Willow release and first trailer for new Disney+ series starring Warwick Davis

Disney+ has revealed the first trailer and release date of new series Willow based on the 1980s film.

The magical world of George Lucas’ epic fantasy adventure set in an age of swords, sorcery, myths and monsters, will be returning in a Disney+ series later in 2023.

Willow will be Lucasfilm’s first venture into non-Star Wars storytelling since 2015 and takes place years after the events of the original Willow film.

It introduces all-new characters to the enchanted realm of fairy queens and two-headed Eborsisk monsters, and welcomes back its namesake hero, Willow Ufgood, performed once again by the unmatchable Warwick Davis.

Willow will be released on 30 November 2022 on Disney+ with episodes dropping weekly.

Davis said: “So many fans have asked me over the years if Willow will make a return, and now I’m thrilled to tell them that he will indeed.

“Many have told me they grew up with Willow and that the film has influenced how they view heroism in our own world. If Willow Ufgood can represent the heroic potential in all of us, then he is a character I am extremely honored to reprise.”

Further cast includes Ruby Cruz (Mare of Easttown), Erin Kellyman (The Falcon and The Winter Soldier), Ellie Bamber (The Serpent), Tony Revolori (Spider-Man: No Way Home), Amar Chadha Patel (“The Third Day) and Dempsey Bryk (The Birch).

Ron Howard, director of the original Willow film, returns as executive producer on the series with Bob Dolman, writer of the original film, serving as consulting producer.

Howard added: “It’s creatively exciting to not only revisit the world and characters first conceived by George Lucas, Bob Dolman and myself but to see it take flight in such fresh, fun and cinematic ways through the imagination of Jon Kasdan and Team Willow.

“This isn’t a nostalgic throw-back, it’s a creative lean-forward and it’s a blast to be a part of it all.”

The production plans to return to the dramatic and enchanted landscapes of Wales, where much of the original film was shot.

Picture: Disney