CNN
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In Disney’s press materials, the original 1988 film “Willow” is described as “beloved,” though some may argue that it was a fairly generic fantasy movie with the involvement of George Lucas and Ron Howard. Regardless, fans of the film will be pleased to know that Disney+ is bringing back Warwick Davis in a revival series focused on the next generation, offering a more contemporary narrative.
The series begins by retelling the story of the movie, where Willow, a simple farmer played by Warwick Davis, becomes a sorcerer and embarks on a perilous journey to protect a baby who carries the fate of the kingdom. Along the way, he is joined by the swordsman Madmartigan and eventually princess Sorsha, played by Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley. Interestingly, Kilmer and Whalley got married after the film.
Unfortunately, Kilmer will not be returning due to his battle with cancer, but Whalley reprises her role as the now-queen and mother of two strong-willed grown children who play important roles in a mythical quest to defeat an evil crone.
Meanwhile, Elora Danan, the baby from the original movie, has grown up in secrecy but soon discovers her true identity. The quest introduces a diverse group of characters, including Princess Kit secretly in love with her knight trainer, and Boorman, a feisty fighter similar to Madmartigan.
Showrunner Jonathan Kasdan, who also worked on “Solo,” collaborates with four directors to bring this new iteration of “Willow” to life. The series draws inspiration from the original while incorporating elements reminiscent of the “Lord of the Rings” movies, featuring breathtaking landscapes and thrilling action sequences.
Like many expanded-to-series sequels, at times “Willow” may feel like it’s treading water, focusing on Willow’s guidance of the older Elora as she learns to harness her powers to save the kingdom. However, the absence of Kilmer is effectively filled, especially with the addition of another knight with a shared history with Madmartigan, played by Christian Slater.
Alongside the modern dialogue and situations, the story also incorporates playful humor and irreverence, adding depth to the action-packed fantasy world. The elaborate production design showcases the scale and effort put into this revival, making it visually impressive.
Although “Willow” may not surpass its beloved predecessor from the late ’80s, it stands on its own as an enjoyable and unpretentious series.
The premiere of “Willow” is scheduled for November 30 on Disney+.
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