Disney+ prepares for the long-awaited return of yet another beloved franchise, Willow, with an intense new teaser trailer ahead of the show's premiere next month.
Warwick Davis' return as the brave, diminutive sorcerer Willow Ufgood, looms closer, and Disney is using the one-month mark before the sequel show's release to drop a fast-paced, magic-imbued teaser trailer, building on the ones already released. The series, which serves as a sequel to director Ron Howard's 1988 film, Willow, arrives with a premise that seems to complement its predecessor. While the film had upstart wannabe-wizard Willow forced to protect a fateful infant in baby Elora Danan, his task, taking place decades later, will apparently involve tracking down an adult Elora, whose status as being the realm's future savior is still active. The problem is that her identity was concealed -- even from herself, which significantly complicates the task this time around.
The struggle between good and evil will escalate once again in the land of Nockmaar, with the series showcasing the further exploits of the eponymous trainee magic-weaver, who has had over 30 years to work on the potency of his spells. Indeed, Willow is depicted as a formidable player after all these years, waving his staff to devastating, ground-shaking effects that should make the oncoming evildoers think twice. Fortunately, our protagonist will have plenty of help this time around with a new generation of allies, even if some seem initially reluctant.
Joining the returning star Davis in the Willow cast are names such as Erin Kellyman (Solo: A Star Wars Story) as Jade, Amer Chadha-Patel (Aladdin) as Boorman and Ellie Bamber (The Lady from the Sea) as Dove. The cast also consists of Rosabell Laurenti Sellers (Game of Thrones), Dempsey Bryk (Black Mirror), Ralph Ineson (Game of Thrones), Tony Revolori (Spider-Man: No Way Home) and Talisa Garcia (Baptiste). Additionally, last month saw veteran actor Christian Slater (Mr. Robot) join the cast to play a mystery character.
The original Willow was released in theaters on May 20, 1988, hyped as a fantasy epic that was arriving under the auspices of Star Wars mastermind George Lucas. That was because it was co-produced by Lucasfilm and the screenplay by Bob Dolman was based on a story concept by Lucas himself. However, it was really a test for its director, Ron Howard, for whom the film served as a bellwether genre moment and a departure from his typical brand of whimsical comedies.
Unfortunately, the film failed to deliver the goods at the box office, only grossing $137.6 million worldwide, thereby eliminating any desire on the part of Lucasfilm or production partner MGM to conceive a sequel movie. However, Willow left a memorable impression on audiences, which has led to the film maintaining a loyal fanbase over the decades. Consequently, with the fertile soil of Disney+ now being sown the proverbial seeds of several classic properties, Willow will finally return, now in TV series form, brandishing the kind of fantastical optimism for which it has long been remembered.
The series will take shape under the stewardship of credited creator Jonathan Kasdan. He'll be joined by writers such as Wendy Mericle, John Bickerstaff, Julia Cooperman, Rayna McClendon, Hannah Friedman, Stu Selonick and original movie screenwriter Bob Dolman. Additionally, Howard himself has returned to serve as an executive producer, joined in that capacity by and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy.
Willow premieres on Disney+ on Nov. 30.
Source: Lucasfilm