In October, it was officially announced that a TV series sequel to Lucasfilm’s classic 1988 fantasy adventure Willow is coming to Disney+, and now we have word on casting for three female leads who will star alongside Warwick Davis’ Willow Ufgood.
As reported by Deadline, Ellie Bamber (Nocturnal Animals), Cailee Spaeney (The Craft: Legacy) and Erin Kellyman (Solo: A Star Wars Story) are in negotiations to star in the series, which will mark Lucasfilm’s first foray outside of Star Wars since its acquisition by Disney.
According to the trade, the series will revolve around a group who embark on a mission to rescue a kidnapped prince. Bamber will play Dove, “an unassuming kitchen maid who proves she is the ‘chosen one’ as she embarks on the journey”, with Spaeny as Kit, “the princess whose twin brother was abducted [and who] is destined to be a leader and ultimately the queen,” and Kellyman as Jade, “a servant who is Kit’s best friend and moral compass [and] is on her way to becoming the best young warrior in the kingdom.”
The group of adventurers will also feature a man who echoes Val Kilmer’s Madmartigan from the film, and is described as “a thief and liar who joins the quest in exchange for getting out of prison/”
The series has been written by Solo co-writer Jonathan Kasdan, who will also serve as showrunner alongside Wendy Mericle (Arrow). Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) is directing the pilot, while Ron Howard – director of the original movie – is executive producing.
Willow is set to premiere on Disney+ in 2022.
