Although Lucasfilm and its founder George Lucas are most synonymous with Star Wars, it wasn't the only major movie project they produced in the 80s. As Yoda once said to Obi-Wan, "There is another."

Willow is a fantasy adventure starring Warwick Davis and was helmed by Ron Howard. Released in 1988, it did well in the box office but, unlike Lucas' other major franchise, it failed to generate enough buzz for a sequel. Indeed, few might even remember the original considering it's barely mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, or even Howard The Duck, for that matter.

But now, more than three decades years later, it's back - this time as a full TV series for Disney+. We finally get to revisit the world of Andowyne and Davis reprises his role of Willow Ufgood.

Here's everything you need to know about it.

Willow TV series release date

Willow premiered on 30 November 2022. The first two episodes are available now.

How to watch the Willow TV series

The Willow TV series is exclusive to Disney+. You need to be a subscriber to watch it.

Disney+ - £7.99/m or £79.90/yr

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How many episodes will Willow have?

There will be eight episodes of Willow in total - much like The Mandalorian.

The first two are available now, with additional episodes released each subsequent Wednesday. The last will be added to Disney+ on 11 January 2023.

Willow plot and rumours

Without giving away too many spoilers, the story of the Willow series is relatively simple: Princess Kit assembles a group of adventurers to rescue her twin brother, including the eponymous sorceror Willow Ufgood.

Willow is much more experienced in the series and is no longer a trainee magic user (as in the original film).

He's pretty much the only main character from the movie to return, although Davis himself has hinted that Val Kilmer's Madmartigan would be involved "in a big way", albeit not in person due to Kilmer's ongoing battle with cancer.

Willow on Disney plus photo 1
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Willow cast and crew

As previously mentioned, Warwick Davis (Star Wars, Harry Potter movies) returns as Willow Ufgood, but pretty much everybody else is new to the franchise.

Ruby Cruz (Mare of Easttown) plays Princess Kit, Erin Kellyman (Solo: A Star Wars Story, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) is her best friend Jade, while Spider-Man: No Way Home's Tony Revolori also stars.

The first two episodes have been directed by Stephen Woolfenden, who has also helmed episodes of Doctor Who and Outlander.

What to watch before the Willow TV series

Naturally, you are best advised to watch the 1988 movie, Willow, before the series as it lays the groundwork for the lead character and settings.

As with the series, it is available on Disney+. It is presented in HD and 5.1 sound.

Alternatively, you can purchase it on DVD for a reasonable price.

Willow [Region 2]

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Is there a Willow trailer?

Lucasfilm released the first full trailer for its Willow TV series during Disney's D23 celebrations in September. You can see it at the top of this page.

A teaser trailer was also released in May, which you can see below.

In addition, an excellent and funny "meet the cast" teaser was created for Disney+ Day 2021. It's also well worth a watch.