Disney Cancels ‘Willow’ Series After One Season
Disney has cancelled their sequel series to the 1988 hit film Willow after just one season.[0] The show, which was a prequel series based on the original film and was available to stream on Disney+, had seen Warwick Davis reprise his leading role as Ufgood from the films.[1] The series also starred Rogue One and Falcon and the Winter Soldier's Erin Kellyman, as well as Spider-Man franchise vet Tony Revolori and Aladdin live-action movie vet Amar Chadha-Patel.[2]
Lucasfilm has been taking the time to figure out what the next film in the Star Wars franchise will be, and the news has been released accordingly. The company has created a large presence for Star Wars on Disney+ with the live-action series The Mandalorian, and upcoming shows Ahsoka, Acolyte, and Skeleton Crew, as well as animated content.[3]
The show was written by Jonathan Kasdan who also served as co-showrunner alongside Wendy Mericle, Ron Howard and writer Bob Dolman.[4] Executive producing duties were also handled by Kathleen Kennedy and Michelle Rejwan.[4] The series was touted as “an epic period fantasy series with a modern sensibility set in an enchanted land of breathtaking beauty”.[5]
Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Amer Chadha-Patel, Dempsey Bryk, Joanne Whalley and Tony Revolori accompanied Davis.[6] Despite not being a success in terms of streams, Willow was given an average rating of 83% by critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with an audience score of 66%.[2]
The cancelation of Willow comes amid industry unrest and scrutiny in streaming profitability as a whole. Lucasfilm is apparently re-evaluating its existing plans, and is being extra meticulous with its choices in the future, particularly in connection with Star Wars franchises. With the streaming service owned by ABC News' parent company reportedly not renewing the series, this news leaves the future of the franchise up in the air.[2]
Although Willow will not be coming back for a second season, the story may not be over, as Disney could decide to go back and explore the concept again.[7]
0. “Willow cancelled after its first season – Willow (Disney+) – Gamereactor” Gamereactor UK, 15 Mar. 2023, https://www.gamereactor.eu/willow-cancelled-after-its-first-season-1250043/
1. “Disney+ Cancels ‘Willow' After One Season” DAPS MAGIC, 15 Mar. 2023, https://dapsmagic.com/2023/03/disney-cancels-willow-after-one-season/
2. “Disney+ reportedly gives ‘Willow' the ax – X101 Always Classic” X101 Always Classic Local News, 15 Mar. 2023, https://www.wxhc.com/disney-reportedly-gives-willow-the-ax/
3. “Willow ends for now after debut season on Disney Plus” Fantha Tracks, 15 Mar. 2023, https://www.fanthatracks.com/news/film-music-tv/willow-ends-for-now-after-debut-season-on-disney-plus/
4. “‘Willow' to End at Disney+ After 1 Season” TheWrap, 15 Mar. 2023, https://www.thewrap.com/willow-ending-at-disney-plus-after-1-season/
5. “Disney Plus axe popular show after just one season as fans devastated” Birmingham Live, 15 Mar. 2023, https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/disney-plus-axe-popular-show-26482458
6. “‘Willow' Reboot Series Canceled After Only 1 Season on Disney+” Just Jared Jr., 15 Mar. 2023, https://www.justjaredjr.com/2023/03/15/willow-reboot-series-canceled-after-only-1-season-on-disney-plus/
7. “Willow: Disney Plus series cancelled after one season” JoBlo.com, 15 Mar. 2023, https://www.joblo.com/willow-disney-plus-series-cancelled-after-one-season/
