Unleashing Pure Terror: Evil Dead Rise Director Teases Bruce Campbell's Epic Ash Comeback

After the actor retired from playing the character in live-action, the director of Evil Dead Rise discusses the possibility of Bruce Campbell's Ash Williams making a comeback. The latest installment in the horror franchise was the second to not showcase Campbell's iconic Deadite-slaying hero as the main focus. Instead, it centered around a weary young woman who must protect her nieces and nephew from their possessed mother. Campbell did have a secret cameo in Evil Dead Rise, which director Cronin has essentially confirmed to be a version of Ash from a different time on an ancient recording.

During an exclusive interview with Screen Rant for the home release of the movie, Lee Cronin, the director of Evil Dead Rise, commented on the potential future of the franchise. When asked if he would advocate for Bruce Campbell's return as Ash in a sequel that he directs, Cronin expressed his desire for it to happen but hinted that the decision ultimately rests with the actor himself. Read below to see what Cronin explained.

What Bruce Campbell Has Said About Ash's Future

When you have a force like Bruce Campbell, a man who has given life to the legendary hero Ash, it becomes clear that he is not one to be easily swayed. Thus, if Ash were ever to make a comeback, it would most likely be because of Bruce's determination and influence. While I cannot speak for him, there are surely many voices vying for his attention. Nevertheless, in the unpredictable world of movies, anything is possible.

In late 2021, Campbell made a public announcement about his decision to retire Evil Dead's Ash. He stated that due to physical limitations and a desire to shift the focus of the story, it was time for him to step away from his iconic character. This news left fans of the horror franchise heartbroken, especially considering the cliffhanger ending of Ash vs. Evil Dead. In the finale, Ash found himself stranded in a post-apocalyptic future following his apparent victory over Kandar the Destroyer, leaving viewers eager for resolution.

Since then, Campbell has remained steadfast in his decision to keep a live-action version of Ash retired. However, he has shown interest in voicing the character in an animated Evil Dead show, which he and Sam Raimi are currently developing. It is uncertain whether this show will continue from the previous one's cliffhanger or if it will feature a completely new story. In March of this year, Campbell revealed that his one condition for returning to a live-action Evil Dead movie would be if Raimi himself directed it.

Despite working on big-budget films like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Raimi has expressed his desire to direct a new Evil Dead movie with Campbell as Ash. He also remains hopeful for the previously abandoned plans for a sequel to 2013's Evil Dead and other related projects. With Evil Dead Rise expanding the world of Deadite terror and offering a subtle way to bring Ash back, the future of the franchise is uncertain but intriguing.