Last fall, the producers behind Disney+’s Willow sequel series began filling out the show’s principal cast by hiring three young actresses to headline the follow-up to Ron Howard’s 1988 fantasy flick. Among those new additions was Cailee Spaeny, but it looks like she won’t be part of the show after all. Deadline brings word that Spaeny has dropped out of the series, with Ruby Cruz playing her character instead.
Cruz has inherited the role Kit, the future queen of her own kingdom and the twin sister of a kidnapped prince. The series follows Kit as she embarks on a journey to find her missing brother with her servant and best friend, Jade (Erin Kellyman), as well as an “unassuming kitchen maid” named Dove (Ellie Bamber) who also reveals herself to be the mysterious “chosen one” with a backstory similar to Warwick Davis’ Willow Ufgood. Davis is reprising his role from Howard’s film in the new series.
Next month, Cruz will appear opposite Kate Winslet in the HBO limited series Mare of Easttown (which, incidentally, also stars Spaeny). She has previously guest-starred on episodes of CBS’ Blue Bloods and Hulu’s Castle Rock.
RELATED: Director Jonathan Entwistle Joins Disney+’s Willow Sequel Series
Casting for Willow is still underway. Tony Revolori also joined the show earlier this year, but the details about his character remains a mystery. Jonathan Kasdan wrote the series’ pilot episode and will serve as co-showrunner alongside Wendy Mericle. Additionally, Jonathan Entwistle recently stepped in to helm the pilot after the episode’s original director, John M. Chu, vacated this role due to a scheduling conflict.
Howard and Willow screenwriter Bob Dolman are onboard as executive producer and consulting producer, respectively.
Disney+ hasn’t announced a premiere date for Willow.
How do you feel about Cruz replacing Spaeny on the series? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Willow: The Storybook Based On the Movie
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