Why was Willow cancelled? Disney+ has axed the show after just one season
The series debuted on the streaming platform in 2022
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Fans of Warwick Davies who waited patiently for his new TV series to start are wondering why was Willow (opens in new tab) cancelled?
The show, which finally made its debut on Disney+ last year after years of development, saw Tenable host Warwick Davies (opens in new tab) miss some of his quiz show recordings, so that his sorcerer character could come back to screens 35 years after the original movie aired.
But while the show has been a long time coming, it has made a swifter exit off screens as we look at why its been axed...
Why was Willow cancelled?
Willow was cancelled by Disney+ after it failed to meet the company's threshold in terms of the buzz generated around the series return and Disney were said to be looking at cutting costs on its streaming service in search of boosting profits - resulting in Willow falling victim to it, according to Deadline (opens in new tab). After all, it wasn't a cheap show to make and hasn't performed on the level of other shows.
The show American high fantasy adventure television series is based on and served as a sequel to the 1988 film of the same name. The series was produced by Lucasfilm and Imagine Entertainment, the series was mostly filmed in Wales in April 2021, and first premiered on the streaming service Disney+ on November 30, 2022.
Fans have mixed feelings on the axing.
One fan tweeted, "I really wanted to like that show cuz Warwick Davis is super cool and I dug the original movie but man... I just couldn't get through it."
Another fan put, "Damn. I was hoping to see what book two and three were. But I know I was in the minority. Thanks for the fun ride!"
A third fan said, "I tried watching the first episode, and I wasn’t captivated by it like other Disney+ originals. Which is strange because they’re really good with their originals!"
While a fourth fan added, "It was HORRIBLE, so disappointing. The whole modern talk/slang and modern clothes with modern teens made no sense. Oh and not to mention the modern pop songs that would come on randomly and always at the end of the episode. It was great visually but that isn’t enough. It was a slap in the face to the original fans, I’ll never forget the 1900s cowgirls in modern denim jeans and clothing that happened for no reason at all."
It was HORRIBLE, so disappointing. The whole modern talk/slang and modern clothes with modern teens made no sense. Oh and not to mention the modern pop songs that would come on randomly and always at the end of the episode. It was great visually but that isn’t enough. It was a… https://t.co/TOHwd21Y5hMarch 15, 2023
Willow cast
Willow featured a cast which consisted of Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Amer Chadha-Patel and Tony Revolori starred alongside Warwick Davis, who reprised his original title role as Willow Ufgood. The show was based on the storyline set in a world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls and other mystical creatures flourish. 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.
A post shared by Willow (@willowofficial) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
Was there supposed to be a Willow 2?
Following the release of Willow Season 1 there were no official plans for a Willow Season 2. And now that the show has been `officially axed by Disney+ it's unlikely to get a season 2 in the near future. But Deadline hasn't ruled out it being revisited in the future telling its readers, "Willow remains an important IP in the Lucasfilm library, so it might be revisited in the future."
Related Disney+ features
- Peter Pan and Wendy (opens in new tab)
- Abbott Elementary (opens in new tab)
- Fleishman Is In Trouble (opens in new tab)
- Disenchanted (opens in new tab)
- Strange World (opens in new tab)
Video of the week
Selina is a Senior Entertainment Writer with more than 15 years of experience in newspapers and magazines. She currently looks after all things Entertainment for Goodto.com, Woman&Home, and My Imperfect Life. Before joining Future Publishing, Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism. She is fully NCTJ and NCE qualified and has 100wpm shorthand. When she's not interviewing celebrities you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories.
-
-
Morrisons is selling CHEESE Easter Eggs and not only are they solid - they taste cracking with or without wine
The supermarket has launched two new flavours so cheese lovers can have an egg-citing treat too!
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Soccer Aid 2023: Where is it held and who is playing?
All you need to know ahead of the all-star 2023 soccer tournament in aid of UNICEF
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Soccer Aid 2023: Where is it held and who is playing?
All you need to know ahead of the all-star 2023 soccer tournament in aid of UNICEF
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Who is on Loose Women today? The stars on today's panel
Who is on Loose Women today? This is who to expect on the panel...
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Who left The Apprentice last night? And find out who wins the 2023 show...
Wondering who left The Apprentice last night? Here's all you need to know if you missed the final episode
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Mummies movie: How to watch and when is it out?
Warner Bros. Pictures are releasing a new animated film following the adventures of three Egyptian mummies and here's all you need to know...
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Are Duncan and Alyssa still together? MAFS Australia season 10 update
Find out if Duncan and Alyssa are still together, one of the stronger seeming couples from season 10 of MAFS Australia.
By Ellie Hutchings • Published
-
Yellowjackets season 2 theories: A guide to what could be going on in the mystery horror, ahead of the season 2 premiere
Yellowjackets season 2 theories: What on earth could be going on in the addictive mystery thriller? We delve into all the theories doing the rounds.
By Lucy Wigley • Published
-
The Bay season 4 ending explained and star Elóise Thomas reveals all she knows about a possible season 5
We caught up EXCLUSIVELY with actress Elóise Thomas who plays Izzy Metcalf to spill the beans on a possible season return...
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Waco: American Apocalypse: Who was David Koresh and do Branch Davidians still believe?
Waco: American Apocalypse begins airing on Netflix, and we look at who David Koresh was, and the Branch Davidians beliefs.
By Lucy Wigley • Published