instead choosing Ron Howard to mount his first major fantasy. By then, Howard, who was a directing contemporary of Lucas although they traveled in different circles,...
- 3/27/2013
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
Genre: Fantasy | Adventure
Director: Ron Howard
Writer: George Lucas (story), Bob Dolman (screenplay)
Cast: Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Jean Marsh
MPAA Rating: PG
Total Run Time: Bd 3:11:50, DVD 2:06:00
Synopsis:
Journey to the far corners of your imagination with Willow, for the first time ever on stunning Blu-ray! Written and produced by George Lucas and directed by Ron Howard, the film tells a timeless fantasy tale in which heroes come in all sizes…and adventure is the greatest magic of all. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the unforgettable classic has been fully digitally restored and debuts on Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack March 12, 2013 from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
When young Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis; Harry Potter franchise) finds an abandoned baby girl, he learns she is destined to end the reign of the wicked Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh; Upstairs, Downstairs...
Director: Ron Howard
Writer: George Lucas (story), Bob Dolman (screenplay)
Cast: Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Jean Marsh
MPAA Rating: PG
Total Run Time: Bd 3:11:50, DVD 2:06:00
Synopsis:
Journey to the far corners of your imagination with Willow, for the first time ever on stunning Blu-ray! Written and produced by George Lucas and directed by Ron Howard, the film tells a timeless fantasy tale in which heroes come in all sizes…and adventure is the greatest magic of all. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the unforgettable classic has been fully digitally restored and debuts on Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack March 12, 2013 from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
When young Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis; Harry Potter franchise) finds an abandoned baby girl, he learns she is destined to end the reign of the wicked Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh; Upstairs, Downstairs...
- 3/18/2013
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
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