Bruce Campbell addresses the delays in theAsh vs. Evil Deadanimated series. Campbell is known for his work on theEvil Deadseries, which began in 1981. Campbell plays the lead role of Ash Williams in the series, who is a college student who is forced to survive after the four people he is vacationing with face demonic possession. Ash remains the lead character in the following two films,Evil Dead IIandArmy of Darkness.The Evil Deadwas also developed into a TV series, titledAsh vs. Evil Dead, which ran for three seasons.
In an exclusive interview withScreen Rantfor his new showHysteria!, Campbell discusses the status of theAsh vs. Evil Deadanimated adaptation. Campbell first confirmed that “[they]’re developing an animated series.” TheEvil Deadactor did not seem to have concrete updates, however, as to when that series would arrive. Instead,he notes that “things like this take forever, though.”. Check out the full quote from Campbell below:
Well, we’re developing an animated series, so I can still do that. Things like this take forever, though. So check back in about five years. [Chuckles]
The Show’s Development Stage Is Unclear
The statement from Campbell comes nearly three years after the actor initially teased his interest in the project in December 2021. InJuly 2022, the actor verified that anAsh vs. Evil Deadanimated show was in talks, and then last year, he confirmed that it was in active development. At the time, Campbell mentioned they were “actively pursuing it,” while still noting thatEvil Deadseriescreator Sam Raimiis “a busy guy.” From the most recent quote, it seems like that development is not as active as the 2023 quote would imply.
Why Ash vs Evil Dead Season 4 Isn’t Happening
Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell had big plans for Ash vs Evil Dead season 4. Here’s why the series was canceled before they could finish the story.
Campbell is also correct that animation can take a long time. With a series as beloved asThe Evil Dead, Raimi, Campbell, and the rest of their team will want to make sure that they get it right. If they’re still very early on in development, however, the desire for perfection in a project like this could further delay things for theAsh vs. Evil Deadanimated series. Other adult animated series, such asInvincible, have also taken years between seasons, so even if the series releases to success, it might be a while before the next installment arrives.
The originalAsh vs Evil Deadwas cancelled after three seasons, despite the cast wishing to continue the story.
Campbell Has A New Show Coming Out
That said,there is an element that might pushAsh vs. Evil Deadto move a bit faster. This is the resurgence in Campbell’s horror/horror-comedy popularity with his upcoming show Hysteria! which releases this Friday, October 18, and features Campbell in a key guest starring role. IfHysteria!proves to be popular, I can imagine that Raimi and his team might be more apt to make development on theAsh vs. Evil Deadanimated series a priority.
Ash vs Evil Dead
Cast
Set thirty years after Army of Darkness, Ash vs. Evil Dead is a black comedy/horror series that stars Bruce Campbell back in the role of Ash Williams. Ash has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity, and the terrors of the Evil Dead until a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind. Forced to come out of his combative retirement, Ash partners with two fellow co-workers at the Value Stop store to face off against the Evil Dead.
