Important Highlights
- An animated series based on Evil Dead is currently in development, though the pace is sluggish, potentially delaying its release to “years”from now.
- Bruce Campbell has confirmed he will not return for the upcoming Evil Dead films due to physical constraints.
- While there are delays, the animated series continues to progress, with a possible premiere around 2026.
Even though the original Evil Dead movie debuted 23 years ago this month, the franchise remains vibrant. After a couple of quieter years, it is witnessing a notable revival. This resurgence includes the anticipation of a new animated series set to debut in the foreseeable future.
This forthcoming animated installment will contribute to the evolving lineup of Evil Dead content. The latest theatrical release, Evil Dead Rise, marked a continuation of the saga, though Bruce Campbell was not part of this iteration. He reprised his iconic role of Ash Williams in the Ash vs Evil Dead series, which aired from 2015 to 2018. That show significantly revitalized the franchise’s popularity, making the introduction of an animated series a likely next step. However, recent comments from Campbell have dampened expectations for those anxiously awaiting its launch.
Campbell’s Disappointing Update on Evil Dead
In a conversation with Comic Book regarding his latest venture — a project focused on the Satanic Panic, which is unrelated to the Evil Dead universe — Campbell touched on the status of the animated series. He indicated that while the project is indeed advancing, the progress is painstakingly slow, stating that a final version may not be ready for “years”as development moves at a “slow-motion, molasses”pace.
During the discussion, Campbell revealed that two additional Evil Dead films are in the works, capitalizing on the improved special effects available compared to those in the first film released in 1981. Although a 2013 reboot garnered favorable reviews, it was the Ash vs Evil Dead series released two years later that truly reignited enthusiasm for the franchise.
In his remarks, Campbell explained the need for an animated format due to his inability to commit to the physical demands of portraying Ash, as the role entails frequent skirmishes with Deadites. He expressed his passion for the character and desire to continue embodying him, yet emphasized his need to avoid the physically taxing aspects of performing. Consequently, this limitation explains why he will not be appearing in Evil Dead Rise or the upcoming films.
The pressing question now revolves around when the animated Evil Dead series will arrive on screens, as well as the network or streaming platform that will showcase it. These particulars may be part of the slow-moving development process. Fortunately, even though the series was announced earlier this summer, it seems there are no indications of it being abandoned. However, projections suggest that 2026 is the earliest we might expect the series to debut.
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