The “Evil Dead” series continues with “Evil Dead Rise,” fresh off its world premiere at SXSW in Austin earlier this week. The Playlist’s critic didn’t like Lee Cronin‘s new installment (read our review here), but others elsewhere have, which bodes well for the film’s theatrical release next month. So that begs the question: will there be more “Evil Dead” movies on the way, and will Ash himself, Bruce Campbell, ever return to the horror series?
EW reports that, in spite of saying he’s retired from playing Ash after the cancellation of Starz’s “Ash Vs. Evil Dead” in 2018, Campbell’s now not averse to reprising the role. However, Campbell’s return comes with one major stipulation: that Sam Raimi returns to direct. Campbell made his comments in a new interview with “Evil Dead” producer Rob Tapert for Fangoria. In the interview, Campbell admitted to Tapert that he was “standing in the way” of an “Evil Dead” movie that sees Ash team up with Mia for Fede Alvarez‘s 2013 film “Evil Dead” and the world of “Evil Dead Rise.” But that’s because he wants Raimi, and no one else, to come in and direct the thing.
“I’ll go on record here! These guys don’t scare me!,” Campbell said in the Fangoria interview. “I worked on “Xena,” so nothing scares me. If Sam says, ‘I, Sam Raimi, will direct another “Evil Dead” movie,’ then I, Bruce Campbell, will consider being in it. I don’t want to be Ash, tended to by other people. Sam’s the meanest director I’ve ever worked with, and Ash needs a little bit of that to shine. And I think Sam’s the only director now who I won’t punch in the face making an “Evil Dead” movie!” It’s nice to see that even at age 64 Campbell hasn’t lost his puckish charm.
But Campbell went on to say Raimi’s involvement matters most to him regarding the future of Ash and the “Evil Dead” franchise. “I’m just saying, I’ve called Rob and Sam out, I’m not the coward that they think I am,” the actor continued, “I just want the right circumstances. Because Sam, even though he’s done studio movies, he’s still a good director! So, I want Sam! I’ll do it for Sam.”
But what does Raimi feel about all this? The director expressed interest in Campbell returning to the franchise in a 2019 interview with Bloody-Disgusting. Back then, Raimi said he’d be “thrilled if Bruce Campbell changed his mind about retirement” and reprised Ash “for the original “Evil Dead” line.” But Raimi doesn’t have the same interest in returning to the series himself, although he wants to direct a horror feature. “I’d like to direct another horror picture,” Raimi continued, “I’m looking for another good horror script to make right now.” Raimi’s last horror outing? 2009’s underrated “Drag Me To Hell.” Since then, Raimi’s only done two films, both big studio ones; 2013’s “Oz The Great And Powerful” and last year’s MCU sequel “Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness.”
So unless Raimi changes his mind, or an epic “Evil Dead” treatment lands on his desk, a reunion between him and Campbell on a new Ash vs. Deadite adventure feels unlikely. But never say never. As for Lee Cronin’s “Evil Dead Rise,” it hits theaters everywhere next month on April 21.
