Starz Orders ‘Evil Dead’ TV Adaptation From Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert
Starz has greenlit an adaptation of classic horror film “The Evil Dead.”
The 10-episode half-hour series, titled “Ash Vs. Evil Dead,” reunites the original filmmakers, director Sam Raimi, with longtime producing partner Rob Tapert and star Bruce Campbell. It is set to air next year.
“Starz first worked with Sam and Rob on ‘Spartacus,’ and we are thrilled to be back in business with them,” Starz's managing director, Carmi Zlotnik, said in a statement. “With Sam writing and directing and Bruce Campbell returning to the screen, we are certain the show will give Evil Dead fans around the world the fix they've been craving.”
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Campbell will reprise his role as Ash, the stock boy, aging lothario and chainsaw-handed 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 — personal and literal. Destiny, it turns out, has no plans to release the unlikely hero from its “Evil” grip.
“Evil Dead has always been a blast. Bruce, Rob, and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to tell the next chapter in Ash's lame, but heroic saga,” said Raimi. “With his chainsaw arm and his ‘boomstick,’ Ash is back to kick some monster butt. And brother, this time there's a truckload of it.”
Raimi will direct the first episode.
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“Ash Vs. Evil Dead” was written by Raimi, Ivan Raimi (“Darkman,” “Army of Darkness”) and Tom Spezialy (“Chuck,” “Desperate Housewives”). Raimi will also serve as executive producer, along with Tapert and Campbell. Ivan Raimi will Co-Executive Produce and Aaron Lam (“Spartacus”) will serve as producer.
“The Evil Dead” was released in 1981. Made on a $375,000 budget, the movie went on to earn $29.4 million in worldwide box office. It also spawned a media franchise, including two sequels, as well as video games and comic books and a recent reboot that grossed $97 million worldwide.
Marta Fernandez will serve as the executive in charge at Starz.
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CAA and Craig Jacobson at Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush & Kaller packaged the ”Ash Vs. Evil Dead” project.
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