The upcoming film “Evil Dead Rise” may be the first entry into the franchise that is completely devoid of Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell). While he wasn’t the lead, Ash did have a post-credits cameo in Fede Álvarez’s 2013 “Evil Dead” reboot. Director Lee Cronin is teasing Campbell WILL have a “presence” in the new film. If you are the FIRST to spot the beloved cult actor, you could win $50!
“It felt like in order to move the franchise somewhere new and to unlock the potential of the universe to tell more stories, it needed to break free [of Ash],” Cronin said, right before he threw down a gauntlet. “But Bruce is hidden in the movie somewhere. Bruce has a small presence in the movie. The first person to figure it out and send me a tweet, I’ll give them 50 bucks.”
The fact that he keeps referring to Campbell by name, instead of the character’s name, suggests he may not be appearing as Ash. The fact that he also talked about getting the “Evil Dead” franchise away from the character also supports this.
Trying to make “Evil Dead Rise” its own unique entity is also why the film is also straying away from the cabin in the woods. Considering that setting has been almost as big a staple of the universe as Ash and the Deadites themselves. Instead, it follows the road-weary Beth (Lily Sullivan) as she pays a visit to her older sister Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland). Ellie is raising 3 children in a cramped L.A. apartment. Which swaps the horrors of a remote cabin out for the horrors of the big city. The tale of estranged sisters just doesn’t seem to have much room for Ash.
But given Cronin is willing to put money on it, we’re guessing that Campbell is going to be very hard to spot.
“Evil Dead Rise” will hit theaters on April 21st, 2023. Check out the blood-soaked Red Band trailer below:
