An ensemble show that lets itself be fun.
Disney+'s new Willow series presents a fairly unique opportunity in the world of "legacyquels," which is to say the entertainment media landscape of today. Despite supposedly being more bankable, recapturing the magic of a previous property requires identifying the essence of its success, so that, in the attempt to strike the right balance of nostalgia and irreverence, the franchise's new stewards don't accidentally throw the baby out with the bathwater.
SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY Picking up years after the film's victory over the evil Queen Bavmorda, the kingdom of Tir-Asleen has enjoyed a period of peace under the reign of Queen Sorsha . The young Empress-to-be, Elora Danan, has been hidden away and raised without knowledge of her true identity in the hopes that another foreseen evil would not be tempted to cross the magical barrier protecting their land.
Once the quest begins in earnest, and especially in episode 3 , the show answers with a resounding yes. A self-conscious nod at the group's Dungeons & Dragons-esque combination of skill sets establishes the show's grammar of fantasy clichés, which Kasdan & Co. then start to use to their advantage. Sometimes this means fueling Willow's thorny sense of humor, often laugh-out-loud funny in the hands of its young cast, who bounce off each other's energies so naturally.
This, by the laws of legacyquels, should mean future success for Willow, as it seems inspired by a compelling reading of the original's essence. The movie's Nelwyn protagonist was not actually a sorcerer during his previous quest. But by playing one, and believing he could make that dream a reality, he did become a hero, and the reboot's characters look headed for their own variations on that arc.
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