The 1988 fantasy film executive produced by George Lucas and directed by Ron Howard was Willow.
Lucas conceived Willow as a fantasy adventure inspired by the mythic storytelling and imaginative worlds he enjoyed. He first developed the idea in 1972, but waited until special-effects technology had advanced enough to realize the film's magical transformations and creatures.
Ron Howard directed the movie, while Bob Dolman wrote the screenplay from Lucas's story. Warwick Davis stars as Willow Ufgood, an aspiring magician who joins the warrior Madmartigan, played by Val Kilmer, to protect the infant princess Elora Danan from the evil Queen Bavmorda.
The film was released by MGM/UA on May 20, 1988. Industrial Light & Magic created its effects, including pioneering digital morphing work. Although its reviews were mixed, Willow became a lasting Lucasfilm fantasy title and later inspired a Disney+ sequel series released in 2022.