Willow writer blasts "cruel" decision as show is axed from Disney+
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Willow writer John Bickerstaff has criticised the decision by Disney+ to remove the series from the streaming platform.
The streaming site confirmed yesterday that Willow, which stars Warwick Davis, will be one of many Disney and Hulu titles set to be axed on May 26. Bickerstaff has now blasted the decision on his Twitter account, calling the removal decision "absolutely cruel".
"They gave us six months. Not even. This business has become absolutely cruel," he wrote.
"Before you say tax-write off: these shows have already been released and so can't be a write-off. And in the case of Willow, they own the property outright. The only conclusion is that this is to get out of paying residuals. During a strike."
Related: Willow boss reveals what the show does that the film couldn't
He added: "And look, eternal streaming libraries are not sustainable. We're all going to have to adjust to that at some point. But to spend [REDACTED] on a show and then disappear it six months later is just bad business."
The news comes just two months after Disney confirmed the fantasy series would not be renewed for a second season.
Other shows being removed from the streaming platform include Y: The Last Man, Dollface, Diary of a Future President, Big Shot, Marvel's Voices Rising: The Music of Wakanda Forever and Better Nate Than Ever.
Related: Willow’s Amar Chadha-Patel explains how his character pays tribute to Val Kilmer
The decision to axe multiple titles comes as part of a wider cost-cutting measure.
"We are in the process of reviewing the content on our DTC (direct to consumer) services to align with the strategic changes in our approach to content curation," Disney CFO Christine McCarthy explained during a recent earnings call (via Deadline).
"As a result, we will be removing certain content from our streaming platforms."
All episodes of Willow are available to watch on Disney+.
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