Ron Howard has shared an optimistic update about the Willow sequel series that he is attempting to bring to the Disney+ streaming service, although he also admitted that he hasn’t been given a green light on the project just yet.
Speaking to Andy Cohen on his Radio Andy Sirius XM show, Howard revealed that the Willow sequel is still in “active development” as the team behind the project are currently working through all of the early pre-production stages.
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“I was in a two-hour story meeting last night,” Howard said, confirming that creative discussions are ongoing. “The writer Jon Kasdan is leading the charge. They have a great group of writers and it’s in very active development. The scripts are going great. So, they have to get through the season and the budget. And so forth, there’s no green light there yet, but I’m very optimistic about it. I love [Kasdan’s] take on it.”
Howard, who directed the 1988 fantasy film, revealed that he and Kasdan had been in “really serious discussions” about a Willow follow-up a couple of months ago. At that time, he confirmed that the sequel would be a continuation of the original film rather than a reboot of the material, which would see actor Warwick Davis reprise his role as a more mature Willow Ufgood.
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Willow originated as a dark fantasy story from George Lucas. It tells the tale of an amateur wizard who is tasked with protecting a special baby from an evil queen who is attempting to take over the world. The film also stars Val Kilmer as Madmartigan, an egocentric mercenary who ultimately teams up with Willow to shield the child from the forces of darkness that threaten to destroy anyone who stands in the queen’s path.
The adventure-packed film was a modest financial success and earned two Oscar nominations for Best Sound Effects Editing and Best Visual Effects. Although it also earned two Razzie nominations for Worst Screenplay and Worst Supporting Actor. Willow’s reviews were equally as mixed upon its release, however, the film’s reputation has largely improved over time, with many now regarding it as a very entertaining fantasy epic.
To find out more about the other Lucasfilms, check out our rundown of all of the ambitious movies that were not Star Wars.
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Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.
Source: IGN.com Willow Sequel Series From Ron Howard Is in 'Active Development'