The 1988 classic film ‘Willow,’ directed by Ron Howard, is a magical fantasy-adventure tale that has captured the hearts of fans for more than three decades. As part of our Silver Screen Magazine nostalgia series, we’re exploring the Willow cast, taking a trip down memory lane, and discovering what they’re up to today! Prepare yourself for a captivating journey filled with surprises and cherished memories. Get ready, as we dive deep into the world of Willow!
A Magical Journey with the Willow Cast
The brilliance of the Willow movie cast lies in the unique and memorable characters, brought to life by an astonishly talented and diverse group of actors. From the charming companion Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) to the enchanting sorceress Fin Raziel (Patricia Hayes), each character is vivid and memorable.
Willow Ufgood: Warwick Davis
At the tender age of 17, Warwick Davis took on the role of Willow Ufgood, a Nelwyn farmer-turned-hero who famously saved the baby princess Elora Danan. Standing at 3 feet 6 inches, Warwick’s portrayal ushered in a positive change for little people in Hollywood! Post-Willow, Warwick remained active in the movie scene, appearing in popular film franchises such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, and even the Leprechaun series. Moreover, he starred in the television sitcom Life’s Too Short and was an integral part of the cast of Mayfair Witches.
Madmartigan: Val Kilmer
The confident swordsman Madmartigan was expertly played by Val Kilmer, who breathed life and charisma into this character. Val’s career post-Willow flourished, with memorable roles in Top Gun (Maverick), Batman Forever (Bruce Wayne/Batman), The Doors (Jim Morrison), and more. Despite a recent battle with throat cancer, Val ultimately returned to acting, reprising his role as ‘Iceman’ in the eagerly-anticipated Top Gun: Maverick sequel.
Sorsha: Joanne Whalley
Princess Sorsha, the fiery daughter of the evil Queen Bavmorda, was portrayed by Joanne Whalley. Following Willow, Joanne continued to wow audiences with her outstanding performances in flicks like Scandal, The Darling Buds of May, and Edge of Darkness. Joanne continued to share her talents by playing the lead role in Scarlett, a TV mini-series, and co-starring in dance drama Polka.
Willow Cast TV: Supporting Stars
The Willow cast wouldn’t have been so unforgettable without the help of the skillful actors who portrayed the supporting characters.
Fin Raziel: Patricia Hayes
The wise sorceress Fin Raziel, portrayed by Patricia Hayes, was a key figure in the story’s progression. Following her role in Willow, Patricia appeared in various television programs and films, including A Fish Called Wanda. Sadly, Patricia Hayes passed away in September 1998.
Queen Bavmorda: Jean Marsh
The main antagonist, Queen Bavmorda, was brought to life by Jean Marsh. After the 1988 classic, Jean made a name for herself on television with roles in shows like Upstairs, Downstairs, The House of Eliott, Mayfair Witches, Matilda the Musical and Doctor Who. Currently retired from acting, Marsh left an incredible legacy in both film and television.
Burglekutt: Mark Northover
The cunning character, Burglekutt, was played by stage and screen actor Mark Northover. Sadly, Northover passed away in 2004, but his memorable and powerful portrayal of Burglekutt will always be adored by fans.
📜 History
Debuting in 1988, Willow marked the first collaboration between legendary producers George Lucas and Ron Howard. With a budget of $35 million, the film grossed more than $57 million, becoming a modest commercial success. It went on to gain cult status, celebrated for its imaginative world, groundbreaking special effects, and unforgettable characters.
📈 Statistics
- Budget: $35 million
- Box Office: $57,269,863 (worldwide)
- Runtime: 126 minutes
- Directed by: Ron Howard
🧩 Trivia
- George Lucas initially conceived the idea for Willow in 1972, while he was working on another classic—American Graffiti.
- Although the Willow cast includes brownies, Lucas’ original intention was to feature a fairy character named Dew.
❓ FAQs
Q: Is Willow getting a sequel?
A: Yes, Disney announced a Willow TV sequel that will premiere on Disney+. It will continue the story with most of the original cast, including Warwick Davis reprising his role. You can buy the Original Willow at Amazon Outlet.
Q: What happened to Val Kilmer after Willow?
A: Val Kilmer’s career thrived after Willow, acting in films such as Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors. His recent return to Hollywood saw him reprising his role as ‘Iceman’ in the Top Gun: Maverick sequel.
Q: Which character did Warwick Davis play?
A: Warwick Davis portrayed the titular character, Willow Ufgood, a Nelwyn farmer-turned-hero who embarks on a quest to save a baby princess.
Total Words: 798
