Erin Kellyman, who plays Jade in Willow, discusses the parallels and differences between her Karli character from Falcon And The Winter Soldier and Jade in Willow. Two decades after Bavmorda’s defeat, Elora Danan is still hidden away, her identity is kept a secret even from herself when Willow picks up. One of the new heroes going on the quest with Willow is Jade, a knight-in-training, and Kit, the daughter of Madmartigan and Sorsha. In earlier MCU and Star Wars projects, Kellyman had significant roles in multi-layered, complex characters.
Kellyman’s character in The Falcon And The Winter Soldier was fascinating because, despite her extreme actions, her motivations made sense. In an exclusive chat with Screen Rant, Kellyman outlines the main parallels and differences between Karli and Jade. The fact that Karli was a major enemy in The Falcon And The Winter Soldier and Jade is a protagonist in Willow may be what makes these characters the most intriguing.
“They do have a similar vibe in feeling like [they’re] protecting the people. I think Karli [Morgenthau]’s on a much bigger scale. She feels a very strong responsibility to be the voice for millions and millions of people, whereas Jade really only cares about one person. She kind of dedicates her whole life to protecting Kit and honoring Sorsha, and then wanting to go on to protect the realm for the queen.”
Can The Willow Universe Be Expanded To The Same Extent As The MCU?
Although Karli and Jade are quite different people, their protectiveness is a strong commonality. It’s interesting to note that Enfys Nest from Kellyman’s Star Wars character has a similar desire to safeguard people who are in her care. A fascinating character arc is established by Jade’s impulse to protect her best friend Kit, which develops into a need to defend the kingdom and uphold her queen. It might also reflect the expansion of the Willow franchise.
Star Wars started with A New Hope before developing into a sci-fi epic that spanned decades, whereas the Marvel Cinematic Universe started with Iron Man before developing into a multiphase story. Elora Danan might be at the core of this expansion because of the uncertainties surrounding her future, power, and prophecy. Willow might take this course. Jade, played by Kellyman, is an unusual character since, unlike Elora, Willow, Kit, or Airk, she isn’t directly related to the movie. She belongs to this world yet is a fresh personality with limitless potential.