by EXCLUSIVE: There will not be a second season of Willow, the original live-action series from Disney+ based on the 1988 fantasy film directed by Ron Howard. The news comes two months after the show’s eight-episode first season, which served as a sequel to the classic film, concluded on the streaming platform.
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Willow, revived years after the events of the film, it lacked the cultural zeitgeist impact of the original but was well received by critics, garnering an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. Even if the series won’t continue, Willow it remains a major IP in the Lucasfilm library, so it may be revisited in the future.
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The news comes as Lucasfilm has reassessed its movie slate, taking the time to identify the next film in the Star Wars franchise. Meanwhile, the company has built up a considerable Star Wars Television imprint on Disney+ with series such as the live-action hit The Mandalorian and the imminent Ahsoka, Acolyte AND Skeleton crew as well as animated fare.
The cancellation also comes amid increased scrutiny from media companies, including Disney, which have curbed spending on streaming content in search of profitability.
Willow it introduced new characters and was set in a world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls and other mystical creatures thrive. An unlikely group of heroes set out on a perilous quest to places far from their home, where they must face their inner demons and band together to save their world.
Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Amer Chadha-Patel and Tony Revolori starred opposite Warwick Davis, who reprized his role as Willow Ufgood.
Jonathan Kasdan wrote the pilot and served as co-showrunner with Wendy Mericle; Howard and writer Bob Dolman. Kathleen Kennedy and Michelle Rejwan also served as executive producers.
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