Despite always feeling like a bit of a cult classic, the “Evil Dead” franchise has successfully been able to stay relevant and popular decades after the release of the first film. Going through various mediums like film, TV, and even comic books, the franchise created by filmmaker Sam Raimi has not only lasted throughout the years but thrived, all while still staying fairly under-the-radar. And now, almost 40 years after the first film, the director is talking about continuing the legacy on the big screen yet again.
Speaking to Bloody Disgusting, Raimi revealed that there are discussions happening now about a brand-new “Evil Dead” film. And yes, before fans freak out, we’re talking about a film starring Bruce Campbell and taking place in what Raimi describes as the “original ‘Evil Dead’ line.”
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“I’d love to make another one. I don’t think TV is in its future but we’re talking about – Bruce, Rob [Tapert] and myself – one or two different ways to go for the next movie,” Raimi said. “We’d like to make another ‘Evil Dead’ feature and in fact we’re working on some ideas right now.”
The news that Campbell would likely be involved is a big deal for fans of the franchise. The last time “Evil Dead” was in theaters, it was in the form of a remake/reboot from director Fede Álvarez and followed a brand-new group of young people that come an evil book with terrible powers. But, interestingly enough, Raimi says that if Campbell isn’t willing to come back to the franchise, there’s a chance that we could see a continuation stemming from the 2013’s storyline.
“I would be thrilled if Bruce Campbell changed his mind about retirement, would come back for the original ‘Evil Dead’ line,” the filmmaker said. “But if not, I’m very happy to work with, if Fede would come back and make the sequel… but he’s such a big shot now. He’s so successful, an artist in demand, that I don’t think he’d want to do that.”
Adding more intrigue, Raimi says that a third option exists, where he teases that both the remake and the original can co-exist in the same story. He confirmed that both films exist in the same universe, albeit different parts of the universe. But this leads to the theoretical crossover. Either way, he wants everyone to know that “Evil Dead” is far from, uh, dead.
Raimi concluded, “So I think you may see some action on the Evil Dead movie in the next six months.”
With the incredible proliferation of revivals, remakes, and reboots, why not add some more “Evil Dead” to the pile? If Raimi is involved, it can’t be terrible, right?
