In one of the more surprising revivals in recent years, an announcement was made that the 1988 dark fantasy Willow would be getting its own Disney+ series. While the initial film released to a mixed reception from critics it became fondly remembered by audiences over the years, partially due to its continued success on television. While some may be concerned that such a revival might be eager to cash in on its name, the original director, Ron Howard, wishes to make it clear that the series is a step forward for the property.
According to the reveal the series “takes place years after the events of the original Willow film. It introduces all-new characters to the enchanted realm of fairy queens and two-headed Eborsisk monsters, and welcomes back its namesake hero, Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davies).” Alongside this brief teaser came a quote from Howard, who assured fans: “This isn’t a nostalgic throw-back, it’s a creative lean-forward and it’s a blast to be a part of it all.”
That seems like a pretty good sign that, at least for the director, the show will be about covering new ground and exploring possibilities, rather than just re-creating the original film. In other interviews Howard was secretive, but gave a few insights into his thought process for the series. It will apparently take place quite some time after the original, with Howard claiming “Well, when I say future thinking, I’m talking more about the sensibility because it picks up a couple of decades later.... It’s very relatable in ways that is still entirely consistent with the world that George [Lucas], and then with my help and Bob [Dolman] and others, tried to create.”
Overall Howard was excited about the potential for the series, and was eager to clarify that the show will absolutely cover new ground and show things that haven't been depicted before. “I’m really impressed by how organic and honest it is, and yet how interesting and fresh it is as well. I don’t want to give too much away, but they definitely explore regions that the movie didn’t and that’s cool. It makes sense and it’s cool.”
The Willow series will be released on Disney+ at some future date.
Source: Den of Geek