No second season will be happening for the live-action fantasy show “Willow” on Disney+ according to Variety. Only two months after the end of season one, the show has been rejected for additional content.
Based on the 1988 Lucasfilm movie of the same title, “Willow” ran an eight-episode first season and received mixed reviews. The show served as a sequel to the classic film directed by Ron Howard. In the original high-fantasy film, a young farmer named Peck is chosen to go on a dangerous journey. His task is to fulfill a prophecy and save a special infant from a murderous, power-hungry sorceress and queen.
According to Disney+, “Willow” is “an epic period fantasy series with a modern sensibility set in an enchanted land of breathtaking beauty.”
There was a large divide in the show’s initial reception. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the show was well-received by critics with an 83% approval rating. Individual viewers, however, told a different story; with a rating of only 66%. Some long-time fans of the 1988 film found the show to be exactly what they’d hoped for, but many media outlets and personal sites contributed to an outcry claiming the IP was “ruined” due to the low quality of the show.
“Willow” being canceled after only one season comes amid industry unrest and scrutiny in streaming profitability as a whole. Lucasfilm is reported to be reconsidering its current agenda, and is taking special care with its selections going forward, particularly relating to Star Wars properties.
Media companies have been attempting to increase streaming revenue, and Disney is no exception. Most recently, Bob Iger, the current CEO, claimed that Disney could soon own 100% of Hulu. In a recent appearance at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference, Iger was asked open-ended questions regarding the overall performance and future of major intellectual properties within the company.
“I think a lot of them — they’re all my babies, in a way,” Iger stated.
Here are more of Iger’s comments from the Q&A session:
- Disney CEO Bob Iger Talks Future of Marvel Cinematic Universe
- Disney CEO Bob Iger Thinks Sports Betting is ‘Inevitable’ Future of Business
- CEO Bob Iger Talks Disney Parks Guest Experience, Rethinking Pricing Strategies, and Opportunities to Add More Attractions
Do you think the “Willow” franchise is gone for good? Are you sad about the show being canceled? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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