| SCRIPTS |
| Scripts |
|
In this section, we proudly present two Willow scripts and a transcript of
the movie. The material has been divided into several subsections to make it easier
to locate specific scenes.
According to Starlog 139's interview with Willow screenwriter Bob Dolman, the movie's script went through seven different drafts. The article (which is reproduced in full in the Articles section) notes that the most significant versions were the third draft, which was the first to make the movie look viable, and the seventh, which was the actual basis for filming. Alas, the article fails to explain the numbering system used on these drafts, which was not a straightforward one through seven. This makes it a little difficult to determine exactly what it is that we're presenting here. So, the following terminology is used to describe what we've got: Early Script - this is numbered as the first draft, third revision and is dated November 14, 1986. I believe this is the script usually referred to as the third draft. There are many similarities to the movie, but many differences as well. I haven't attempted to mark the differences in this draft, as there are simply too many of them. Thanks to Joe Frese for providing this script. Late Script - this is numbered as the second draft, second revision and is dated April 1, 1987. This is either the final (seventh) draft or something very close to it. There are strong similarities to the movie, including the cut scenes which are documented elsewhere on this website. In this presentation, dialogue or action which does not appear in the movie and would have altered the feel of things is noted in a maroon font. Dialogue or action which is different than the movie but does not significantly change the meaning is noted in a blue font. Transcript - the actual movie dialogue and action. Comparison - a side-by-side presentation of the early script, late script and transcript. The material from these three different documents is presented in corresponding blocks for easy viewing of the evolution of the movie. And now, here's the material: |
| Opening Scene to Inside Willow's House: | |||||
| Early Script | Late Script | Transcript | Comparison | ||
| Nelwyn Festival to Village Council Meeting: | |||||
| Early Script | Late Script | Transcript | Comparison | ||
| Leaving the Village to Meeting Madmartigan: | |||||
| Early Script | Late Script | Transcript | Comparison | ||
| Morning at the Crossroads to Meeting the Brownies: | |||||
| Early Script | Late Script | Transcript | Comparison | ||
| Adventure with the Elves: | |||||
| Early Script | (Nothing similar in late script or movie) | ||||
| Meeting Cherlindrea to Escape From the Tavern: | |||||
| Early Script | Late Script | Transcript | Comparison | ||
| Wagon Chase to Arrival at the Lake: | |||||
| Early Script | Late Script | Transcript | Comparison | ||
| Trip to the Island to Journey to the Snow Camp: | |||||
| Early Script | Late Script | Transcript | Comparison | ||
| Night at the Snow Camp to Escape from the Snow Camp: | |||||
| Early Script | Late Script | Transcript | Comparison | ||
| Reunion with Airk to the Battle of Tir Asleen: | |||||
| Early Script | Late Script | Transcript | Comparison | ||
| The Journey to Nockmaar to Planning for Battle: | |||||
| Early Script | Late Script | Transcript | Comparison | ||
| The Battle of Nockmaar to End: | |||||
| Early Script | Late Script | Transcript | Comparison | ||