Starz has officially greenlit a ten-episode sequel series based on the cult horror franchise Evil Dead with original director Sam Raimi, producer Bob Tapert and star Bruce Campbell all back to dabble with the Necronomicon once again. The show will air sometime in 2015 in weekly half-hour episodes under the title, Ash Vs. Evil Dead.
The deal struck with the Starz network is one that’ll likely satisfy diehard fans of the long-running franchise. Why? Because the original collaborative team are back again! Raimi, Tapert and Campbell will executive produce, Ivan Raimi will co-executive produce and Dead newcomer Aaron Lam will tackle the main producer duties.
Earlier this year, Raimi revealed plans for the series at the San Diego Comic-Con, the pilot for which he will direct and also co-write with his brother Ivan and Tom Spezialy (Reaper).
“Evil Dead has always been a blast,” Raimi said in the announcement. “Bruce, Rob, and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to tell the next chapter in Ash’s lame, but heroic saga. With his chainsaw arm and his ‘boomstick,’ Ash is back to kick some monster butt. And brother, this time there’s a truckload of it.”
The original 1981 movie followed Campbell’s oafish Ash and his friends as they ventured to a cabin in the woods and unwittingly unleashed an ancient evil that turned the group into a bunch of raving, screeching nutters. It understandably spawned a cult following and a clutch of sequels.
For a glimpse at what’s in store for this next round of Deadite action, check out the official synopsis:
“Bruce Campbell will be reprising his role as Ash, the stock boy, aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of the Evil Dead. When a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind, Ash is finally forced to face his demons –personal and literal. Destiny, it turns out, has no plans to release the unlikely hero from its ‘Evil’ grip.”
So, Campbell will be romping back into the depths of hell once more, eh? The actor seems unfazed by typecasting, in fact, he seems quite happy about it, telling reporters:
“I’m really excited to bring this series to the Evil Dead fans worldwide — it’s going to be everything they have been clamoring for: serious deadite ass-kicking and plenty of outrageous humor.”
Folks, this is quite possibly the finest Monday ever, as Ash Vs. Evil Dead is coming to the small screen in the next twelve months. Now come on, tell us honestly, who wants some?
