Bruce Campbell has revealed the official new title for the next Evil Dead film currently in development, Evil Dead Rise. Campbell was last seen as the franchise’s beloved main character, Ash, in the television series, Ash vs Evil Dead on Starz. The series ran for three seasons on the network, from 2015 until 2018, and was a continuation of the films. The series was well-received, scoring a 99 percent critical and 94 percent audience ratings respectively on Rotten Tomatoes. The horror franchise also received the remake treatment in 2013, from director Fede Alvarez. Though the film was a modest success, grossing $54 million domestically against a budget of $17 million, a sequel never saw the light of day.
The Evil Dead series began in 1981, directed by Sam Raimi and starring Campbell. The film focused on five friends, who travel to a cabin in the middle of the woods, where they unknowingly unleash sinister demons that wreak havoc on the their group. The film not only performed above expectations financially, but it also garnered a cult following of passionate fans, and even spawned two sequels, Evil Dead II and Army of Darkness, which transported the offbeat hero to 1300 A.D., where he battled an army of the dead. Since Ash Vs Evil Dead concluded in 2018, fans have been wondering if Campbell’s character would return in another Evil Dead film, or if the franchise would go on without him. There is an Evil Dead 4 in the works, and now its new title has been revealed.
In an interview with Diabolique, Bruce Campbell revealed the official new title of the next Evil Dead film. When asked about the status of the project, Campbell stated, “The official name is Evil Dead Rise. We’re getting a new draft in. I don’t think anything will happen until 2021. Full bore ahead, we’re very excited about it. A whole, new ballgame. No more cabin in the woods.“
Raimi and Campbell had previously announced that the sequel was going to be called Evil Dead Now, but obviously that has changed in development. In addition, Campbell also confirmed that the sequel would not see the return of Ash, and that the franchise would be heading in a different direction. Previously, Campbell had officially announced that he was retiring from the role of Ash, so the news didn’t come as much of a surprise to fans. The upcoming fourth film also won’t see the return of Raimi behind the camera. It has been confirmed that up and coming director Lee Cronin will be helming of the project.
The Evil Dead franchise is one of the most unique to grace the silver screen. Raimi’s cheeky humor and impressive direction on modest budgets, coupled with Campbell’s infectious, charismatic performance, helped the series stand out from other entries in the horror genre. Though it’s unfortunate to hear Campbell and Raimi won’t be in front of and behind the camera, the 2013 Evil Dead reboot proved that this series can not only evolve, but survive and flourish without Campbell or Raimi being heavily involved. It’s exciting to hear the franchise will be headed in a new direction, with a talented young director who can bring something fresh to the franchise. Fans may not be getting the fourth film that ideally pictured, but Evil Dead Rise sounds like it should take the series into some bold new territory.
