Disney+ has been knocking it out of the park with fantasy series lately, and two shows in particular—Willow and Percy Jackson and the Olympians—have impressed with the innovative ways they bring their worlds to life. Both are based on beloved source material, but each adds its new twist that combines nostalgia and a new take.
Let’s begin with Willow. The show draws on the magic of the 1988 cult favorite film. Many sequels or reboots find it difficult to balance respect for the original and new ideas, but Willow accomplishes both. It embraces its offbeat characters and isn’t shy about having a bit of fun. Taking place years after the film, the tale finds itself in the kingdom of Tir-Asleen, where peace has endured—until a fresh threat compels a team of heroes to go on a traditional fantasy journey.
The cast is among the strengths of the show. Ruby Cruz portrays the fearless and determined Princess Kit, Erin Kellyman is the ambitious trainee knight Jade, and Amar Chadha-Patel adds humor and swagger as the adventurer Boorman. Warwick Davis reprises his role as Willow Ufgood, older and wiser, and serves as a guide to this new generation. The show toys with known fantasy tropes and frequently teases them, but also brings genuine heart. The characters are relatable because each of them struggles with something—whether that’s rising to the challenge of leadership, self-discovering their place, or overcoming fear.
The tone is slow to find its footing at first, but by the third episode, the show gets into a groove. Once it does, Willow is a playful mix of action, humor, and character development. It’s a show that is self-aware and embraces the fantasy genre, but still allows for something meaningful to happen along the way.
On the other hand, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a fantasy in a different vein, one based on Greek mythology and geared toward a youth audience. It’s taken from Rick Riordan’s extremely popular book series, and the first two installments make for a good starting point for an epic story. Walker Scobell is great as Percy, bringing just the correct amount of heart and bravery to the role. He’s a rooting interest.
The rest of the supporting cast is also superb. Aryan Simhadri brings warmth to Grover, and Leah Jeffries provides brains and strength to Annabeth. The three actors have fantastic chemistry. The show achieves a good balance between the mythological world and modern-day settings, so it’s easy for long-time fans and newcomers alike to jump in.
The early episodes are a bit slow, but they set up the world and characters well. Special effects won’t take your breath away, but they’re adequate. What sets Percy Jackson apart is its heart. The show’s got the books’ heart—lots of humor, adventure, and emotional moments that make it greater than your average fantasy show.
Willow and Percy Jackson and the Olympians both show that Disney+ is serious about giving fans rich, engaging fantasy content. Whether it’s the nostalgia of an old favorite or the fresh energy of a new adaptation, these stories remind us why we’re drawn to fantasy in the first place—because they let us escape into worlds full of wonder, friendship, and unforgettable adventures.
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