In October, we shared news that a Willow series is coming to Disney+. While Ron Howard and Warwick Davis are still attached to the project, one notable name is departing. Director Jon M. Chu is no longer involved with the series.
The Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights director cites COVID-19 production delays and life events as reasons for stepping away. The series is being produced in the United Kingdom, which is currently in a strict pandemic lockdown. Chu announced the news January 11, 2021 via a tweet.
With the production schedule moving due to continued lockdowns in the UK, and with a new baby coming in the summer (surprise!), the timing is just not going to work for me and my family.
@jonmchu on Twitter
The director is “devastated” that he won’t be able to work with heroes “old and new” alike. Chu also hyped the upcoming Willow series. His departure seems amicable.
The Willow series marks Lucasfilm’s first non- Star Wars project since 2015. The official Disney+ announcement was made during Investor Day 2020. The feature film premiered in 1988.
Are you looking forward to the return of Willow? What does Jon M. Chu’s exit mean for the streaming series? Sound off in the comments.
Featured Image Photo Credit: Art Streiber