Here’s why Jade Claymore, aka Erin Kellyman, looks so familiar
Willow wasn’t a box-office blockbuster when it first hit screens in 1988. However, it received two Academy Award nominations and cemented itself in pop culture as time went on. Disney+ gave fans of the film something to look forward to when they released the TV series of the same name on the platform.
While some original cast members will return to the show, fans will see a few familiar faces take on new roles. One of the new actors in the series, Erin Kellyman, who plays Jade Claymore, has appeared in several projects in the past. Here’s why she looks so familiar.
Erin Kellyman’s character has the first queer relationship on a Disney+ franchise
Kellyman plays a former Daikini swordsman in the service of Queen Sorsha of Tir Asleen. She is General Kael’s long lost daughter who harbors feelings for Queen Sorsha’s daughter Princess Kit Tanthalos played by Ruby Cruz. Princess Kit is set to marry Prince Graydon, but it is shattered when she and Claymore share a kiss before fleeing.
Claymore accompanies his best friend-turned-boyfriend, Princess Kit, on a mission to find Kit’s brother Airk, abandoning his decision to leave Tir Asleen for Galladoorn. Set 17 years (200 moons) after Queen Bavmorda’s defeat, the Disney+ series follows Claymore, Kit and four other heroes as they embark on a dangerous mission outside their home to save Kit’s brother and their world from the storms.
Willow has enjoyed positive reception since premiering on Disney+ on November 30, 2022. The show holds an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 7 out of 10 based on 62 critic reviews.
Erin Kellyman has been in some major productions
Kellyman first appeared in Raised by wolves on Channel 4. In 2016 she starred in the BBC sitcom The Coopers vs. The rest with Kerry Godliman. The series followed a trio of adopted children raised in the suburbs.
In 2018, Kellyman appeared Solo: A Star Wars Story plays a marauder named Enfys Nest. Kellyman had to go through three stages of audition to get the part that eventually brought her international recognition.
The actor began landing more big-budget production roles, including appearing in the BBC adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables plays Eponine. Kellyman starred alongside some of Britain’s biggest stars, including Olivia Coleman, David Oyelowo and Dominic West.
The 24-year-old had initially auditioned for the role of Cosette, but the producers asked her to return for Eponine. She next appeared in the dark comedy Don’t forget the driver and starred in 2019 Lifea BBC drama about a child who lives with his distant aunt.
In 2021, Kellyman entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, plays Karl Morgenthau. The star plays the leader of a radical group called the Flag Smashers, starring alongside Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan.
More about the cast of ‘Willow’
Warwick Davis reprized his role as the Nelwyn wizard Willow Ufgood in the Disney+ series from his eponymous role in the 1988 film of the same name. He is best known for his roles in Gnome, dwarf film series, the Star Wars film series, and for his portrayal of the Ewok, Professor Filius and the goblin Griphook in Harry Potter franchise.
Ellie Bamber, who plays Dove in Willowplayed in the BBC’s Les Miserables, playing Kellyman’s original role as Cosette. She also appeared in Tom Ford’s Nocturnal animals and The trial of Christine Keeler.
Tony Revolori, who plays Princess Kit’s intended, famously plays Peter Parker’s frenemy, Flash Thompson, in the Spider man movie series. According to IMDb, Cruz (Princess Kit) has been involved Castle Rock, Blue bloodand Mare of Easttown.
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