It looks like the upcoming series adaptation for the cult favorite Willow has encountered its first snag. Jon M. Chu, who was set to direct the show’s pilot, has announced that he will be leaving the project.
The Hollywood Reporter says that Chu has released a statement that explained his reasons for leaving the project. First, a new coronavirus-induced lockdown in the United Kingdom has changed the production schedule, making it conflict with Chu’s. Additionally, Chu is also expecting a child in the summer, making it harder for him to take part in the project.
Chu also expressed his sadness at being unable to work on the new Willow adaptation. In his statement, he said he was “devastated” and “heartbroken” that he would be unable to work with his heroes.
While he will no longer be able to participate in the production, Chu said that he will continue to support it and is looking forward to the show “as a very enthusiastic fan.”
Chu leaving Willow is a blow to the production, especially as no replacement has been announced. That said, /Film reports that most of the team formed to produce the adaptation is still taking part.
For instance, Jonathan Kasdan, the pilot’s scriptwriter, is still part of the project as a writer, executive producer, and showrunner. Wendy Mericle also remains as an executive producer alongside Ron Howard. Howard was also the director of the original 1988 dark fantasy film.
Warwick Davis, who played the main character Willow Ufgood in the film, is also reprising the character in the television series.
The Willow Disney+ series was first announced back in October of last year. During the announcement, it was revealed that the new series would be set several years after the events in the 1988 movie.
During the announcement, Howard assured fans that the new series would not be taking advantage of nostalgia for the film but would be a “creative lean-forward.” Aside from Davis’ return as Willow, new characters are expected to be introduced in the television series.
Willow is not the only old property that is being revived to provide content for the numerous streaming services popping up. For instance, HBO Max acquired a new show set in the Pretty Little Liars universe titled Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin.
The new show is headed by Riverdale creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and will be set two decades after the events in the original Pretty Little Liars television show. Aguirre-Sacasa also said that the new show would be “horror-tinged.”