It’s been a long wait for the next chapter in the Evil Dead franchise, especially for those of us who were left wanting more after the cancellation of Ash vs Evil Dead. Luckily, the wait will soon be over. According to a new announcement, Evil Dead Rise has finally started shooting. What’s more, it’s been revealed that Evil Dead Rise will be released directly on HBO Max!
The director of the film, Lee Cronin, gave posted the following photo on his Twitter account:
Day 1. #EvilDeadRise pic.twitter.com/bWNpC8Ex3b
— Lee Cronin (@curleecronin) June 6, 2021
As revealed via Variety, we also now who will be playing the two leads in the film. It’s nice to see that things are finally moving along nicely. Here’s what was stated:
“The next chapter in the saga builds off the original trilogy, rather than the 2013 reboot. Evil Dead Rise moves the action out of the woods and into the city. The twisted tale centers on two estranged sisters, portrayed by Alyssa Sutherland and Lily Sullivan, whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable.”
It’s exciting to know that the new movie will be based around “the original trilogy.” Hopefully we’ll have more story details soon as to what that means, especially if Evil Dead Rise shares the same continuity as the original movies and show. As for the film happening with New Line Cinema, executive producer and original Evil Dead director Sam Raimi had this to say about the new film bringing things full circle:
“I’m thrilled to bring Evil Dead back to its original home at New Line 40 years after the release of the first film,” Raimi said in a statement. “The company’s history as pioneers of horror speaks for itself. I’m equally excited to be working with Lee Cronin, whose gifts as a storyteller make him the ideal filmmaker to continue the enduring legacy of the franchise.”
Fellow executive producer Bruce Campbell had this to add:
“At its core, Evil Dead is about ordinary people overcoming extraordinarily terrifying situations. I can’t wait for Alyssa and Lily to fill the blood-soaked shoes of those who have come before them and carry on that tradition,” Campbell stated.
Finally, director Lee Cronin had this final statement to offer:
“The Evil Dead movies filled my brain with terror and awe when I first saw them at 9 years old,” Cronin said. “I am excited and humbled to be resurrecting the most iconic of evil forces for both the fans and a whole new generation.”
Lee Cronin, who was hand-picked by executive producer Sam Raimi, will write and direct Evil Dead Rise for HBO Max. The film will also be executive produced by original Evil Dead producer Robert Tapert. Stay tuned for more details including release date information as we have it.