Disney+ may have finally given the green light for Lucasfilm to push on with its plans for a Willow TV series, but they will have to do so without filmmaker Jon M. Chu (G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Crazy Rich Asians), who has dropped out of directing and executive producing the pilot due to scheduling issues arising from the pandemic.
“I’m heartbroken to let you all know that I unfortunately have to step away from directing Willow,” wrote Chu on social media. “With the production schedule moving due to continued lockdowns in the UK, and with a new baby coming this summer (surprise!), the timing is just not going to work for me and my family.”
Personal Update on Willow for @disneyplus that I’ve been working on… pic.twitter.com/eS7uurCMfg
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) January 11, 2021
Jonathan Kasdan (Solo: A Star Wars Story) and Wendy Mericle (Arrow) are serving as showrunners on Willow, while the film’s original director Ron Howard is also on board as executive producer. Ellie Bamber (Nocturnal Animals), Cailee Spaeney (The Craft: Legacy) and Erin Kellyman (Solo: A Star Wars Story) are reportedly set to star in the series, while Warwick Davis reprises his role as Willow Ufgood.
Filming on Willow is set to get underway in Wales later this year.
Originally published January 16, 2021. Updated January 30, 2021.
