A new series for the character Willow launches on Disney+ this week. It’s a classic film, which I’ll touch on below. But this week, for Binge Watch, I wanted to look at its star, Warwick Davis, who has been the backbone of a number of film franchises over the years. Below is a snapshot of his contributions!
Star Wars, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
About: Remember the Ewoks? If you’re a Star Wars fan of a certain age, you can’t forget them. Well, Davis played Wicket, the primary Ewok that interacts with everyone, beginning with Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher). Davis appeared as Wicket in follow up projects, and he’s subsequently appeared in most modern Star Wars films including Episode I and every one of the five films made after Lucasfilm was sold to Disney.
Willow (1988)
About: This adventure from director Ron Howard created a rich fictional world and created something of a buddy comedy featuring Davis, as Willow, and Val Kilmer as Madmartigan. I loved the sound track, the dialogue and the action. It was a film I saw as a youngster and have returned to many times. I’m thrilled to see a sequel series coming to Disney+.
Leprechaun (1993)
About: There have been WAY too many of these films, creating something of a B-horror movie franchise. The first one, however, includes Jennifer Aniston. Either way, this is a franchise built on Davis’ iconic work as the Leprechaun that taunts and tortures the people. He’s appeared as the lead in all of them.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
About: One of the biggest film franchises in the world, and Davis has appeared in all eight films. He is Professor Flitwick, but he also plays a number of other roles—including the main goblin at Gringots. Yet another gigantic film franchise, and Davis is right at the center of it!
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
About: Another pop culture icon, this one based on the classic book from Douglas Adams. While Davis isn’t the lead character, he does play an important role as Marvin in the film. Davis isn’t tall in stature, but his footprint on modern pop culture, especially in science fiction, is undeniable.
Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.
The Music City Drive-In 
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