Kilmer played the role of Madmartigan in ‘Willow,’ a mercenary swordsman who helps the titular character on his quest to protect a baby from a queen.
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Nearly 30 years later, a sequel series under the same name was released.
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Warwick Davis returns as the protagonist but Kilmer was missing. We now know the reason behind it.
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One reason is his illness as the ‘Heat‘ actor was diagnosed with throat cancer. It caused him to lose his voice and since then, he uses a device to communicate.
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“We started the first season with the intention that he would be appearing,” showrunner Jonathan Kasdan said.
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Another reason is the COVID-19 pandemic. “I remember going to see him right after this started to gain momentum, and I said, ‘Listen, we’re doing this. And everybody wants Madmartigan back.’ And he said, ‘Not as much as I do,'” Kasdan recalled.
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The series serves as a sequel to the 1988 film. It premiered on November 30 on Disney+.