Deadline is reporting that Lucasfilm’s upcoming Willow sequel series has undergone a casting change, with Castle Rock actress Ruby Cruz replacing Cailee Spaeny (Pacific Rim: Uprising) in one of the three lead roles after what is described as “an extensive recasting process”.
Created by Jonathan Kasdan (Solo: A Star Wars Story) who serves as co-showrunner alongside Wendy Mericle (Arrow), the sequel to the Ron Howard-directed cult 80s fantasy will see Warwick Davis reprising his title role as the reluctant hero Willow Ufgood, while Cruz joins fellow new additions Ellie Bamber (Nocturnal Animals), Erin Kellyman (Solo: A Star Wars Story) and Tony Revolori (Spider-Man: Far From Home).
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Specific plot details are being kept under wraps, but the series will take places years after the original film and is said to follow a ragtag group on a mission to save a kidnapped prince, which includes the prince’s twin sister and princess (Cruz), her servant and best friend (Kellyman), and an unassuming kitchen maid (Bamber).
The Willow series will shoot this year ahead of a premiere on Disney+.