The wacky Rich Asians director Jon M Chu is leaving the Disney Plus Willow series due to scheduling conflicts and the impending arrival of a new baby.
In October last year, Disney Plus announced the sequel to Ron Howard’s 1988 classic Willow, whose original star Warwick Davis will return.
Produced by George Lucas, the fantasy drama film is about a reluctant farmer (Davis) who plays a vital role in protecting a baby from a tyrannical queen who vows to destroy it and take over the world.
Personal update on Willow for @ Disneyplus that I worked on … pic.twitter.com/eS7uurCMfg
– Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) January 11, 2021
Chu, 41, said he was “devastated” for not being with his heroes old and new like showrunners Jonathan Kasdan and Wendy Mericle, consultant producer Bob Dolman, and executive producer Michelle Rejwan, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and Howard.
“With the production schedule shifting due to ongoing lockdowns in the UK and a new baby coming this summer (surprise!) The timing just won’t work for me and my family. As you may know, Willow has been one of my favorite films since I was a kid. I am devastated that I am not with my heroes old and new like Kathy, Ron, Jon, Wendy, Michelle, and the amazing cast and crew that have put them together, ”Chu wrote in a statement.
The filmmaker should direct the serial pilot and also act as executive producer.
