Director Jon M. Chu is walking away from Disney+’s long-in-development TV series based on the 1988 film Willow. Chu’s involvement was announced last year. The reason for his departure is due to the chaos and scheduling conflicts created by COVID-19 and personal demands, specifically, the fact that he and his wife are expecting a new baby in a few months.
Chu broke the news on Twitter:
“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. As you may know, Willow has been one of my favorite movies since I was a child, so I’m devastated that I won’t be able to work with my heroes old and new like Kathy, Ron, Jon, Wendy, Michelle, and the amazing cast and crew they’ve put together.”
Personal Update on Willow for @disneyplus that I’ve been working on… pic.twitter.com/eS7uurCMfg
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) January 11, 2021
Willow is expected to film in Wales, where the original movie was filmed, later this year. The TV adaptation was created by Jonathan Kasdan, who wrote the pilot and will act as co-showrunner with Wendy Mericle (Arrow). Ron Howard, who directed the film, is attached as executive producer. Previously, Howard helmed Solo: A Star Wars Story, which Kasdan co-wrote with his father Jake.
Warwick Davis, who starred in the film, will reprise his role in the TV series, but he is not expected to be the focus. Instead, the series will revolve around new characters played by Erin Kellyman, Cailee Spaeny, and Ellie Bamber. Reportedly, Bamber is playing Dove, “the chosen one” who rises from humble beginnings as a kitchen maid. Spaeny is playing Kit, the princess, whose brother has been abducted. And Kellyman is playing Jade, Kit’s servant, who is destined to become the greatest warrior in the kingdom.
Chu’s most recent completed film, In The Heights, based on the Lin-Manuel Miranda musical, has also been delayed due to COVID-19. It was supposed to hit theaters in December, but will now arrive simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max in July of this year.
Willow is not expected to hit Disney+ until 2022.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
