It’s crazy to think that Sam Raimi‘s "Evil Dead" series has hardly ever left the cultural consciousness and yet there hasn’t been an "Evil Dead" film in 23 years. Sure, there was a humorless "Evil Dead" remake and reboot in 2013, but that was wasn’t warmly received and basically lays dead in the dirt now. And it’s amazing to think despite 23 years between films—and Raimi and star Bruce Campbell hoping and pining for a new sequel—that an appetite for these films still exist (though the video games where Campbell reprised the voice role surely didn’t hurt). And while it’s not a film, "Ash Vs. Evil Dead," an upcoming horror sitcom that will air on the Starz channel in October, should sate appetites.
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The series stars Campbell, once again reprising his role as Ash Williams, and will co-star Jill Marie Jones, Ray Santiago, Dana Delorenzo and Lucy Lawless (yes, “Xena: Warrior Princess” is part of the show). The series is executive produced by Campbell, Raimi and Rob Tapert who originally produced the first film. Raimi is directing the pilot episode, which he also wrote, and as the new trailer shows, "Ash Vs. Evil Dead" seems to still possess the same spirit and energy of the movies.
While it may be on TV, the series, clocking in at 10 half-hours, might perhaps be kind of a long-form movie. What’s it about? Well, you know, more demons and spirits, but with more character texture. "Ash has survivor’s guilt. You could have a heyday with his PTSD. He’s a war vet. He doesn’t want to talk about it,” he told EW a few months back. “He continues being a trash-talking know-it-all who doesn’t really know anything This is a guy who’s got some issues. He’s emotionally stunted. But he’s the guy you want in the foxhole next to you. That’s the funny thing—he’s kind of an idiot, but man, if I had to go to battle, I’d want to be next to that guy, because he’ll bring it if he has to."
"Ash vs. Evil Dead" premieres on October 31st. Watch the new trailer below and check out the new poster too.
