WILLOW TV SERIES: DIRECTOR RON HOWARD IN TALKS WITH DISNEY+

Warwick Davis

Good news today! I just read that Ron Howard is in serious talks to make the adventure/fantasy film Willow (one of my favorites) into a series! I would love that! 

BBCAmerica:  Earlier this week, it was announced that the forthcoming Willow TV series has gotten some momentum, with this Tweet from writer Jonathan Kasdan (Solo: A Star Wars Story). But, other than it is in pre-production, there wasn’t much else available, like the storyline or who’s to star.

Warwick Davis

Since then, Warwick Davis, who took on the title role of the 1988 fantasy movie Willow, has provided some details. Davis, who we recently saw in last year’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, is planning on returning for the series. If you need a refresher, here’s a look at the trailer for the original movie. Davis plays a reluctant hero, who finds himself on an adventure:

TheVerge: The original film follows an aspiring sorcerer named Willow Ufgood (played by Warwick Davis) who comes across an infant, Elora Danan. She was sent down a river to save her from a murderous sorceress, Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh), who is trying to prevent a prophecy from coming to pass.

Willow (Plus Bonus Features)

Willow teams up with a warrior named Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) to save the child and overthrow the queen. George Lucas came up with the idea for the film prior to Star Wars, and following the release of Return of the Jedi, he spoke with Warwick Davis about playing the film’s titular character. Lucas recruited Howard to direct the film, and it went on to become a cult hit when it was released in 1988. Read More

CLASSIC MOVIES: WILLOW 1988 DIRECTED BY RON HOWARD

Warwick Davis as Willow

Willow is a 1988 American high fantasy film directed by Ron Howard, produced and with a story by George Lucas, and starring Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Jean Marsh, and Billy Barty.

Davis plays the eponymous lead character and hero: 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 in a high fantasy setting. soap2day

Val Kilmer as Madmartigan

Lucas conceived the idea for the film in 1972, approaching Howard to direct during the post-production phase of Cocoon in 1985. Bob Dolman was brought in to write the screenplay, coming up with seven drafts before finishing in late 1986. It was then set up at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and principal photography began in April 1987, finishing the following October.

The majority of filming took place at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, England, as well as Wales and New Zealand. Industrial Light & Magic created the visual effects sequences, which led to a revolutionary breakthrough with digital morphing technology.

The film was released in 1988 to mixed reviews from critics, but was a modest financial success, received two Academy Award nominations, and has developed a cult following amongst fantasy fans. Full Cast and Crew