TV nowadays is facing a trend of reboots, adaptations, and sequels that re-introduce audiences to beloved characters in mostly whole new ways. One project that could be perfect for television is a series continuation of the cult classic film Willow, which starred the wonderful Warwick Davis in the title role. The 1988 movie was a fun-filled fantasy epic straight from the imaginations of George Lucas and Ron Howard, and the time couldn't be better to bring the characters back for another hopefully more widely appreciated adventure. When asked about the idea of a Willow TV series, Ron Howard said this:
Warwick Davis is such a great guy, who played Willow. He remains a close friend, and I'm always rooting for it to become like a TV series or something because he's such a talented guy. He's been in so many wonderful fantasy movies since then, and comedies and other things. I know I'd like to watch a Willow television show. I think that'd be a blast.
There are a couple of ways that a Willow TV sequel could work, such as a retelling of the original plot in a serial format, similar to how Lethal Weapon and Rush Hour were reinvented for primetime. But Ron Howard's ideal Willow series seems to have much more in common with the X-Files revival that brought back the original stars to pick up where they left off. He wants Warwick Davis back as the star, and it's hard to blame him, since Willow almost certainly would not have gained its cult following if a lesser actor had tackled the leading role. Davis could technically play a new role withing a newly established storyline, but why even go there?
Ron Howard also mentioned in his chat with Nerdist that Disney now has the rights to Willow due it its purchase of Lucasfilm back in 2012. Disney's ownership of Willow makes it somewhat conceivable that a show could find a home on one of the ABC networks without too much trouble, assuming the higher-ups go through the trouble of putting such a project into development. I can practically see the Willow/Once Upon a Time crossover already. The biggest problem with launching a Willow show might actually be getting Warwick Davis on board for the small screen.
Warwick Davis is best known for his roles in huge franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter, with a much more limited career in TV. A Willow series might not appeal to him as much as fans would like. He has expressed a willingness to do a movie sequel in the past; there's no saying how he might feel about a television show. Perhaps his most standout small screen role was for his HBO series Life's Too Short with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, and we all know that comedies make for easier TV shoots than fantasies with epic costumes and locations.
We can only cross our fingers and hope that Ron Howard's support of a hypothetical Willow TV series is a sign that we may finally get a followup on the 1988 movie. It's been nearly 30 years; surely the time has come for another look at the magical world of Willow and his whimsical pals.
