Jon M Chu Steps Away From Disney+ Series ‘Willow’

Jon M. Chu is stepping away from directing the Disney+ series “Willow” due to timing issues, the filmmaker announced on Instagram on Monday.

“I’m heartbroken to let you all know that I unfortunately have to step away from directing ‘Willow,'” he wrote. “With the production schedule moving due to continued lockdowns in the UK, and with a new baby coming this summer (surprise!), the timing is just not going to work for me and my family.”

In October, it was announced that Disney+ gave the green light to a “Willow” sequel series from Lucasfilm and Ron Howard, the director of the 1988 original. Chu signed on to direct the pilot.

*Also Read:* Jon Chu to Direct 'Willow' Sequel Series at Disney+

The new series, which will see Warwick Davis reprise his role as the titular character, will take place years after the events of Howard’s film.

Howard is an executive producer on the project, with “Solo” writer Jonathan Kasdan and Wendy Mericle serving as showrunners.

Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Chu, Kasdan, Mericle, Howard and Imagine Television will serve as executive producers, with Roopesh Parekh and Hannah Friedman as co-executive producers. Bob Dolman, writer of the original film, will serve as consulting producer with Julia Cooperman as producer.

*Also Read:* 'Willow' Sequel Series at Disney+ Casts 3 Leads

“As you may know, ‘Willow’ has been one of my favorite movies since I was a child, so I’m devastated that I won’t be able to work with some of my heroes old and new like Kathy, Ron, Jon, Wendy, Michelle, and the amazing cast and crew they’ve put together,” Chu wrote. “Like a kid seeing ‘Willow’ for the first time in the ’80s, I will look forward to watching this magical new world unfold as a very enthusiastic fan. And boy do they have an adventure in store for you! I can’t wait for you all to experience it soon.”

See Chu’s post below.




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