Originally created by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, Oz the Great and Powerful), the Evil Dead franchise is finally making its triumphant, blood-splattering return in a 10-episode television series set to premiere on Starz. Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead, Burn Notice) reprises his role as Ash Williams, the stock boy and 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, both personally and literally. Though older and considerably less wise, Ash grabs the boomstick and chainsaw for once last battle against the horrors that plagued him so many years ago.
Though Campbell’s Ash is firmly the series’ lead, the show features several new and recognizable faces. Ash vs Evil Dead co-stars Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) as a Deadite-hunter who believes Ash is the cause of the Deadite outbreaks, Jill Marie Jones (Sleepy Hollow) as an ex-cop on the hunt for the chainsaw-wielding Ash, Dana DeLorenzo (Californication) as a smart, sarcastic co-worker of Ash’s and Ray Santiago (Dexter) as Ash’s fellow stock boy and trusted sidekick.
What’s so great about this trailer is not only the gore, blood and Ash himself, but the comedy. Evil Dead fans will remember with considerably less fondness the 2013 Evil Dead reboot. Though featuring fantastic practical effects and copious amounts of blood, the Raimi produced film lacked any sense of humor and suffered from the same pitfalls that plagued most modern horror films, including a cast of characters that were as wooden and unlikeable as your everyday Jai Courtney. With Ash vs Evil Dead, the humor that made the series as popular as it was seems to have returned in full force. The trailer features plenty of physical comedy, sight gags and Ash’s signature charm and total lack of self-awareness.
Ash Vs Evil Dead will shamble its way to Starz on October 31, 2015.
What do you think reader? Impressed by the first trailer? Do you like that the show has returned to the franchise’s comedic roots? Let us know in the comments below!
