WILLOW: Everything You need to Know Before Watching The New Show

Willow is an oft-forgotten cult classic, and we're excited about the new series. in this video we recap the original film and tell you everything you need to know before watching the new series on Dinsey Plus.

Edited by Harriet Lengel-Enright, Ethan Lavinsky, and Brianna McLarty

#Willow #recap

Warwick Davis is back in the new Willow Series on Disney Plus. The original willow movie was released in 1988–34 years ago. So you might have forgotten some little details. And even if you’ve never seen the movie, this is everything you need to and we are breaking down everything you need to know before you watch the series on November 30th. So let's dive in.

George Lucas created Willow, and at first, it was titled ‘Munchkins’. Lucas came up with the idea back in the early 1970s and first approached Warwick Davis during the filming of Return of the Jedi to play the part. Warwick Davos played this guy in return of the jedi [wicket the ewok]

But five years passed before Warwick was actually cast in the role. Lucas thought, “it would be great to use a little person in a lead role. A lot of my movies are about a little guy against the system, and this was just a more literal interpretation of that idea." Also, George knew that the visual effects technology necessary to bring the fictional world to life wasn’t ready until that point in the 80s.

Then he approached actor gone director and American Graffiti cast member Ron Howard to direct. Ron was fresh off the success of Cocoon and looking to develop a fantasy project for himself. Howard nominated WKRP in Cincinnati writer Bob Dolman to write the screenplay based on Lucas's story. And with the additional cast of Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Billy Barty, and Jean Marsh tacked on, cameras began rolling.

Doug: So is this is like Lord of the Rings?

Well, it is set in new zealand and it also deals with a powerful precious cargo that must be protected from evil at the focal point of the narrative, and two fighting wizards, and “a ranger” that’s really good with a sword, and trolls...

Doug: And there are Hobbits!

Nelwyn. And while it is NOT Lord of the Rings, the plot is packed with classic fantasy tropes - Queen Bavmorda, who is also an evil sorceress, rules the land of Nockmaar and is waging war with Galladoorn. She has already defeated a nearby kingdom, Tir Asleen. Characters played by actors of average height in this world, belong to the group called Daikini. Nelwyn like Willow Ufgood are people of short stature. The Brownies, less than a foot tall, live with similarly sized fairies.

ET ad here

Back to willow.

So, there is a prophecy that a child with a special rune birthmark will bring about the downfall of Bavmorda. So, she does what any sensible evil queen does - imprisons all pregnant women in her domain so she can catch the baby immediately after birth (clip) The foretold child is born, but the mother persuades the midwife to smuggle the baby girl out of the castle. Bavmorda executes the mother and sends out her warg riders…I mean Nockmaar hounds after the midwife who sets the baby adrift on a grass raft, Moses style, in a river before she is killed by the dogs.

Some distance downriver, in a Nelwyn village, the baby is found by the family of farmer and aspiring sorcerer Willow. Much to his disgruntlement, his family takes her in and comes to love her. The village is throwing a festival. (clip) sorry, I meant (clip), and at the festival, a Nockmaar hound attacks. After the Nelwyn warriors kill it, Willow presents the baby to the High Aldwin who orders that it must return to a Daikini. So a fellowship is formed with Willow and they set out to find one.

Meanwhile, Bavmorda sends her daughter, Sorsha, and a bunch of black riders, led by the witch king….I men–General Kael, to hunt down the baby.

The Newlyn finds a warrior named Mad Madmartigan trapped in a crow's cage at a crossroads. He offers to take the baby in exchange for his freedom. Willow and his friend Meegosh refuse, causing the others to abandon them and go home. Willow eventually relents and agrees to Madmartigan's terms. On the way home, Willow and Meegosh discover that some brownies have stolen the baby (clip)

Doug: Uh, it's almost like they wanted to be followed

[schools]

This movie is a treasured film of my childhood. Madmartigan was my hero when I was a kid. I lived in a small town so all we had were VHS and playing outside, Willow had heavy inspiration in our imaginations whilst playing.

[michealgiles]

So many folks talk about not knowing Willow, or not liking the movie. But as a child of the 80s, when you had a VCR and a couple of movies to watch, we watched Willow at least two dozen times. It was awesome. I can pretty much recite 90% of the movie from memory. Can’t wait for the series.

[matthewhostetter]

Willow was always an all-time favorite for me, I'm so excited for this new series. I can't wait.

[vincentc]

Hey everyone! Check out the community tab where discussion over ScreenCrush endorsement of established titles. ScreenCrush is active in the comments continuing to defend ET while disregarding and often insulting the intelligence of this audience. Just letting everyone know and suggesting to check out some of the many other marvel/breakdown channels that have heard their audience and parted ways with ET.

[Theonlyshaun]

Hopefully this is the last Established Titles ad we see on this channel

[MostLikelyZackWiseman]

"Established Titles told me..."
Best joke of the show

[girldaddividendinvestor]

I may be aging myself, but when everyone was Conan sword fighting, I was always Madmartigan! Val Kilmer was ridiculous in this role. 🔥🔥

[Carolineplayz]

‘87 baby here and I was OBSESSED with this movie as a kid

[danthemanno]

Did research myself.

1. Buying land in Scotland does not actually make you a Lord or Lady. It’s not official (you can’t put it on any legal paperwork).

2. The Established Titles does not actually plant trees, but they do donate to a tree planting organization.

3. It’s a novelty gift. You’re essentially buying a fancy piece of paper and donating some money to a tree planting organization

4. The company isn’t really lying to you, but they’re not telling the full truth either

[Devillionaire]

Willow was absolutely one of my best and most fondly remembered movies. It was just so damn cool and funny and epically dramatic. Perfectly captured all that swashbuckling excitement that an adventure movie should have, and every actor was memorably amazing and completely crushed their role. Can't wait for the new show.

[BVtok]

Willow was one of my family's core films that we all quote from and excited to watch the new show w/ as low expectations as possible.

One thing that I noticed while watching this movie as an adult, I don't think I've ever seen another film where the last battle is mainly fought between two 50 year old+ women. A part magical and part physical fight at that. If anyone has any other examples I would love to hear it cuz I can't even think of one.

[kyoakmusic]

Established Titles is essentially, Twitter Blue for RL

[jakobbauz]

I think it needs to be said (and I am ONLY talking to the dog now): You're a total catch buddy! You don't need some fancy title or whatever if you want to ask someone to go to the dance with you. Simply... cheer up, don't take yourself too seriously. If they turn you down, take it easy (and keep your chin up). ;) You are a GOOD BOY!

[buddhasax]

Hey Guys.. This whole established titles thing is actually a PURE novelty gift. I know they give ya money and the sponsorships are needed to keep the channel running but according to Scottish law, as these aren't truly recognized plots of land, you are NOT considered a Lord or Lady at all. I was given this as a present and looked into it and found out that Scotland does not acknowledge any lordship or lairdship from the company Established Titles. You gotta put some disclaimers. They're basically lying to Screencrush and in turn Screencrush is lying to it's dedicated viewers like us. There are WAY more companies out there I'm sure you can go to then this scam company.

[jaysea]

I love your vids and completely understand that the news on Established Titles being a scam is recent. I would definitely look into what you're advertising and what your community is being scammed by and maybe reconsider if you want to advertise for Established Titles. BUT no hard feelings, still love the channel, videos, and your dog :) Keep up the great work.

[SarcasticChef]

Ryan are you gonna drop Established Titles? They've definitely become Cancelled.

[xxcaptainobvios]

Oh no, he brought up established titles

[BlackShogun]

Growing up we didn’t have cable for a while and w/ older siblings, I saw a lot of 80s content in the 90s. Willow was among them; my mom would drive me to the movies on Saturday morning for free kids films and it was Willow that made me fall in love with the fantasy genre. Classic, though not critically acclaimed.

[mousessportscards]

"You are great "
"Outta the way peck"
"Not a woman?"
Some of the lines I'll never forget

[fmaries]

As a child of the 80's I just rewatched this last night. It's just such an iconic movie. 👏👏👏