Willow will not have a season two on Disney+

The fantasy show Willow won’t be returning for a season two on Disney+.

This news comes about two months after the first season finished airing on the platform, starting in November 2022 and ending in January 2023. 

The eight-part series continued the story of Willow Ufgood, played by Warwick Davis. He first played the character in the original Willow film, which was released in 1988. 

It also brought in several new faces, which included Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Ellie Bamber, Tony Revolori, Amar Chadha-Patel, Dempsey Bryk, and Joanne Whalley. 

This might come as a surprise for some, as the final episode hinted that a season two was on the way. 

Willow received mostly positive reviews from critics, with the first season getting an 83% critics rating on review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences were less impressed, with a 66% rating. 

The official premise of the show read “In a magical world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls, and other mystical creatures flourish, the adventure continues, as an unlikely group of heroes set off on a dangerous quest to places far beyond their home, where they must face their inner demons and come together to save their world.”

Jonathan Kasdan developed the show for the streaming service. He was also co-showrunner with Wendy Mericle. Ron Howard, director of the original film, served as executive producer via Imagine Entertainment.  

Kathleen Kennedy of Lucasfilm also executive produced along with Michelle Rejwan. Bob Dolman, the original film’s writer, was consulting producer. Lucasfilm and Imagine produced the show. 

This news comes at a time where spending at media companies is coming under increased scrutiny. Disney is curbing its streaming content in search of profitability in the industry. 

It also comes as Lucasfilm is reassessing its film slate, taking time to identify the next film in the Star Wars franchise.  

Deadline first broke the news.