Common Sense Media Review
By Polly Conway
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ensemble shines in fantasy quest; romance, peril, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
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Where to Watch
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Willow
What's the Story?
In the kingdom of Nockmaar, royal twins Kit and Airk (Ruby Cruz and Dempsey Bryk) prepare for the responsibilities of adulthood. But Kit is more interested in sword fighting with her best friend, knight in training Jade (Erin Kellyman), than her upcoming arranged marriage to stuffy Prince Graydon (Tony Revolori), and Eric is in love with a lowly palace baker known as Dove (Ellie Bamber). When Eric is kidnapped by dark forces, Kit puts together a motley crew to find him -- and the wizard WILLOW (Warwick Davis), long absent from Nockmaar. The group must travel dangerous lands and overcome many obstacles, but with Willow's help (and the reappearance of true empress Elora Danan), they may win the fight against evil.
Is It Any Good?
This charming, swashbuckling series isn't perfect, but it's a fun fantasy adventure and an excellent companion to the 1988 cult classic movie. Willow brings back some beloved characters while introducing a sparkling young ensemble cast that works quite well together. Revolori and Amar Chadha-Patel (as Madmartigan stand-in Boorman) bring the most comic relief, though zingers are distributed throughout. But Davis is the heart of the series, offering a flawless blend of gravitas and playfulness.
As in the original movie, there's a mix of accents in play here, which brings up some questions about why a British-sounding queen's daughter sounds fully American and uses modern slang. Maybe she inherited her vibes from her father, Val Kilmer's Madmartigan, whose roguish spirit prevails despite his not appearing in person here. But that's Willow in a nutshell: a flawed flight of fancy you can't help but love.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about teamwork. How does the group work together on their journey/quest? What do they learn about each other in the process?
Why do you think the filmmakers chose to continue this particular story? What other classic movies would you want to see an extension of?
Does the fact that the violence in this show is based in fantasy make it less scary? How does media violence impact kids?
What makes this show an example of positive diverse representation? Why is that important in the media we consume?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 30, 2022
- Cast : Warwick Davis , Ellie Bamber , Ruby Cruz , Tony Revolori
- Network : Disney+
- Genre : Action
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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