Disney+ made headlines recently with a shocking twist: a canceled series totaling a jaw-dropping $156 million budget, only to vanish from streaming forever. Yes, you heard that right—Disney+ ambitiously greenlit “Willow,” a continuation of the beloved 1988 fantasy film starring Warwick Davis, in 2020. The series premiered in November 2022, but despite receiving positive feedback and holding an 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it was promptly canceled, and mysteriously removed from the platform.
The show saw Warwick Davis return to his iconic role as Willow Ufgood, joined by a charismatic ensemble cast including Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, and Tony Revolori. The story followed the sorcerer’s new quest, supported by familiar faces like Joanne Whalley and guest stars Hannah Waddingham and Ralph Ineson. Fans warmly welcomed the return, yet it wasn’t enough to save the series from Disney’s swift cut.
According to a [Forbes report](https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinereid/2024/05/12/willow-budget-ballooned-beyond-150-million-before-disney-axed-the-show/), the high-stakes production racked up nearly $20 million per episode. These costs, coupled with factors such as CEO Bob Iger’s admission of Disney’s overzealous streaming expansion, might explain the drastic move to cancel Willow. Iger recently noted that the company “tried to tell too many stories,” ultimately leading to a staggering $4 billion loss in streaming ventures.
Although critically acclaimed, “Willow” struggled to achieve the cultural impact and merchandise success enjoyed by other Disney+ ventures like “The Mandalorian,” whose Grogu character became a merchandising phenomenon. With lower reported viewership figures, Disney+ decided to cut its losses by not only canceling the series but entirely eliminating its digital footprint.
So, Disney+ fans, here’s your chance to chime in—do you believe there’s hope for a “Willow” revival? Could another platform pick it up? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to spread the word by sharing this story!
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