Warwick Davis teases “quite different” Willow show

In 1988, on the back of the unprecedented success of Star Wars, George Lucas set out to make his next big fantasy project. That movie was Willow, starring Warwick Davis as the titular sorcerer. The movie was a success, but it never got a sequel (besides in novels). Now, over three decades later, we’re finally getting an onscreen continuation of the story!

Thanks to roles in huge franchises such as Star Wars and Harry Potter, Warwick Davis is the highest-grossing supporting actor of all time at the global box office, beating the likes of Samuel L. Jackson and Andy Serkis. In terms of leading roles, however, Willow is his most iconic. Check out the trailer:

As for what fans can expect going into the new series, well, times have changed in the last 30 years, and so has Andowyne, the world where Willow takes place. “It’s quite different than the world we left at the end of the film,” Davis told Empire Magazine. “[Andowyne is] in turmoil, much like the world we currently live in.”

"Willow still strives to be a sorcerer, and he’s still dining out on the success he had with [Queen] Bavmorda. I love all the callbacks we have to the film."

In contrast to the constant doom and gloom of fantasy projects nowadays, Willow will stand out by sticking with the light-heartedness of the classic movie. “We’ve also brought over the humor that set Willow apart from the other fantasy films of the decade. It didn’t take itself too seriously,” Davis said.

Filming the original Willow movie was “not comfortable”

Willow was filmed under the grey skies and intermittent rain of the Welsh countryside. Speaking about the filming process, Davis said that they were in “very harsh conditions”:

"I don’t think people realize when they’re sitting at home — comfortable, warm, eating popcorn — what actors are going through. I don’t want them to get out the violin or anything, but it is not comfortable.You’re wearing clothes that are often wertterd down just before the take, so you can match the sequence you’ve just done in the rain. Having someone squirt you with a fire hose is not very pleasant!"

Filming in harsh conditions is par for the course for many fantasy shows and movies. I’m sure it’ll all be worth it when he’s on the red carpet for the premiere.

Willow hits Disney+ on December 9. Are you ready to return to Andowyne?

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