Jonathan Kasdan, showrunner and co-executive producer on the new Disney+ show Willow, sees the series' positive energy as an asset.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Kasdan and Michelle Rejwan, another executive producer, pointed out the importance of re-creating the original film's sense of danger and fun for the show. "It hits that spot where you have real danger and great characters, but it's a blast," Rejwan said, defining the show's appeal. Kasdan points out that this relatively light-hearted tone sets Willow apart from other recent fantasy shows like Prime Video's Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power or House of the Dragon with its violent battles and adult themes. "It is supposed to be fun, and it is supposed to be an escapist moment for people who crave that more than [darker competitors within the genre]."
Kasdan traces this family-friendly approach back to the source material's creator. "It's really what George Lucas' whole legacy is about and what I'm so in awe of with Lucasfilm," he explained, even comparing Lucas to Santa Claus. "[B]etween Raiders of the Lost Ark and Star Wars, he created such a specific identity in that cultural moment as the guy who was going to bring you the presents. He was going to bring you the toys to play with at Christmas. And it was just the joy of stories."
Willow's Heritage
Kasdan is the son of Lawrence Kasdan, a long-time Lucas collaborator and the co-writer of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The younger Kasdan's first gig for Lucasfilm was a collaboration with his father co-writing the script to Solo: A Star Wars Story, directed by Ron Howard, who also helmed the original Willow movie from 1988.
The Disney+ series Willow is a sequel to the film of the same name conceived by George Lucas, with a script by Bob Dolman, who is also a writer and producer on the new show. Kasdan has big plans for the revived franchise, passionately lobbying for a second season and even hoping for further theatrical outings. The series often references the old movie in minute detail and brings back original star Warwick Davis as well as numerous other original cast members. Val Kilmer, who played a central part in the film, had to be written out shortly before the filming of the series due to health concerns. However, his character swordfighter Madmartigan is still referenced as an integral element of the plot.
Both the film and series Willow are currently streaming on Disney+.
Source: Entertainment Weekly