**Warwick Davis Pays Tribute to Val Kilmer: “He Kept Us Going” on the Set of ‘Willow’**
British actor Warwick Davis has paid a touching tribute to his late co-star Val Kilmer, describing the American actor as the “leader of the army” during the challenging production of the beloved 1988 fantasy film, *Willow*. Kilmer’s recent passing at age 65 from complications relating to pneumonia has prompted Davis to share heartfelt memories of the impact Kilmer had on both his career and the morale of those working alongside him.
Reflecting on his experiences during the making of *Willow*, Davis, now 55, credited Kilmer with helping him endure the demanding shoot. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Davis recalled how Kilmer was a constant source of encouragement, particularly during the most trying days. “He’s really the reason I got through the making of the film,” Davis revealed. “If ever I was tired, exhausted or feeling fed up, he’d say, ‘Come on, keep going!’ He acted as the leader of the army, keeping us moving forward. He was a beautiful man.”
Davis, who played the film’s titular character, has been outspoken about his desire to challenge perceptions of Kilmer. He expressed regret that the actor’s true personality was often mischaracterised by the media. “I always like to let the world know what a great person he was,” Davis explained. “Too often, the media put out the wrong impression of him. In reality, he was warm, generous, and incredibly kind-hearted.”
It is clear that Kilmer’s influence was felt not only on the set of the original film but also lingered decades later. When a Disney+ series based on *Willow* was launched in 2022, there were high hopes that Kilmer would reprise his role as the swashbuckling knight Madmartigan. Sadly, owing to his poor health following a battle with throat cancer diagnosed in 2014, Kilmer was unable to participate in the new series, much to the disappointment of both the cast and the show’s creative team.
Jonathan Kasdan, showrunner of the Disney+ adaptation, previously spoke about their plans for Kilmer’s involvement. “We started building out the first season with the intent of having him appear,” he said. “It wasn’t clear that he couldn’t join us until relatively late in the process.” Despite their best efforts, Kilmer’s return was not to be, and the show was cancelled after only one season.
Davis has openly mourned Kilmer’s absence from the series, noting how much he missed his friend and supporter on set. During an interview with The Guardian, Davis described how the absence of Kilmer’s upbeat presence was palpable throughout production. “Not a day went by while we were filming where I didn’t think about him. What a cool guy he was,” Davis stated.
He recounted the pressures of taking on a leading role at the age of 17, feeling both physical and mental strain. However, he credits Kilmer with being a steadfast companion, quick with a joke and always ready to lift his spirits. “When you’re 17, starring in a major film, there’s a huge amount of pressure. Val was always there to pick me up, urging me on—‘Come on, you can do this,’ he’d say. He really kept me going during those tough moments on set.”
Davis’ testimony not only serves as a personal tribute but also offers the public a glimpse into the camaraderie that can develop behind the scenes in the film industry, often unnoticed by audiences. His remarks paint an affectionate picture of Kilmer—a man who, despite a sometimes turbulent reputation, was fiercely loyal and supportive of those he worked with.
As fans and colleagues pay their respects following Kilmer’s recent passing, Davis’ words stand as a poignant reminder of the profound connections forged in creative collaboration, and the lasting legacy of one of Hollywood’s most memorable performers.