At the El Capitan Theatre, yesterday on November 28th, the fantasy movie, Willow (1988) was screened followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. This was an almost sudden event so there were some bumps, but the film still has audience appeal. The actor who played the main character, Warwick Davis, showed up early to watch the screening. Afterwards, the curtain was drawn, chairs set in place, and the new Disney+ series makers came out on stage. This was, front row; Kevin Pollak who played the funny Brownie (a 9" fairy) Rool, director of the first film, Ron Howard, Davis who also stars in the new show, and Jon Kasdan, executive producer, whom also developed the Willow series. In the back row was Dempsey Bryk who plays Airk, the prince who is captured, Tony Revolori (Graydon Hastur), the actress who portrayed Kit, Ruby Cruz, Dove is played by Ellie Bamber, Erin Kellyman (Jade), and lastly, Amar Chadha-Patel who plays the mysterious Thraxus.
Willow filmmakers Q&A, El Capitan Theatre, photo by the author.
Howard talked about the movie, “One of things that has been just amazing is that how the movie has reverberated through the years. It means so much to me that the film is as popular as it is and has sustained its interest through fans like you all.” Of course, this had audience applauding. Davis was asked about the number one question about the film and responded, “What was it like working with Val Kilmer? I would answer that to say it was amazing. Val is the probably reason I got through the movie, physically demanding, a lot of pressure playing the title character." Of course, Kilmer played Madmartigan, "the greatest swordsman who ever lived", in Willow. Davis continued, "Ron (Howard) of course made it a pleasure. Val kept me laughing, kept me strong, kept me going throught the whole thing. So, I owe him.” This had a great response from the audience. Pollak answered, “For me, it is `Have I fallen in love with other cats.’ and the answer is yes.”
Dempsey Bryk (Airk), Tony Revolori (Graydon), and Ruby Cruz (Kit), Kevin Pollak (Rool), and Director Ron Howard, author’s photo.
The new characters were introduced. Dempsey said, “I’m playing Airk who’s a prince. My favorite quality is that he’s genuinely kind and optimistic.”It is brought up that Airk’s name is similar to the character in the movie. Kasdan responded, “It only makes sense that Madmartigan and Sorscha would name their son for their friend who gave his life.” He also added that the actor who played Airk, Gavan O’Herlihy, had passed away during the filming of the show. Howard mentioned that he was the first Chuck in Happy Days. O’Herlihy was in the first episodes of season one of the sitcom. He explained, “Then there was a second Chuck, then no Chuck.” Ritchie Cunningham’s older brother was just dropped from the rest of the show. Revolori described his character after joking to Kasdan, “I play Graydon Hastur who is a prince of Galladoorn. He is just a shy kid who is introverted and booksmart, if not world smart.” I sense he will be an apprentice to Willow. Galladoorn, this was the city Airk was retreating from in the movie, so now it is rebuilt?
Cruz spoke next, “I play Kit. She is Princess Kit Thanthalos. My favorite thing about Kit is her outspoken honesty. I feel like she is so unashamed to say exactly what’s on her mind and I feel like that is an awesome headspace to be in for nine months.” Bamber said about her character, “I play Dove and she is a kitchen maid in the castle. I would say two favorite things about her is that she makes the best muffins in all the town and I think that’s pretty cool. My second favorite thing about her is her bravery, she is so brave, she just goes at anything and is just fearless.” Interesting, not royalty, possibly a warrior in the style of Madmartigan when he was a knight? Then, Kellyman said, “I play Jade, she is Kit’s best friend who has grown up in Tir Asleen. It’s kind of interesting because she comes from two, very different worlds. One part of her has grown up with Kit and Arik. [She] has gone to these banquets and then she lives out in the stables.” Kellyman has red hair, kinda similar to Elora Dannan? If she or another actor plays Elora Dannan what would be her role as a “very special child” with Bavmorda’s defeat? Who was Elora’s father?
Ellie Bamber (Dove), Erin Kellyman (Jade), and Amar Chadha-Patel (Thraxus), Warwick Davis (Willow) and executive producer Jon Kasdan, author’s photo.
Chadha-Patel explained, “I play Thraxus Relaxus (his joke) Boorman.” Kasdan added that he has “a connection to Madmartigan.” Chadha-Patel continued, “My favorite thing about him is that he is incredibly confident, but also incredibly flawed.” His role seems like the Madmartigan figure, the thief-type, and there may be Dove as the true knight hero. In the preview, he was a guide for the rest of the group to the Nelwyn village. The short clip, shown after a few technical difficulties, showed the formation of the group at Tir Asleen. Queen Sorsha (Joanne Whalley) says that they need to find Willow. Whalley’s part may be a cameo, but she may also be part of the quest that involves Madmartigan. Her gold robes were at the D23 Expo display as well as her jagged sword. The clip promised a world beyond any known place. Will we find the homeland of Bavmorda or her origin? This Q&A had some funny moments, great talent with the new cast, and a peek into the series. The full panel was screened at other theaters and may be part of a feature for the show. A double-sided poster had the original theatrical release and the new series on the other side. Willow will stream tomorrow, November 30th, on Disney+.
#Willow, #DisneyPlus, #JonKasdan, #RonHoward, #WarwickDavis, #KevinPollak, #DempseyBryk, #TonyRevolori, #RubyCruz, #EllieBamber, #ErinKellyman, #AmarChadhaPatel
Comments
Post a Comment