Willow episode 6's Madmartigan return was done using a mixture of Val Kilmer's voice recordings along with his son Jack's and AI technology.
"Prisoners of Skellin" features the return of a major Willow character, with the voice of Madmartigan speaking to his daughter Kit. This is Madmartigan's first "appearance" in the Disney+ sequel series, with Val Kilmer choosing not to reprise his role from the 1988 movie due to pre-existing health concerns amidst Covid-19 travel restrictions.
SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY Episode 6 gives Kit her best answer yet when she and Willow are imprisoned by trolls in the Dread Mines of Skellin and encounter a fellow prisoner - played by Christian Slater - who claims to be Madmartigan. Allagash pretended to be Madmartigan so the real Madmartigan could escape the trolls and enter Wiggleheim's tomb to find the Cuirass.
The voice cameo is not just fan service but it also serves an important role in the story. Hearing stories from Boorman or Allagash is one thing, but actually hearing Madmartigan's voice as Kit enters the tomb and holds the sword he left behind is another thing entirely. It makes it much harder for Kit to leave the tomb instead of going into the strange light from which she hears the voice, even though it is unlikely to be her father's real voice and is likely a sinister temptation.
Will Kilmer Return As Madmartigan In Future Willow Episodes? It remains to be seen if Willow will get a second season, but if it happens, there is a chance that Val Kilmer could return to reprise his role as the legendary Madmartigan. He was originally going to be part of the show, and it wasn't until the Covid-19 pandemic that he opted not to be part of it. Given how the world has changed since Willow season 1 was filmed, Kilmer may be more comfortable traveling now.
As one of the most important and beloved characters of the Willow universe, it is difficult to imagine another season of the show without the charismatic warrior. Given how Willow, Kit, and Elora Danan have grown in Madmartigan's absence, it feels like ripe story material to see them reunite. Similar to Top Gun: Maverick, Kilmer may not have a large role, but a physical appearance would certainly go a long way for the fans and for the characters in the story.