The pandemic has made its mark in the world of Willow. Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights filmmaker Jon M. Chu has announced he is leaving the Disney+ followup series to Ron Howard‘s beloved fantasy film due to scheduling changes brought about by the quarantine.
“I’m heartbroken to let you all know that I unfortunately have to step away from directing Willow,” the director wrote on Instagram today. “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.”
Chu was stepping in for a new story that would see Warwick Davis reprise his role as Willow Ufgood, the magic-obsessed hero of the first film who saves the life of a baby prophesied to become the empress of all kingdoms.
Decades later, the series aims to explore where Willow is now, presumably in the world overseen by the now-grown woman he saved. Howard was set to be an executive producer, alongside Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy and Michelle Rejwan, with Jon Kasdan (Solo) writing the pilot and showrunning with Arrow writer-producer Wendy Mericle.
The original Willow was seminal for kids of the ’80s and has remained essential viewing for fantasy fans through the generations since. Chu has said it helped shape his own storytelling sense.
“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 some of my heroes old and new like Kathy, Ron, Jon, Wendy, Michelle, and the amazing cast and crew they’ve put together,” Chu wrote.
Despite his departure, the project remains in development. “Like a kid seeing Willow for the first time in the ‘80s, I will look forward to watching this magical new world unfold as a very enthusiastic fan. And boy do they have an adventure in store for you! I can’t wait for you all to experience it soon,” Chu said.
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