11.06.06
Bruce Campbell vs. Spider-Man?  Ash Williams vs. Wolverine?  The Chin vs. The Thing?  Newsarama says it's happening - in the world of comics!  Marvel Zombies vs. Army of Darkness is a crossover comic book event beginning in March that will pit The Evil Dead franchise's hero of Ashley J. Williams in the fan favorite world of the Marvel Zombies.  Is our favorite Deadite destroyer in over his head taking on a superpowered and undead Marvel Universe?  Read on for the details!

If the continued strong sales of Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead and the breakout success of Kirkman’s Marvel Zombies limited series are any indications, comic book fans love the flesh-eating undead.  So, while no one should be surprised there will be a 2007 follow-up to the bestselling Marvel limited series, exactly who the zombified Marvel icons will be trying to devour this time around is both surprising yet perfectly logical at the same time…

His name is Ashley J. Williams...

Marvel Zombies Vs. The Army of Darkness is a five-issue crossover limited series (packaged by Dynamite, solicited by Marvel), co-published by Dynamite Entertainment/Marvel Comics and Marvel’s first multi-part inter-company crossover since 2003’s JLA/Avengers.  Debuting in March, the smash-up of the Marvel Universe and the cult horror film franchise will be written by John Layman, with art by Fabiano Neves and June Chung, and covers by Marvel Zombies cover artist Arthur Suydam.  Oh, and serving as a creative consultant on the project is the aforementioned foremost authority on the comic book undead ? particularly Marvel’s - Robert Kirkman.

Spinning directly out of the closing pages of Dynamite’s December release Army of Darkness #13 (which will go on hiatus for the length of this in-continuity crossover), Marvel Zombies Vs. The Army of Darkness takes place before the Ultimate Fantastic Four introducing a zombified Marvel Universe - and takes place concurrently with Kirkman’s own upcoming prequel to his 2005 limited series.

“I've always been a big fan of Army of Darkness since I first bought it on VHS a long time ago and watched it every night before going to sleep during my senior year of high school,” Kirkman told Newsarama. “I think people are well aware of how much I love zombies... a love that also extends to the ‘Marvel’ variety.  This is a very good story that John Layman has concocted and I'm anxious to see it all come together.

“I'm on hand to ensure that this story weaves in seamlessly with the Marvel Zombie's prequel one-shot I've written [May's 48-page Marvel Zombies: Dead Days, penciled by Sean Phillips, covers by Suydam], ensuring that this will be a cool read alongside that.  I've advised John on what characters he could use, ones he couldn't, and where everyone is at this point in the time line.  John has taken that ball and run with it ..I expect it to be a slam-dunk.”

So with Kirkman’s hand helping guide the way, what does writer John Layman have planned..?  A Marvel Universe-type story with the wildest of wild cards thrown in?  Or something in the tone of the always over-the-top AoD with Marvel toys to chainsaw through?

“I have every intention of it being both,” said Layman.

“It is absolutely a Marvel Zombies story, and it is absolutely an Army of Darkness story.  Fortunately, I think there is a lot of overlap, because they both contain a generous (even excessive) heaping of humor with horror, comedy with the grotesque.  This is a story of a guy who is used to fighting the undead, who is used to being a hero, flung into a strange universe full of heroes ...heroes who are not only all crazed flesh-eating zombies, but ones with hundreds of different crazy super-powers.

“How's a guy with a chainsaw, a shotgun, and a smart mouth supposed to survive that?”

That said, Layman told us it’s also a typical AoD story in that it shows Ash facing “impossible odds, and up against horrific adversaries”...

“But for Marvel Zombies fans, it's another look into the hilariously twisted world of man-eating zombie superheroes,” Layman explained, “shown from almost a Marvels-style man-on-the-street perspective as the infection spreads out of control. Only, in this case, the man-on-the-street happens to be Ashley J. Williams, vanquisher of the Necromonmicon's Army of Darkness, who defeated evil in several different millennia in several different realities.  Now he's in the Marvel U.  It's him and his chainsaw vs. hundred of zombie superheroes...

And Ash doesn't plan on taking any $#!+!”

3.22.06
PennyBlood Magazine had an interview with Bruce Campbell about the intended remake of The Evil Dead recently, and here's what "The Chin" had to say:

“We don't really talk about [another] sequel too much 'cause Sam is too busy right now.  It would all be kinda moot.  But I think we're gonna do a remake.  It'll be a whole new story, though.  It won't be with Ash.  It'll be the evil book, and it'll affect a whole new group of people in a different situation.  More like a reinvention.  A lot of people, they got really crabby on the Internet when they first heard that type of stuff.  But, we would never do anything to insult them.  The trick is to take that premise - and we think it's a scary premise - and use some cool modern day FX… so we won't have green garden hoses in the shots.  We wanna make a flat out, scary-ass, un-rated horror film.”

I wholly fear the phrase "modern day FX" because it ALWAYS means CGI.  KNB EFX have created movie magic with an extremely minimal amount of CGI.  The are the undisputed modern masters of practical makeup and creature effects.  Though, I'm not gonna get all hot about things right now because Raimi has been talking about new Evil Dead films for over a decade, and we haven't seen one yet.  Once I see some evidence of one being made, maybe I'll have something of substance to say about it.

2.21.06
News from the NECA collectibles front, courtesy of Bloody-Disgusting:

Today NECA released the first image of their upcoming Medieval Ash figure from the cult fav Army of Darkness. The figure is a work in progress and yet it still looks incredible. In addition, there are also some sculpted pics from their Seed of Chucky set, which includes the amulet (finally)! Read on for your look at the new Ash. In addition, Figures.com reports that fans of Hellraiser will be delighted to know that the figure line isn't over yet. An Engineer Box Set is still slated for release in conjunction with a future Cult Classics series. While set contents are not concrete, NECA HOPES to pack Kirsty and the hospital room/hallway into the release. They also plan on having it connect to their recently released Hellraiser Lair. No further plans for Hellraiser gang, but NECA did assure that Clive Barker's Scarlet Gospels will see figure form... whenever the novel is completed. Also watch for an 18 inch New Nightmare Freddy with sound and interchangable heads... 
MEDIEVAL_ASH.JPG

2.3.05
Well, isn't Sam Raimi one confusing son of a bitch?  Apparently, he wants to do BOTH Evil Dead 4 AND the remake of the original Evil Dead.  The established Evil Dead team of Sam Raimi, Ted Raimi, Robert Tapert, and Bruce Campbell will handle the sequel while a completely new and different team will handle the remake.  It's very confusing, and it has the potential to be even more confusing.  First off, the latest reports from Bloody-Disgusting....

As I'm leaving the screening of Sam Raimi's Ghost House Pictures' Boogeyman (review coming soon), I ran into the Sam Raimi- the man behind the greatest cult flicks of all time, 'Evil Dead,' 'Evil Dead 2' and 'Army of Darkness'.  Sure I'm pissed that he's remaking 'Evil Dead,' but I still found myself like a giggling little school girl in his presence. After shaking his hand and wallowing in his glory- I was knocked back down to reality... Money.

So what's the word on Ash in the remake? Will he be slashing up ghouls with his chainsaw hand? Raimi replied, " It's a remake of the first 'Evil Dead,' so probably no ." I pleaded a little with him, asked him really? Why wouldn't you? He replied, " Because it's a remake of 'Evil Dead'. " So what exactly does that mean to me? He plans on doing 'Evil Dead 2,' and then bringing the chainsaw hand into action. Money, greed, turning his back on the fans.  Ironically enough I parked next to one of 'Raimi' cars from Spiderman, I made sure to flick it off nice and good before I walked off.  In other news, he talked a little about 'Spider-Man 3,' I tried ot get him to confess about Venom, only to get unclear answers that indicated that he might be part of the film. Once again I pleaded, begging- like my opinion would matter. I said you HAVE TO have Venom, HAVE TO! So yeah, if Venom is in 'Spidey 3' it's because of me (heh heh). "

Now, a more formal and detailed report from B-D as well....

SuperHeidi reports:

Sam Raimi and Tapert, when asked if they were considering Seann William Scott for the part of Ash, looked at each other for a minute and then, together said, "Who is that? " Sam then said, "I don't think I've ever heard of him."  In regards to 'Evil Dead 4 Raimi says, "There will be an Evil Dead 4, and there will ALSO be an Evil Dead Remake.  The remake will be produced by Ghost House pictures, (his company with Tapert) and it will star a new cast and a completely new director.  The point of Ghost House is that we want to bring new directors (like Takashi Shimizu of "the Grudge" to Hollywood and give them a chnace to make a good horror film."

On WHAT inspired him to allow the remake, Raimi said, " I love the original Dawn of the Dead, and I also really enjoyed the new Dawn of the Dead. I mean, they are both really great horror films. I want to let somebody with a fresh vision bring The Evil Dead to a new generation and a new audience with a different vision..."

Contrary to what Raimi told Mr. D, the remake will be Evil Dead 1 and 2 together, but remade with a higher budget and a new cast and crew. 

However, Raimi will be directing  and producing Evil Dead 4, which will star Bruce Campbell as ASH and will also have many of the actors from the previous Evil Dead movies. Raimi says that " This is the project I really want to make. The remake can belong to someone else, but part 4 will be a continuation of the original."  Ted and Sam Raimi have begun writing Part 4, and will be developing it for production later this year.  Bruce Campbell and Tapert will both be involved.

Of course, my commentary is here.  The further potential for confusion depends on the release dates.  If the remake hits before the sequel, it's gonna be majorly confusing.  The general public will be confused how they went from film number one to film number four so quickly as well as wondering where the other two chapters are.  Add to that different casts and glaring continuity errors.  They must release Evil Dead 4 first, and then, give a few years of leeway before launching a remake.  If New Line Cinema had done their remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre only a year after releasing Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III, it would've been a bit too unsettling.  You need to give the audience some time to let everything from the original franchise seep in and allow them to live with it for a time before restarting it all with a brand new cast and storyline.  You can't have both franchises fresh in people's minds without risking confusion from them, or at least leaving them with conflicted thoughts and ideas in their minds.  I'm still aggressively opposed to the remake, but if we do get Evil Dead 4, I can be happy enough.  Oh, and Bloody Disgusting did post their review of Boogeyman - 2 out of 5 skulls.

2.2.05
Yeah, all the rumors are true - The Evil Dead is the next classic horror film on the remake chopping block.  Why in god's name Sam Raimi thinks this is remotely a good idea is beyond me.  Doesn't the man have any pride in his work, respect for classic horror cinema, or any loyalty to the fans?  We've been screaming for over a decade that we want a fourth cinematic Ash adventure, but now, we get some putrid remake where none of the original cast or crew will be involved.  Yes, that's correct - Bruce Campbell wil not reprise his iconic role of Ashley J. Williams!  This is like making another Diry Harry film without Clint Eastwood, or another Rambo without Stallone!  Personally, I have lost gigantic amounts of respect for Sam Raimi over the last several months - I didn't like Spider-Man 2 much at all, then he shuns Ash's inclusion in the Freddy vs. Jason sequel (which might not even get made), he starts producing crappy ghost / haunted house films, and now, he lays this flaming bag of crap at the fans' doorsteps!  Now, there's apparently someone named Danté Tomaselli vying for the director's seat according to MoviesOnline....

"Needless to say, I'd love to direct an Evil Dead project. I've been wanting to make an all-out zombie splatter film for a long time. Something hard-core and gory as hell. I like that Tapert wants to produce a film that is an "assault."  I have a track record...3 features now -- and I can certainly work on low budgets.  Hell, I even have Ellen (Cheryl from the original) Sandweiss in my new film, Satan's Playground. She had so many interesting stories to tell about the making of the original. I'm planning on shooting THE OCEAN next, but I'd drop everything if this opportunity presented itself.  I'm a die-hard Evil Dead fan; I saw the cult classic in 1981 in theaters when I was 11. 
-Dante Tomaselli

As he further explains in his email: 

"I've had a lot of practice making low budget -- shot on film -- indie movies with budgets ranging right around Evil Dead's $350, 000. I  know horror fans hold The Evil Dead sacred. I'm aware that many  are ferociously against another one happening without the  original cast and director. I feel their pain - I agree. I wish Raimi would  direct it. I'm a fan of the original -- big time.  But the director and  producer have already stated that Raimi won't be directing. They've put the word  out there -- that they are looking for a director.  So, as a  hard-core Evil Dead fan and an indie horror director, it just makes sense for me  to be interested. I'm not begging for the job as your headline read - I'm  just putting my name into the mix of directors being considered. I respect the  integrity of the original so much. Believe me, I would never want to hurt its legacy."

9.20.03
Bruce Campbell spoke to the Seattle Times about several things including the rumored "ASH vs. FREDDY vs. JASON" triple threat square-off.  Bruce usually makes a quick denial about the resurrection of Ash and/or the EVIL DEAD series.  So, something about this movie idea has intrigued him enough NOT to deny the return of Ashley J. Williams.  Also, follow the link for talk about a "BUBBA HO-TEP" sequel.  Thanks to Bloody-Disgusting for the following snippet:

"Some executives at New Line are getting (excited) for that idea, which makes a lot of sense," Campbell told the paper. "But Ash has not been contacted to see what his franchise rate is. Funny thing is, it's actually a really cool idea, as long as there could be a satisfying end to that particular movie. There'd be no point for Ash to participate unless he could kick some major franchise ass."

7.29.03
Bruce Campbell suffered minor injuries in an automobile accident with a drunk driver.  Yahoo! has the news here:

"RUCH, Ore. - Bruce Campbell (news), an actor whose credits include "Evil Dead," "Hercules," "Xena, Warrior Princess" and "Spider-Man" suffered minor injuries in a weekend accident. Campbell, 45, of Jacksonville, was driving late Saturday when his car was struck by a Jeep driven by 36-year-old Steven Michael Sellers of Medford. Sellars, who was ejected from his vehicle and struck the windshield of the Explorer, was listed in critical condition Sunday with head injuries. Campbell, who has a cult following among horror film buffs, was treated and released from a local hospital. Sellars was cited by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department for driving under the influence of intoxicants, assault, failing to maintain lane of travel, driving while suspended and for outstanding traffic tickets."

I speak for, not only myself, but for Joe and all of Bruce's fans when I say, we're relieved that you walked out of this incident in good health.  And despite Mr. Sellers' foolish, dangerous actions, and poor judgment, I do not wish bad fortunes for him.  I'm sure Bruce would agree, no matter his feelings on the situation.  Best of health to both of them.

7.25.03
"BUBBA HO-TEP", the film starring EVIL DEAD hero, Bruce Campbell as the elderly Elvis, The King of Rock 'n Roll, taking on an ancient mummy in a retirement home with Ossie Davies on his side, has its theatrical trailer online at Apple.com.  I just watched it, and it is just gonna be a hilarious Bruce Campbell outing, and teamed up with PHANTASM creator Don Coscarelli, it can't miss!  No release date is known, but the film does now have a distributor.  Also, Creature-Corner posted news & details on a DVD trilogy box set being released in the UK (Region 2).  Seems like a nice package, and even THEY think it's worth getting (you'll understand when you read the article).

1.27.03
A small piece of news here on another 2-disc DVD release for "ARMY of DARKNESS".  It's again from Anchor Bay, and is entitled "THE BOOMSTICK EDITION".  Although, don't start considering trading in your "Limited Edition" version from a few years back because this release is identical to THAT release.  Same features, same two cuts of the film, same commentary....same everything!  I guess it's not much of a limited edition anymore.  For those unfamiliar with the specs on that ltd. edition, here's a short rundown:

DISC ONE:
U.S. Theatrical Cut in BOTH Widescreen & Full-Frame versions
Original Ending
Theatrical Trailer
Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Featurette "The Men Behind The Army" narrated by Bruce Campbell
Talent Bios

DISC TWO:
Widescreen presentation of the original Director's Cut f/15 min. of additional footage (in bootleg quality)
Audio commentary with Director Sam Raimi, star Bruce Campbell, & co-writer Ivan Raimi.
4 Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
Director's Storyboards

7.25.02
Well, if you don't happened to know by now, there have been many re-releases of the EVIL DEAD films on DVD.  First, the original film has been released in a special package entitled "THE BOOK OF THE DEAD" with many special documentaries, trailers, but the audio commentaries you've heard in the past.  Although, this has THX certified which means only the BEST audio & video (as possible with the original quality of the film).  Unfortunately, I have yet to sit down and watch the film from this release, but anything THX certified is a guarantee to superb quality!

Secondly, "EVIL DEAD 2: Dead by Dawn" has been released in a Limited Edition tin with many special features including widescreen presentation, audio commentary, featurettes, and much more!  Great release.  It's also avaliable in a standard edition DVD, but without any of the booklets, mini poster replica, and possibly other things.
And finally, you have the various releases of "ARMY of DARKNESS"!  First, the Limited Edition 2-Disc set featuring the theatrical & director's cut versions (well, more like an unpolished rough cut).  Deleted scenes, commentary, featurettes, and more are abound on this set.  Then, you have seperate releases for these two discs.  The regular theatrical cut & the director's cut.  Avaliable for your choosing.  The Limited Edition contains the original post-apocalyptic ending where Ash REALLY gets screwed!

Other than these video releases, nothing else significant has happened in the realm of the Evil Dead!

10.16.99
Can you believe it?  THQ will create an EVIL DEAD video game for the PlayStation called "EVIL DEAD: Ashes to Ashes".  It's promises to be the ultimate horror video gaming experience for all you Deadites out there.  Bruce Campbell & Renaissance Pictures will be heavily involed as the game will feature Ash voiceovers by Ash himself, Bruce Campbell, richly detailed animating backgrounds rendered & displayed in 24-bit - the first for a PlayStation game, gameplay comprised of action, exploration, and puzzle solving, a wide variety of enemies including new horrific deadites as well as some returning favorites, a large array of upgradable weapons, numerous in-game cinematic cut scenes as well as pre-rendered sequences, cinematic camera movements and angles true to classic horror films, enviroments from settings from "EVIL DEAD" as well as new & unique locales offering a variety of gameplay, and non-linear design allowing for added replay-ability.  Also, it will have full-motion, 2D backgrounds, and high-ratio compression schemes and several techniques proven to elude standard load times found in such games as Resident Evil & Dino Crisis.  Plus, the development team of Heavy Iron Studios (PARASITE EVE) will be involved with the development of the game as well.  Plus, the ultimate MUST is that sequels are to be planned for the single-player, realtime 3D adventure/horror game.  The target release date is in Fall of 2000.  Man, with Anchor Bay releasing the "ARMY OF DARKNESS" Limited Edition THX-certified DVD (w/the original Director's Cut & original ending), and soon to eb releasing THX-certified DVD editions of "THE EVIL DEAD" & "EVIL DEAD 2: Dead by Dawn", Sam Raimi's horror cult classic is really shooting into the next millenium, full-steam ahead!

7.21.99
GREAT NEWS!  The NEW 'EVIL DEAD' Special Edition DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment is in stores now in a way you've NEVER seen before!  Audio commentaries, Dolby Digital sound, trailers, and TONS more stuff!  It's the definitive EVIL DEAD experience!  Also, Anchor Bay will release an 'ARMY of DARKNESS' Special Edition DVD with Audio Commentaries, THX certified transfer, widescreen, and EXTRA FOOTAGE including the ALTERNATE ENDING!  There's so much more, but I think you get the idea!

2.14.99
Sad news people, the ED4 script that I posted last month has turned out to be false.  I found out from the Official WebSite of Bruce Campbell that so far there has been no serious talks about even writing an ED4/AoD2 script.  Bruce stated himself that since ARMY OF DARKNESS didn't make enough money, that there wouldn't be too much of a chance for UNIVERSAL to approve a sequel, and attempting to go with another studio would probably end-up in the same deal.  Stay posted to this page or Bruce Campbell Online for any true EVIL DEAD 4/ARMY of DARKNESS 2 news.

1.6.99
As stated before, Sam & Ivan Raimi, along with Bruce Campbell, are working on the script for EVIL DEAD 4.  As always, Renaissance Pictures will be involved, but it is unknown what movie studio will be.  It maybe Renaissance on its own (i.e. ED2) or they may join-up again with New Line Cinema or Universal Studios, but it's good to here that ED4 is in the works.  If production starts within the next few months, you can expect a mid-to-late release of 'THE EVIL DEAD 4'.