One of many advantages of so many studios having their very own streaming platforms was presupposed to be that we’d now not lose entry to content material. For the reason that studio that owned the film or TV present was the one providing it, there could be no fear of issues disappearing as a result of finish of a licensing settlement. And but platforms from Disney+ to Max have proven us this was by no means actually the case, and Willow notably disappeared from the Disney streamer.
Over the past couple of years, we now have seen loads of content material disappear from even the perfect streaming companies, together with reveals and flicks that have been particularly created for streaming, and aren’t obtainable anyplace else. A kind of that felt that ax was the Willow collection on Disney+, and greater than a 12 months and a half after the present vanished from the world, star Warwick Davis is trustworthy in his frustration, calling it a “tragedy” on X (previously referred to as Twitter):
This picture simply got here up as a photograph reminiscence. A BTS shot from the #Willow Sequence. 😃 It’s a travesty that @DisneyPlus worth shareholders over subscribers of their artistic decision-making. #Justsaying I solely ever noticed every episode as soon as!😡 pic.twitter.com/lA49jObIydDecember 11, 2024
Again when Willow was first pulled from Disney+, collection author Jon Kasdan put a surprisingly optimistic spin on the choice. Plainly over a 12 months later the gloves are off, as Warwick Davis is sort of essential of Disney seemingly placing shareholders forward of the viewers. Disney did reportedly save some huge cash by placing sure reveals on the shelf.
It’s been about two years since Disney+ debuted Willow a Disney+ unique collection follow-up to the 1988 sword and sorcery movie which starred Davis and Val Kilmer. Whereas the film wasn’t an enormous hit, it grew to become one thing of a cult traditional and remained common sufficient that discuss of a Willow sequel film by no means completely died away. Ultimately, the choice was made to do the follow-up collection.
Although the top of Willow teased a number of seasons, the present was canceled just a few months after it aired. That was unhealthy sufficient, however then two months after that, the present joined an extended record of tasks that have been purged completely from Disney+. For the reason that present was developed immediately for Disney+, it has by no means existed anyplace else. It might’t be bought or downloaded by way of another supply.
As anyone who was an enormous fan of Willow, each the unique film and the collection, I agree wholeheartedly with Warwick Davis. The collection was a very enjoyable follow-up to the film. It had the traditional fantasy parts however the Disney+ model of Willow had a rock ‘n’ roll vibe that was fairly enjoyable as properly.
Cancelation is one factor. If not sufficient folks watch a present, it will get canceled, and them’s the breaks. However to take away it completely in order that no person can watch it once more, and no person has an opportunity to find it for the primary time, is a tragedy. There’s no different phrase for it. Warwick Davis wish to watch the episodes once more. So would I.