Bruce Campbell on the next Evil Dead film and Ash passing the torch

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

A couple weeks ago, we learned that Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert, and Bruce Campbell are producing a new film in the EVIL DEAD franchise which is set to be directed by "a new director" they haven't named yet.

Appearing at the Rock and Shock convention in Worcester, Massachusetts last weekend, Campbell was able to discuss the new film a little bit without giving away any details. During a Q&A, Campbell said that the story will 

pass it along to another idiot to try and stop evil from destroying the world. One idiot tried, he did pretty good. It's time to let other innocent people with no skills try to save the world. And there's more stories to tell. So we think we have a cool premise. We have a new filmmaker that Sam Raimi has hand chosen. So he's very involved in it. Will be involved in the story. And we'll try and make sure the actors don't completely suck." 

When asked if franchise hero Ash will be appearing in the new film to "pass the torch" to the new set of innocent idiots, Campbell seemed to reiterate his retirement from the role. He said there won't be any ceremonial passing of the torch, Ash is 

not going to pass anything other than gas these days."

Instead of continuing the Ash story, the new film is moving on to other characters because there are other EVIL DEAD stories to tell.

There’s lots of stories of creepy books and innocent people, lots of people to torment."

I really want to see Campbell play Ash again, I would love to see him reunited with his Ash vs. Evil Dead co-stars in a new movie. But while speaking with Craig S. Semon of the Telegraph in Worcester, Campbell said he's happy where he left Ash at the end of Ash vs. Evil Dead.

You finally let the schmo have his day. Ash’s not just a guy in a crappy trailer home. He’s actually is a guy written up in an ancient book (the ‘Necronomicon’). So he goes off to battle evil in the future with a hot robot chick. What the hell's wrong with that? It’s perfect."

And if they had done another season, Campbell would have wanted Ash to die while saving the day. So maybe it's better that we leave it at the ending the show did get.

If they want to tell the story of a different set of characters being tormented by the evil forces unleashed by the Book of the Dead now, that's fine by me. I'm very curious to find out who they have hired to direct this film. 

This weekend @rockandshockusa, #BruceCampbell said there will be another #EvilDead movie but not with #Ash & not with @GroovyBruce pic.twitter.com/k9PGe367O8

— Craig Semon (@CraigSemon) October 16, 2019