It’s no secret that Willow is no longer available on Disney+, but the show’s star, Warwick Davis, has slammed the company, saying it’s all a bit embarrassing.
“I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus Series was made,” he said on Twitter. “Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing.”
I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus Series was made. Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing pic.twitter.com/tUu9gstkbS
— Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) October 14, 2023
Willow was removed from Disney+ earlier this year as part of a cost-cutting measure that saw dozens of shows exit the service, as well as Hulu, on May 26. Other popular shows that found themselves axed were The World According To Jeff Goldblum and Y: The Last Man. However, it’s Willow that’s really upset the fans. The show debuted in November 2022 and was pulled from the service less than six months later.
The show’s creator Jon Kasdan had a slightly different take on its removal, however. “I've been quiet on this news that Willow is leaving 'cause... I'm kinda into it,” he said on Twitter back in May (as reported by GamesRadar). “I grew up at a time when movies were periodically re-released and not available to own, and it made them... more special.”
“I worry about many things but NONE of them are that Willow will never be available again, either on [Disney Plus] or perhaps... someplace else,” he said. “Ya never know where that could lead... stranger things have happened. So grateful for all the love and enthusiasm; it's truly what keeps these worlds alive.”
Whether or not Willow will return remains to be seen. Either way, it isn’t available right now, and as the show approaches its first anniversary, that’s rather sad.
IGN’s Willow review gave it 9/10 and said: “Jon Kasdan brings an unabashed joy and passion to Willow. His love for the property shines through, making this one of 2022's most unexpected and brilliant new series. Expertly balancing accessibility for new viewers and continuing the story that '80s babies love, with stunning cinematography, charming performances, and vibrant storytelling, this feels like Disney+ at its best.”
Want to read more about the Willow? Find out whether Willow is likely to find a new home on online streaming and check out who joined the cast of the Willow revival.
Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
