The Disney+ fantasy adventure, set in an age of swords, sorcery, myths and monsters, will take place years after the events of the original 1988 film, which was directed by Ron Howard.
Davis will return as titular hero Willow Ufgood, while Howard will serve as executive producer.
The series is Lucasfilm’s first venture into non-Star Wars storytelling since 2015 and introduces all-new characters to the enchanted realm of fairy queens and two-headed Eborsisk monsters.
Davis said: “So many fans have asked me over the years if Willow will make a return and now I’m thrilled to tell them that he will indeed.
“Many have told me they grew up with Willow and that the film has influenced how they view heroism in our own world. If Willow Ufgood can represent the heroic potential in all of us, then he is a character I am extremely honoured to reprise.”
Jon M. Chu, who directed Crazy Rich Asians and the upcoming big screen version of In The Heights, will direct the pilot and also serve as executive producer.
The series is expected to begin production next year in Wales, where much of the original film was shot, with Jonathan Kasdan and Wendy Mericle as showrunners.
It's a bucket-list moment for me.
Chu said: “Growing up in the ’80s, Willow has had a profound effect on me.
“The story of the bravest heroes in the least likely places allowed me, an Asian-American kid growing up in a Chinese restaurant looking to go to Hollywood, to believe in the power of our own will, determination and, of course, inner magic.
“So the fact that I get to work with my heroes from Kathleen Kennedy (president of Lucasfilm) to Ron Howard is bigger than a dream come-true. It’s a bucket-list moment for me.
“Jon Kasdan and Wendy Mericle have added such groundbreaking new characters and delightful surprises to this timeless story that I can’t wait for the world to come along on this epic journey with us.”
Howard said: “It’s creatively exciting to not only revisit the world and characters first conceived by George Lucas, Bob Dolman and myself but to see it take flight in such fresh, fun and cinematic ways through the imagination of Jon Kasdan and Team Willow.
“This isn’t a nostalgic throwback, it’s a creative lean-forward and it’s a blast to be a part of it all.”
