Willow (1988 film)

Lore & Background

George Lucas conceived the idea for the film in 1972, originally titling it Munchkins. He approached Ron Howard to direct during the post-production phase of Cocoon in 1985. Bob Dolman wrote the screenplay, producing seven drafts with Lucas's active involvement, finishing in late 1986. The film was set up at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, with principal photography from April to October 1987, primarily at Dinorwic quarry in Wales and Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, with some filming in New Zealand.

The cast includes Warwick Davis as Willow Ufgood, Val Kilmer as Madmartigan, Joanne Whalley as Sorsha, Billy Barty, and Jean Marsh as Queen Bavmorda. The plot involves Bavmorda seeking to destroy a prophesied baby princess, Elora Danan, whom Willow and Madmartigan protect. The film features a two-headed dragon called an Eborsisk, named after critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, and a character General Kael named after critic Pauline Kael.

Released on May 20, 1988, by MGM/UA Distribution Co., the film received mixed reviews but praise for visual effects, humor, character designs, and Warwick Davis's performance. It grossed $137.6 million worldwide against a $35 million budget, turning a profit through international box office and home video. A sequel television series was released on Disney+ in 2022.

Reader's Guide

Willow holds significance as a high fantasy film that showcased a breakthrough in digital morphing technology, created by Industrial Light & Magic. While not a blockbuster, it achieved profitability through international returns and strong home video sales, demonstrating the viability of fantasy films after a string of genre failures. The film's casting of a little person, Warwick Davis, in the lead role was a notable choice by George Lucas, reflecting his interest in stories about an underdog against the system. The film received two Academy Award nominations and has maintained a cultural presence, leading to a 2022 television sequel on Disney+. Its legacy includes influencing fantasy filmmaking and visual effects development.

Did You Know?

• George Lucas conceived the idea for the film in 1972, originally titling it Munchkins.
• The two-headed dragon in the film is called an Eborsisk, named after film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert.
• The character General Kael was named after film critic Pauline Kael, who noted it in her review as an 'homage a moi'.
• Industrial Light & Magic created a revolutionary breakthrough with digital morphing technology for the film.