The series of the week | Willow is back!

When you think of the universes that George Lucas created, Star Wars and Indiana Jones immediately come to mind. The one from the movie Willow did not make such an impression. A new series that bears the same name as the 1988 feature further explores this vast world filled with magic.

The original movie

Upon its release, the film directed by Ron Howard (Apollo 13) did not achieve the hoped-for success. Its special effects, however, were groundbreaking for its time and, like other fantastical works of those years – The NeverEnding Story (1984), Legend (1985), Labyrinth (1986) –, Willow is dear to a generation. It tells the story of aspiring wizard Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis), a Nelwyn – a people of little people – who comes across an orphaned baby. The wise man of the village orders it to be returned to the tall men, the Daikinis. During her expedition, Willow learns that the infant is Elora Danan, who, according to the prophecy, is the one who will end the terrible reign of the queen of Nockmaar, Bavmorda. He also meets the intrepid Madmartigan and Bavmorda’s daughter, Sorsha, played by Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley respectively.

The creation of the series

Willow’s return came to fruition on the film set Solo: A Star Wars Story, about five years ago. Ron Howard was in the director’s chair, Warwick Davis had a small role there, Lawrence and Jonathan Kasdan were co-writers, and then George Lucas visited the team from time to time. Fan of Willow since his youth, Jonathan Kasdan has taken advantage of the presence of his heroes to express his desire to create new adventures for the sympathetic Nelwyn. “Everything happened very quickly, by Hollywood standards,” Warwick Davis said during a virtual press conference at which The Press has assisted. Without realizing it, I was in Wales for the first day of filming, again in the skin of Willow, but a little older, more mature, more beautiful and sexier. »

The story

The events of the series take place fifteen years after the film. From his village, Willow, now a true wizard, senses that a new threat is about to emerge. He goes to the kingdom of Tir Asleen where we find Sorsha, now queen and still played by Joanne Whalley. Willow can’t convince her that the time has come to reveal to Elora Danan who she really is and then to teach her magic so that she can exterminate the forces of evil once and for all. Back home, Willow is visited by a small group from Tir Asleen who asks for his help in finding the queen’s son who has just been kidnapped by monsters under the orders of the evil Crone.

The new characters

Let’s start with the kidnapped prince, Airk (Dempsey Bryk), who seems only interested in the privileges of being a royal child, without any of the responsibilities. His sister, Kit (Ruby Cruz), does not particularly like life at court and dreams of adventure. The princess also leads the group in search of her brother. She is supported by her best friend Jade (Erin Kellyman), a knight in the making. Prince Graydon (Tony Revolori), who is promised to Kit in order to unite two kingdoms, is also on the mission. Boorman (Amar Chadha-Patel) is the delegation’s only true warrior. Prisoner of the queen, he hopes to obtain his freedom by ensuring the protection of the young squad. Airk’s lover, Dove (Ellie Bamber), who is a baker in Tir Asleen, also followed the group uninvited.

Our opinion

In a press conference, Jonathan Kasdan indicated that “the challenge is to walk the line between what is familiar and satisfying for the fans and then to try to go further by telling a surprising and unexpected story”. After watching seven of the eight episodes, we can say that the challenge is partly met. The more the series progresses, the more it gains in interest thanks to, among other things, a good chemistry between the characters, effective action scenes and a captivating plot. The humor does not work every time, but it is rather the weakness of certain dialogues that is heartbreaking. At times, we approach the quality of Lord of the Ringsbut often it feels like Dawson’s Creek – for which Kasdan has already written. Willow could appeal to a family audience, but is in our eyes too violent for young children. It remains to be seen if the teens in the series will appeal to those in front of the screen.

On Disney+