Disney+, which will launch on November 12, 2019, may bring director Ron Howard back into the epic fantasy world of his original Willow. Howard confirmed that he and writer Jon Kasdan, of Solo: A Star Wars Story, are discussing the possibility of developing a TV series based on the 1988 film with Disney, with the idea to bring the original content to the soon-to-be launched Disney+.
In the original film, which stars Warwick Davis as Willow, as well as featuring actors such as Val Kilmer and Jean Marsh, the story of aspiring sorcerer, Willow Ufgood, is told. Willow team’s up with Kilmer’s character, Madmartigan, to try and overthrow Queen Bavmorda; played by Marsh. The film was the ideation of George Lucas, who thought up Willow prior to Star Wars. Lucas later recruited Ron Howard to direct the film, which went on to become a cult hit following its release.
When asked about the potential of a Willow TV show during a press tour for Solo: A Star Wars Story, Howard said that he had been discussing the possibility of bringing back the story with Lucasfilm, but that he wouldn’t simply call it Willow 2, nor would it be a reboot, but instead a continuation of the original story. He added that he thinks “it would focus a lot on Elora Danan, although Willow would have to be significantly involved,” per ComicBook.com.
Disney+ has already started to build out a large catalog of content, with shows based off the Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars franchises, as well as remakes of popular movies like The Sword in the Stone, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Escape to Witch Mountain, among others. Adding a Willow TV show may be the next cult classic added to the soon-to-come streaming service, with the project appearing to align with Disney’s larger strategy for Disney+.