Sam Raimi’s horror film, Evil Dead, amassed a large and fervent cult fanbase after its release in 1981. The movie spawned two sequels in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s and prompted a remake that debuted in theaters last year. The remake, also titled Evil Dead, was directed by Fede Alvarez and produced by Raimi as well as the star and producer of the original films, Bruce Campbell and Robert G. Tapert. The remake was one of our most anticipated horror films of 2013 and generated enough buzz that a sequel was already in development before the movie officially premiered.
After the movie debuted, rumors started flying that Raimi was working on a sequel to Army of Darkness, which would crossover with the remake and its sequel. However, at San Diego Comic-Con this year, Raimi revealed he was instead developing an Evil Dead television series, which Campbell confirmed he would star in if it happens.
Following the announcement of the TV series, fans were left with the question: What does that mean for the Evil Dead remake series? Arrow in the Head is reporting that Jane Levy, star of the remake, said that the sequel to 2013’s Evil Dead doesn’t appear to be happening anytime soon. Although she doesn’t have official word that the sequel is dead, she hasn’t been contacted to return, which points to the conclusion that the film has indefinitely stalled.
Read Levy’s full quote:
“I don’t think they’re gonna make it. I mean, they’re always coming up with a new thing–now I hear they’re making a TV show. I was like, what? [Laughs] I think they just like exciting their fans and confusing them. I honestly don’t know, but it doesn’t seem like there’s going to be an ‘Evil Dead 2’ anytime soon. At least, not with me in it.”
Though Evil Dead was, for all intents and purposes, a perfectly respectable remake – read our review – and referenced its source material, it didn’t inspire the same avid fan reaction as any of Raimi and Campbell’s original movies. Fans, who may have enjoyed or merely tolerated Alvarez’s turn in the director’s chair, may be more excited at the prospect of seeing Raimi back in the saddle on the television series than Evil Dead 2.
![‘Evil Dead’ Remake Sequel Probably Dead](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Sam-Raimi-Says-Evil-Dead-Remake-Will-Be-Rated-R.jpg)
However, as previously discussed, Raimi and Campbell face a fair amount of challenges in bringing their cult-favorite series, characters, and horror to the small screen – though it certainly can be done. As evidenced by Robert Rodriguez’s From Dusk Til Dawn TV series, based on his 1996 film with a similarly ardent fan base, directors can successfully adapt campy horror movies for a television crowd.
For Raimi and Evil Dead, though, the director will be tasked with weaving the series together with not only his three films but possibly the remake as well. Though there were already plans of a crossover between the film series, the TV show adds another component to their franchise and may prove to make cohesion a more difficult goal to achieve.
The Evil Dead television series is currently still in early development.