Willow writer John Bickerstaff has responded to Disney's decision to remove the fantasy series from Disney+ on May 26. A sequel to the 1988 film of the same name, Willow sees a group of heroes come together long after the defeat of Queen Bavmorda to protect their world from the Gales. The series has received praise for breathing new life into the Willow franchise but is among many series being removed from Disney+ and Hulu on May 26.

Now, John Bickerstaff has brutally responded to Willow's removal from Disney+ on Twitter. The writer claims Disney's removal of Willow from Disney+ has to do with not paying writers residuals for streaming shows, a major contention in the ongoing writers strike. He also comments on the state of streaming libraries when not all products are guaranteed to be available forever. Read all the tweets below:

Why Willow Is Being Removed From Disney+

The show's removal from Disney+ has dashed any hopes for a possible Willow season 2. When Willow was reportedly cancelled in March 2023, series creator Jonathan Kasdan claimed the show was on hiatus. However, with the show's removal from Disney+ soon, it appears Willow season 2 won't happen after all.

Willow is one of many shows from Disney+ and Hulu that are being removed on May 26. This list includes Turner & Hooch, The Mysterious Benedict Society, The World According to Jeff Goldblum, The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, and Diary of a Future President. Disney CFO Christine McCarthy confirmed content removal would impact Disney's streaming services earlier this month, claiming this action is part of Disney's "strategic changes" to content.

What makes Willow's removal from Disney+ frustrating for viewers is the show's unavailability anywhere else. Due to Willow's exclusivity on Disney+ coupled with no physical release, the show will be completely inaccessible after May 26. It remains to be seen if Willow will find a new home in the future.

Source: John Bickerstaff/Twitter