Evil Dead Rise test screenings went so well, the film could get a theatrical release

When it was announced that Evil Dead franchise creator Sam Raimi had handpicked Lee Cronin to write and direct a new entry in the franchise, a film called Evil Dead Rise, it was said that the movie was going to be released through the HBO Max streaming service. We’ve been anxiously waiting to hear a release date – and now producer Bruce Campbell has told Comic Book Resource that test screenings of Evil Dead Rise have gone so well, the movie might even get a theatrical release before going to HBO Max!

We just had a preview that went… That was very high ratings. They were potentially going to stream it on HBO Max, but it might go theatrical. Maybe in the fall.”

One Take News has also heard that Evil Dead Rise could get a theatrical release. So maybe it will happen… Campbell had some positive things to say about the movie during an interview with Collider. He said it

actually does not suck in the least. Lee Cronin did a great job. Sam picks these director types who’ve had some experience, but we can still sort of shove them into the ‘Evil Dead’ box a little bit since these are maverick-type directors. … I give Sam credit, he’s not picking people who are just gonna mimic his shit. They come with very strong personalities and approaches. It’s a very European ‘Evil Dead’.”

Raimi picked Cronin to make Evil Dead Rise after watching his feature directorial debut The Hole in the Ground (watch it HERE). Although filming took place in New Zealand, the story of Evil Dead Rise is set in Los Angeles. The synopsis:

A road-weary Beth pays an overdue visit to her older sister Ellie, who is raising three kids on her own in a cramped L.A apartment. The sisters’ reunion is cut short by the discovery of a mysterious book deep in the bowels of Ellie’s building, giving rise to flesh-possessing demons, and thrusting Beth into a primal battle for survival as she is faced with the most nightmarish version of motherhood imaginable.

Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland star as the estranged sisters at the heart of the story. Gabrielle Echols, Morgan Davies, and Nell Fisher play Ellie’s three kids. Mia Challis is playing Jessica, “an 18 year old girl, who is obsessed with fashion and Instagram. Jessica loves to be the center of attention, although she is smarter than she lets on”.

Campbell does not appear in the movie, as he has formally retired from playing the role of franchise hero Ash.

Evil Dead Rise is a collaboration between Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, and Ghost House Pictures.

Are you excited for this movie? Do you want to see it get a theatrical release? Let us know by leaving a comment below.