Willow showrunner Jon Kasdan teases Val Kilmer's Madmartigan return plans. The long-awaited sequel series to 1988's Willow directed by Ron Howard and produced by George Lucas is inching closer to its premiere on Disney+. Starring Warwick Davis as the titular Willow Ufgood, the original Willow film follows the aspiring sorcerer's journey as he searches for baby Elora Danan, doomed by the evil sorceress Queen Bavmorda of Nockmaar (Jean Marsh). Alongside Davis stars Joanne Whalley as Bavmorda's daughter-turned-warrior Sorsha, and Val Kilmer as the handsome, sword-bearing anti-hero, Madmartigan. While both Davis and Whalley are confirmed to return in their respective roles for the new series, Kilmer is notably absent from revival plans.
Ahead of the series premiere, Willow's showrunner teases Val Kilmer's Madmartigan return to the series, per SYFY. Madmartigan will play a major role in the new series, though not physically, and will be a driving force behind the adventures that take place. The audience and new characters are aware of his existence and searching for him. Read Kasdan's plans for Madmartigan's return below:
"Madmartigan is still out there. I've had many conversations with everyone involved and our feeling is he is out there to be found, should the day arrive. I think Warwick and I would both love to see him pick up that sword again."
Val Kilmer's Willow Show Absence Explained
Disney+'s Willow will put the spotlight on a new generation of young heroes fighting evil. Picking up 20 years after the events of the film, Willow the series features Ruby Cruz and Dempsey Bryk as Kit and Airk, queen Sorsha and Madmartigan's twin children. Described by Kasdan as "breakfast club-y," newcomers Erin Kellyman, Tony Revolori, Ellie Bamber and Amar Chadha-patel also star. The rookie crew will learn of Madmartigan's legacy, though he will not physically be there due to Kilmer's health problems.
Unfortunately, in 2017 Kilmer revealed he was diagnosed with throat cancer after years of speculation surrounding his health. While he fortunately beat the cancer, he continues to battle ongoing health issues. Due to the chemotherapy and radiation treatment, Kilmer lost his ability to speak and must use a voice box to communicate. The series' location being in Whales and the physicality required made sense for Kilmer to step back from the role. However, Kasdan has offered hope for his return.
While it seems Kilmer will not make a physical appearance as Madmartigan in Willow, it's clear that he will not be forgotten or overlooked in the new series. Kilmer recently had another reunion 20 years in the making when he returned as Ice Man in the 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick. His ability to act in Maverick using AI voice technology offers hope for the future of Madmartigan in Willow, and based on Kasdan's answers, it's certainly in the realm of possibility. Viewers will learn more about how Madmartigan is incorporated in the show when Willow premieres on Wednesday, November 30.
Source: SYFY