Evil Dead without Bruce Campbell? It’s almost unthinkable.
For almost 40 years, Campbell has played the wild-eyed Ash Williams, slaughtering one Deadite after another to become one of the most celebrated characters in horror history. So it was with a heavy heart that we brought you the news that Starz had scrapped Ash Vs. Evil Dead, the cult TV series that helped continue Ash’s story beyond the events of the Sam Raimi classic.
Where do things go from here? Well, Evil Dead director Fede Alvarez has expressed interest in making a direct sequel to his nerve-shredding remake, while long-time franchise producer Rob Tapert recently held talks with Sam Raimi about what a new incarnation would be, with the general consensus being that a new movie is still possible, even after all these years and the cancellation of Ash Vs. Evil Dead.
As for Campbell, he’s willing to let the franchise hobble on without him, as the fan-favorite actor revealed over on Twitter (h/t Bloody Disgusting):
Not that they need it, but of course. Lots of unexplored stories and crossovers in the Evil Dead universe. #nextgen.
Ever the professional, Bruce Campbell also released a heartfelt statement last month in order to address the fact that Ash Vs. Evil Dead – and, by effect, his time wielding the chainsaw – had come to an end.
Good people, Evil Dead fans everywhere, I bid you a heartfelt farewell playing Ash – the character I took acting lessons with for 39 years. I am hereby retiring from that portrayal. It’s time. I followed Ash from his formative years thru his mid-life crisis and decline. What a thrill! What a privilege! We had a great resurgence with the help of Starz (kudos not jeers, folks). They made it possible for 15 more hours of Evil Dead-ness in your life – the equivalent of 10 more features!
Is Ash dead? Never. Ash is as much a concept as a person. Where there is evil in this world, there must be one to counter – man or woman, it matters not.
No Ash, no party? Last we reported, it was revealed that season 4 of Ash Vs. Evil Dead would’ve gone post-apocalyptic. Now that’s groovy.