Warwick Davis explains that he never thought he would be playing Willow again, and what it was like returning to the character, in this interview.
Warwick Davis Never Imagined He’d Play Willow Again
The movie Willow came out in 1988 and when asked if he ever thought he would reprise the role again, actor Warwick Davis immediately responded with “absolutely not.” Fans have been talking about bringing this world back through either film or series for years, but there was never anything official until recently. The sequel is not in movie form, but rather an eight episode Disney+ series staring Warwick of course, but also a younger cast who are newcomers to the world.
Davis explains that when fans asked him about Willow coming back, he could never give an answer to them, until he met Writer and Executive Producer Jon Kasdan, who is also a fan. He recalls meeting Kasdan on the set of Solo, and the fact that he was obsessed with talking about Willow. “It was decided that there should indeed be more Willow, and so that was the catalyst for this project to happen, and it happened very quickly in Hollywood terms. It wasn’t years and years of development, before I knew it I was on set in Wales for the very first day of filming once again looking just like Willow, but a slightly older, more mature, better-looking version.”
Coming Back To Willow
Warwick Davis says that one of the most enjoyable things about the series is the call backs to events that happened in the film. “Times that when I, as a character, talk about those events was a really fun way of looking back at those things, and certainly I think fans will get a kick out of. But also, we went back to locations, environments that we’d already been to in the film. In particular, Nockmaar was one of those places that, for me, really gave me the shivers. There I am sitting somewhere that Bavmorda would have sat, and still kind of felt her presence in that area. That just shows you how powerful the film was, and those settings, and also Jean Marsh’s performance.”
Warwick confesses that the physical challenges of the role were the most difficult for him this time around. For the film, he was seventeen and it was physically challenging then as well with the difficult terrains and harsh conditions of the mountains of New Zealand. “But this time around, I’m not seventeen anymore. Fifty-two, so rough terrain, mud, very unwieldy dialogue from Mr. Kasdan, all of those things were challenging.” He admits that the young cast were a great support to him and immensely helpful in getting him through the whole process.
Another challenge was being sure to do the original material justice. Having the weight of the fans with him, and wanting to do the best job that they could in delivering a series that everyone could enjoy — not just fans of the original but a new audience, as well. “It’s important that we took that ethos from the film, the humor, because that’s what really set Willow apart from the other fantasy offerings of the ’80s, was that it could look at itself and laugh and not take itself seriously.”
“You’ve got it in your mind the whole time. It can give you a lot of responsibility and bring a lot of weight to the whole thing. But nonetheless the experience was a fun one, it’s one I look back on with great affection and fondness. What makes projects special are the people, not the material, the character, it’s the people you work with. This amazing ensemble cast we have here, and Jon our writer, the various directors we had throughout the series. And also the creatives at the top of the ladder, namely Kathleen Kennedy and Ron Howard himself as well, presiding over everything.”
Working With His Children
Warwick goes on to talk about the first time he showed his son Harrison the movie, when he was about six, and how it had a profound effect on him. Warwick’s daughter Annabelle plays Mim, Willow’s daughter, in the series and he beams as he talks about them working together. Obviously they have great natural father-daughter chemistry, which Davis says shines in their scenes together. He goes to gush about his daughter, explaining how immensely proud of her work he is. Harrison was also on set as Warwick’s stunt double in the series.
The eight-episode series officially begins on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, with subsequent episodes coming out every following Wednesday.
NEXT: Keeping Val Kilmer’s Madmartigan A Part of Willow
About Willow
The Nelwyn sorcerer returns, years after rescuing the infant empress Elora Danan, to lead a group of misfit heroes on a harrowing rescue mission through a world beyond imagination.
Willow features Warwick Davis returning in his titular role, with Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Jonathan Kasdan, Tommy Harper, Wendy Mericle, Roopesh Parekh, Ron Howard, and Samie Kim Falvey serving as executive producers.
Willow streams on Disney+ starting November 30th.
