The beloved 1988 film Willow has been revived in a Disney+ series, 34 years later. Facing the challenge of expanding on world-building and introducing new characters while honoring the original, the series takes a unique approach rather than relying on nostalgia. Warwick Davis, who played the titular character in the original, is back, and this time, he’s not the only sorcerer on the scene. The story picks up where the original left off, with Queen Sorsha’s son, Prince Airk, kidnapped, and a new team of misfits going on a quest to rescue him.
The new heroes are a far cry from the adult characters of the original, as a group of young adults, including Prince Graydon, Boorman, and Elora, must navigate their place in the magical world. The series cleverly weaves together complex female characters, both heroes and villains, with the likes of the Withered Crone and the Gales posing threats to the group. Even the nostalgic elements are handled with care, as the series brings back familiar faces and incorporates nods to the original film.
A Still From Willow (Photo: Willow)
The series’ tone strikes a perfect balance between light and dark, as the young heroes face their own battles and growth while the stakes remain high. Davis’ salt-and-peppered hair and witty remarks bring back memories of the original, while the new cast brings a fresh energy to the series. The world-building is rich and expansive, with the promise of more to come.
Though the show may have been canceled, the hope is that it’s not the end for Willow. Creator Jonathan Kasdan and the cast have expressed gratitude to fans and left the door open for more stories to be told. The series may have ended on a cliffhanger, but the magic of Willow lives on, and it’s a testament to the power of storytelling that this sequel was possible at all.
