In popular books Willow appears as a name that resonates with both wonder and doubt. It rose to the top of U.S. charts in May 1988, yet its commercial reception was mixed, and critics were divided on its movie adaptation. Time magazine labeled it as Star Wars without the star power, while Newsweek quipped about the legendary influences behind the story as if reinventing the wheel. The point was not to dismiss old myths, but to question whether something new could emerge from familiar seeds.
Some readers see Willow through a nostalgic lens, defending the films we cherished in childhood. For many who grew up in the eighties, Willow stands for a carefree escape, a time when films lived in a liminal space between joy and judgment. The cinema often felt like a magical invitation that could be extended again and again, even when the video stores ran dry.
Jonathan Kasdan, a longtime Lucasfilm collaborator and screenwriter with roots in the Star Wars universe, was among the fans who believed in Willow’s world. Warwick Davis played the Nelwyn farmer who teams with the brave swordsman Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) and the princess Sorsha (Joanne Whalley) to shield a child destined to challenge an oppressive queen. Their adventure framed a story where courage and loyalty are tested by a looming danger.
One trivia question many fans ask today is how a fortieth anniversary revival would feel to the eight-year-old version of Kasdan. If told that decades later a sequel would surface as a TV series, he might have fainted first and then teased about the possibility of revisiting the tale in a way that created new paths rather than retreading old ones. The time had finally come, with Disney+ presenting a continuation that would invite audiences to explore new corners of the Willow saga.
“Everything was great except me”
About a decade ago Warwick Davis joked about the future Willow sequel during a lighthearted episode of his self-produced show Life is Very Short. In that moment, he recalled that Val Kilmer had pursued funding for a second film installment, yet the money never materialized. The TV series budget became a different story entirely, with Disney+ assuming the financial weight of bringing the world back to life.
Davis is known for his quick wit, both on screen and in interviews, which sometimes stretched the balance for younger co-stars who preferred sticking to the script. Kasdan encouraged improvisation and play, but the core respect for solid screenplay work remained intact. The bigger question was never about jeopardizing production; it was about capturing the spirit while expanding the universe in meaningful ways. The joke about the scale of the project persisted—“Everything was so big except me.”
For Davis, the continuity of Willow felt natural; he saw little distinction between the first film and the new episodes, having already appeared in several Star Wars films, beginning with Return of the Jedi as the feisty Ewok Wicket. The sense of belonging to the Lucasfilm family offered a familiar warmth as the story moved forward.
Problems are growing
Kasdan explains the narrative intent behind returning Willow to the screen. The plan always included exploring the life of Elora as she grows up and develops friendships with others who approach adventure in unique ways. Central to the series would be Warwick Davis’s Willow alongside three young heroines, each bringing a distinct perspective to the journey.
Ruby Cruz, known for Mare of Easttown, portrays Kit, the swordswoman princess and daughter of Queen Sorsha. Kit chooses to conceal her identity from Elora after Tir Asleen’s liberation, shaping a character who reflects the tension many face with parental legacies. Kit’s ally and combat trainer is Jade, played by Erin Kellyman, described as brave, honorable, and reliable. The cast also includes Ellie Bamber as a spirited young woman who discovers who she is along the way. The magical world remains anchored by Willow Ufgood, the last practicing wizard nearby, who guides the companions through peril and discovery.
The rescue of Airk, a charming prince, sets in motion a team that includes Kit’s brother Palomita and others who contribute to the unfolding drama. The storytelling emphasizes character growth and the trials of leadership, with each character learning through challenges that push them to redefine themselves within a larger fantasy landscape.
Light and lightness
Willow is noted for its distinctive embrace of brightness in fantasy storytelling. Kasdan notes that the tone reflects an alignment with the original film and the sensibilities of Ron Howard, the director. The show also draws on influences from youth-centric cinema and popular television, weaving a narrative about young people carving their own paths. It is a coming-of-age tale set against a backdrop of magic and peril, a blend that continues to attract audiences who crave lighter moments amid epic stakes.
Critics and fans alike have observed that the Willow series seems to rise above its predecessor in some respects. The vitality of the characters, the evolving alliances, and the nuanced portrayal of gender dynamics deliver a fresh energy. Ellie Bamber, who embodies a lead role, champions a perspective that resonates with many viewers who grew up imagining possibilities beyond traditional roles. The series presents three strong female leads, each complex and capable, challenging conventional expectations while remaining true to the heart of the mythos.