The Evil Dead Remake and What to Expect from Producers Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert and Bruce Campbell

The Evil Dead is getting a remake, and not all fans are going to be happy. Even though Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert and Bruce Campbell are endorsing this project as producers. Their motives lie beyond the obvious dollar signs and giving a new life to a 28-year old product.

“Amy Pascal and Jeff Blake at Sony and Peter Schlessel at FilmDistrict have always been incredible partners who share our passion for great storytelling as well as our obsession for scaring the pants off the audience,” Tapert told Fangoria.

Even more saddening is the fact that Ash is no longer a character in this reimagining—he is the glue that tried to keep the gang together throughout the first two films when the Necronomicon, a book that can do more than just resurrect the dead, is discovered. Legions of undead want the book back. In Army of Darkness, the book is still at the center of attention, and Ash had to fight himself just so he can return home.

In order to make this re-imagining successful, fans should have faith in what the producers are doing. They are not ignoring the product; instead, they are keeping an eye on it. The big three are leveling the playing field. To have another actor may not live up to the role of Ash is not the problem. After all, with the success of the "Evil Dead, The Musical," there are plenty of actors who can be Ash. What most of them are doing is mimicking Campbell’s shtick. They can insert some of their own charm, but they’re also actors who have incredible stage presence. Without it, Ash is not so groovy.

Campbell has been quoted on Upcominghorrormovies.com as saying, “We didn't want to have the direct comparison. I wouldn't want to put an actor in that position."

The character of Ash is basically being retired so a new hero can be introduced. If a remake is to succeed, it should not copy the original verbatim.

“I really hope people don't think that that's what I was hired to do. I came in and worked on characters and relationships, things like that," said co-writer, Diablo Cody on Upcominghorrormovies.

Where Evil Dead, the remake, can go is to be as new and innovative as it can get. Even Raimi wants a new director to "reinvent" the film. Raimi, Tapert and Campbell will ensure that there will be a quality product when it finally films and is delivered to a new generation of fans. When considering that Clive Barker has not been involved with his seminal Hellraiser franchise after the third film, just look where that has gone.

Attached to this movie is Uruguyan filmmaker Fede Alvarez (Panic Attack!). Along with Rodo Sayagues, the two are writing the initial treatment to the new Evil Dead. Diablo Cody is doing rewrites and production is scheduled to start next year.

Sources:

The Evil Dead Remake Finds A Home - Fangoria

Upcoming Horror Movies

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