Sam Raimi decapitates fake Evil Dead sequel in court battle

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Remember those crazy dolts who thought they could just make an unauthorized EVIL DEAD sequel (to be brilliantly subtitled CONSEQUENCES)? We told you their silly story back in May, but perhaps you need a quick refresher:

A production company called Award Pictures attempted to convince the world that it held the trademark on EVIL DEAD, claiming that Sam Raimi and company abandoned their hold on it when, in the 2000 book, “The Evil Dead Companion,” the filmmakers said they would never make another sequel.

Naturally, Renaissance Pictures, the production company formed by Raimi, Robert Tapert and Bruce Campbell in 1979, had an issue with this, and proceeded to sue “Award Pictures,” although it’s funny to think they even needed get to that point.

Unsurprisingly, Raimi has won the court battle; Judge Dale Fisher ruled that Awards Pictures is “permanently enjoined” from “using the EVIL DEAD name or mark or any derivation or colorable imitations thereof, or any name or mark that is confusingly similar thereto, including but not limited to the names Evil Dead; Evil Dead: Genesis of the Necronomicon; Evil Dead: Genesis of the Necronomicon, Part 2; Evil Dead: Consequences, (collectively, the “Prohibited Names”), as or as part of the title of a motion picture, television program, video game, play, book or any other form of entertainment provided or to be provided through any media, or in connection with the promotion, development, distribution, or production of any form of entertainment.”

All that is to say, don’t let the door hit you on the way out, you daft bastards. If you like legalese, maybe you’ll enjoy reading the entire judgment HERE.


From the Raimi-produced EVIL DEAD remake, Jessica Lucas

Source: Deadline.com

About the Author

Eric Walkuski is a longtime writer, critic, and reporter for JoBlo.com. He's been a contributor for over 15 years, having written dozens of reviews and hundreds of news articles for the site. In addition, he's conducted almost 100 interviews as JoBlo's New York correspondent.