After a few years of rumours and some time spent in development, the TV series set in the world of 1988 fantasy Willow got the official go-ahead nod from Disney+ in October. Aside from Warwick Davis, who is returning as title hero Willow Ufgood, Deadline is now reporting that Cailee Spaeny, Erin Kellyman and Ellie Bamber are all in talks to join the ensemble.
Jonathan Kasdan wrote the pilot and will run the show alongside Wendy Mericle, with Jon M. Chu on pilot directorial duties. Ron Howard and Bob Dolman, the director and writer on the film, are among the producers here.
Disney+ and Lucasfilm have not revealed an official plot synopsis, but the trade site has seen casting sides, which point to the story of a group on a mission to save a kidnapped prince. The members of the team include Dove (Bamber), whose backstory resembles that of Willow from the movie. Dove is an unassuming kitchen maid who proves that she is the “chosen one” as she embarks on the journey. She is joined by Kit (Spaeny), the princess whose twin brother was abducted. She is destined to be a leader and ultimately the queen. Kellyman plays Jade, a servant who is Kit’s best friend and moral compass. She is on her way to becoming the best young warrior in the kingdom. Also part of the group is a guy who echoes Val Kilmer’s character in the film. A thief and liar, he joins the quest in exchange for getting out of prison.
Chu and co. will head to Wales to shoot the show, which is fitting since some of the film was made there.