This article contains spoilers for Willow Episode 6.
From the outset, Willow showrunner Jonathan Kasdan made it clear that as well as Warwick Davis and Joanne Whalley’s returns, Val Kilmer’s Madmartigan would be a “big part” of the Disney+ sequel series. In the sixth episode, that came through in an unexpected way as the voice of Madmartigan was heard speaking to is on screen daughter Kit to entice her through a portal. The voice heard in the episode was special for those involved in the series production, as well as fans, as it was created through a joint collaboration between Val Kilmer and his son Jack.
While Val Kilmer’s well-documented battle with throat cancer has left him unable to speak in the way he used to, as was seen in his emotional appearance as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick, the actor really wanted to be part of the Willow series. Although there was originally a plan for the actor make some kind of cameo appearance in the series, Covid protocols meant it was not safe for Kilmer to travel for filming. However, that did not mean he was unable to be part of the first season of Willow at all. Kasdan revealed in an interview with Decider:
“Jack has been a great friend to Willow all along, you know. Between Joanne and Val he basically is the child of the Willow franchise. We actually recorded with Val and we used his performance as a guide track. Then Jack was given Val’s performance to listen to and then copy what his dad had done in terms of you know, the performance elements of Val’s thing. Then to have him standing there on set — duplicating his father as he’d done for the documentary they made — it was surreal and very emotional because you know, Val is such an intrinsic part of the family. He’s such a critical element of Willow. He’s still with us as a supporter and an advocate and a counselor in terms of how to keep this character alive. And I think [he] would very much like to return to the screen if opportunity allows.”
Will Val Kilmer Have The Chance To Return In Willow Season 2?
Currently there is no word on whether Willow will be given a renewal by Disney, but Kasdan has plenty of ideas if the opportunity arises. That includes a full appearance by Val Kilmer’s Madmartigan in some form.
Rotten Tomatoes reviews of the series have been very mixed, with critics being full of praise for the series, while audiences have slammed the writing and acting in the show. Just like the 1988 movie, Willow’s initial viewership was not much to cheer about according to Samba TV, who reported that only 481,000 households tuned into to Willow over the first five days. Compared to other Disney+ releases such as Ms Marvel (775k households) and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (1.5 million households), the chances of a renewal for a show that has a sizable cost for its fantasy elements seem to be slim. Expect to discover the fate of Willow soon as the first, and potentially only, season comes to an end on Disney+.