The Surprising Absence of Meegosh in the Willow Series

Summary

Meegosh, an endearing character from the original Willow film, was sadly absent from the sequel series due to the death of actor David Steinberg.

Out of respect for Steinberg and his legacy, the decision was made not to recast Meegosh in Willow, which is a passion project for creator Jonathan Kasdan. Instead, a new character named Silas was introduced to fill the void left by Meegosh's absence. Silas shares many similarities with Meegosh and becomes a close friend and loyal companion to Willow.

Meegosh, a beloved character from the underrated fantasy film Willow, was noticeably absent from the TV series. Released in 1988, Willow, with its high-fantasy whimsy and unique approach, stood out among the many fantasy epics of the decade. However, as the '80s progressed, critics grew tired of the genre's tropes, leading to apathy towards Willow from the critical establishment. Despite this, the film was not a financial failure and even received two Academy Award nominations. In 2022, a sequel series premiered on Disney+, featuring a mix of returning and new cast members. Unfortunately, Meegosh did not make a return, leaving a noticeable void in the well-received sequel show.

Meegosh Isn't In The Willow Series Because Actor David Steinberg Passed Away

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In the original Willow film, actor David J. Steinberg portrayed the character Meegosh. He was also recognized for his performances in Are You Afraid of the Dark? and Epic Movie. Steinberg's career became closely associated with Willow, as it played a significant role in his professional journey. Unfortunately, David Steinberg passed away in March 2010 at the age of 45, which prevented him from reprising his role in the Willow series commissioned by Disney+.

Similar to Val Kilmer, who originally portrayed Madmartigan and did not return for the Willow series, Meegosh was not recast and was simply absent from the storyline. Despite his importance to Willow in the film, the decision to let Meegosh rest was made out of respect for Steinberg and his legacy. Jonathan Kasdan, the creator of Willow, considered it a heartfelt tribute to leave Meegosh and David Steinberg untouched, given the deep personal connection and passion he had for the project.

Silas Fills Meegosh's Void In The Willow Series

Following Meegosh's absence in Willow the series, a new character named Silas, portrayed by Graham Hughes, stepped in to fill the gap in the lineup. Similar to Meegosh, Silas is a trusted companion of Willow's and is unafraid to accompany him on risky expeditions. Unfortunately, his unwavering loyalty ultimately leads to his downfall. Nonetheless, Silas's friendship with Willow becomes the driving force behind the protagonist's determination to press on with their mission. While Meegosh and Silas share similar personalities, it is important to note that Silas was only a temporary replacement for Meegosh and the issue of Meegosh's absence could potentially be addressed if the show continues.