Check out some excerpts from the interview, and see what Campbell has to say about the remake/sequel of our beloved DEAD trilogy:
THE BEAT: What about the Bubba Ho-tep sequel.
CAMPBELL: It’s being actively pursued by two companies. That will probably happen. Don’t know when. There will be a bit of prequel and bit of a sequel at the same time. There may be some parallel story elements.
THE BEAT: We’ve gone through a whole interview and I haven’t asked you the two questions that—
CAMPBELL: About the sequel and the remake? It’s actually really simple. We’re going to do the remake and none of us feel bad about it because it’s our own remake. We’re not getting some 1970’s TV show out of Aaron Spelling’s file draw and making a movie. This is our own movie. So we’re gonna update it for a new generation with new effects and tell a new story with a new cast. We’ll be pulling the strings from behind. And hopefully they’ll like it. I don’t know when it will come about. It’ll take a while to find a director and to write it and get it all set but it’s gonna be made.
The sequel. Everybody wants to make it. I do, Sam does, Rob Tapert does, so that’s not an issue. The only issue is that this guy happens to have stumbled into a phenomenon. So until that dies down he won’t have time. And really…there’s no more mystery. That’s it. There’s nothing beyond that. It really is that simple. To tell the guy who made Spider-man to stop so he can make Evil Dead 4…it doesn’t compute.
CAMPBELL: Yeah, but you have to come from our perspective too. I’ve ridden that horse three times. And it’s a rough ride. So it’s not like hey, come on, do this wacky movie where you crack jokes all day. It’s not like that. Those movies are like an investment in your physical structure. I’m fine with it, but it’s not something that I wake up in the morning and say “God, I wish I could do Evil Dead Part 4.” When that comes up, I go “Oh yeah, Evil Dead 4, what is it? What do you wanna do?” It’s not on my radar. The point is, I’m fine with it, but I’m not even lobbying for it. I don’t really care one way or another.
THE BEAT: But…we do!
CAMPBELL: But you’ve got three of them! And I tell people this. Tell me the plot of Freddie 6. Tell me the plot of Jason 8.
THE BEAT: But those movies are crap.
CAMPBELL: Well, those movies have survived a long time and those are considered classic horror series. And my feeling is they’ve lost their sizzle. I mean what’s Ash going to do, go to New York City? When do you run out of ideas? When is it time to hang up the chainsaw? I’ve already played the character for 12 years and how much longer do I need to do that. Because I’m a human being and I get bored. So that’s just kinda how I work. Fans want more, but isn’t the old saying leave ’em wanting more? Because if you give ’em too much, they get stuffed and they barf it all back up again.
Stated like a true blue horror fanatic. Can’t say I agree entirely with his views of Freddy and Jason (I love those guys), but I can see his point. I can also see where he’s coming from about another DEAD movie. I’d love to see it as much as anyone, but if the folks doing it aren’t into it, then they shouldn’t even bother! I’d rather have the series end in greatness, than end in crap (don’t even get me started on the TERMINATOR series…).
And you gotta give it to him, his reasons for remaking his own baby makes even a non-believer like myself believe… er, a little bit anyway. I still think money is a HUGE factor in their decision, but hey- it’s their movie to remake, not ours. I just wish they’d listen to the fans that put them where they are today…
Be sure to check out the entire interview HERE, and stay tuned for more remake updates as they surface!