Starz’s newest original series is a continuation of The Evil Dead franchise, a low-budget horror/comedy trilogy with a massive cult following. The films’ original team is on board with director Sam Raimi, producer Rob Tapert, and star Bruce Campbell who will be reprising his role as unlikely hero Ash Williams.
According to the network:
The STARZ Original series officially titled “Ash Vs. Evil Dead” will be 10 half-hour episodes. Bruce Campbell will be reprising his role as Ash, the stock boy, aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of the Evil Dead. When a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind, Ash is finally forced to face his demons –personal and literal. Destiny, it turns out, has no plans to release the unlikely hero from its “Evil” grip…
The original film followed Ash and his friends into a cabin in the woods where they accidentally release demons who need to possess human flesh. The franchise has spawned two sequels, comic books, video games, and a 2013 remake. The film also launched the careers of Raimi and Campbell, with Raimi going on to direct Sony’s original Spider-Man trilogy (starring Tobey Maguire). Campbell has also had a prolific career, appearing on countless movies and television shows including USA’s Burn Notice from 2007-2013.
“I’m really excited to bring this series to the Evil Dead fans worldwide – it’s going to be everything they have been clamoring for: serious deadite ass-kicking and plenty of outrageous humor,” said Campbell.
The first episode is titled “Ash Vs. Evil Dead” and is written by Raimi (who will also direct), his brother Ivan Raimi (Darkman, Army of Darkness, Drag Me to Hell), and Tom Spezialy (Chuck, Desperate Housewives).
“Evil Dead has always been a blast. Bruce, Rob, and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to tell the next chapter in Ash’s lame, but heroic saga. With his chainsaw arm and his ‘boomstick,’ Ash is back to kick some monster butt. And brother, this time there’s a truckload of it,” Raimi said.
Speaking of his boomstick, who could ever forget this scene from Army of Darkness? YEEEEEEEES.
Image courtesy of Dino De Laurentiis Company via IMDB.
