In April the Evil death resurrected in an all-new setting, with a new director and all-new cast. Evil Dead Rise will draw one Scream VI and move the location of the infamous Book of the Dead and its Deadite denizens to an apartment building instead of the cabin in the woods. Producer though Sam Rami has given hope to fans still clinging to the opportunity to see franchise legend Bruce Campbell back as Ash Williams one more time.
Though Campbell downplayed the possibility that he’ll ever be back as Ash in a live action setting, in a new interview with empire magazine, Evil death creator Sam Raimi discussed the franchise’s 2013 reboot and how the door is always open for a return of the old guard. He said:
“That character, Mia, was great, so I was very interested. We talked about an ‘Evil Dead IV’ for the other branch of that universe, and we were a little worried about a collision. Ash Vs Evil Dead is what that turned into. But I always thought there was room for both. I still think there’s room for all kinds of Evil Dead movies. I don’t think they cancel each other out. … I like working with Bruce and Rob. I love it as a producer because they’re really good partners, but I also like being supported by them as a director. So I hope that’s on the cards eventually.
Bruce Campbell has suggested he will only return in animated form.
While fans are still hoping to see Bruce Campbell wielding a chainsaw and shotgun again, they may have to settle for a slightly different take on the character with a new animated series that will likely be Campbell’s next and only sort of outing in his iconic role. . Recently, the star discussed the progress made on the rumored new series that would continue Ash Williams’ story. He said:
“All I can say is that we are actively pursuing it. Sam is busy. He had a big hit movie, so he has a lot on his plate, but he and his brother are actively shaping the world. It’s one thing to get an animator and say, ‘Hey, animate this!’ You need to know what you are going to animate. I am looking forward to it, because my voice has not aged as much as I have.”
Campbell joins Raimi as producer Evil Dead Rise, something he feels gives him a lot more say in the franchise than just being an actor. He added:
“It’s what gets the wheels spinning sometimes. As an actor you don’t have control over things. As a producer you have control, so I produce as many things as I can get my hands on just to be involved. It allows you to do your own thing. In a creative industry, I don’t really want to be told what to do by pretty much everyone, especially if you’ve been in it for a while.”
Evil Dead Rise will be released in cinemas on April 21, 2023.