'Evil Dead' Sequel With Creator Sam Raimi and Original Actor Bruce Campbell Coming to HBO Max

A sequel in the cult horror franchise Evil Dead is coming to HBO Max, with creator Sam Raimi and original actor Bruce Campbell (who portrayed Ash Williams) officially on board.

According to reports, the upcoming film is entitled Evil Dead Rise and will be directed by filmmaker Lee Cronin, produced by Robert Tapert and executive produced by Raimi and Campbell (he will not be appearing on-screen). Its been confirmed that the sequel will continue from the original 1981-1992 trilogy rather than the 2013 reboot, and will follow 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.”

“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.”

Campbell added, “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.”

Production will begin in New Zealand this June, but an official release date is yet to be announced.

In related news, take a look at everything that’s coming and leaving HBO Max in June 2021.