Unleashing Unprecedented Horrors: Evil Dead Rise Director Opens Up About Future and New Blood at the Helm

Lee Cronin, the second filmmaker to take on the Evil Dead franchise after its creator Sam Raimi, is optimistic about its future following the release of Evil Dead Rise. The film serves as a standalone addition to the horror series, following a family in a dilapidated apartment in Los Angeles who inadvertently discover the Naturom Demonto and unleash the evil Deadites. With the best reviews for an Evil Dead movie in over 30 years, attention has turned towards what lies ahead for the franchise.

In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant discussing the home release of Evil Dead Rise, Lee Cronin discussed the possibility of his return to direct future installments in the Evil Dead franchise. While emphasizing that he and the creative team are not in a rush to release a sequel, Cronin expressed his satisfaction with the success of the new film and mentioned that he believes he has paved the way for other directors to join the franchise. See below for Cronin's full statement:

Yeah, I believe there is tremendous potential for

How Evil Dead Rise Set Up Multiple Sequels

to occur. Currently, we are basking in the success of this movie. It is crucial not to hastily exhaust its resources. Throughout the development of the film, Rob Tapert and I, who was present on set while I was shooting, engaged in discussions about various ideas and possibilities. With Evil Dead Rise, I have possibly expanded the opportunities for other voices to contribute. I feel that I have widened the scope of the universe, surpassing previous limits. The existence of three books, as portrayed not only in a playful moment in Army of Darkness but also as an integral part of the lore and mythos, has clarified and expanded the canon. As a huge fan, I find these movies incredibly enjoyable, terrifying, and challenging to create. As a filmmaker, I actively seek out challenges. Therefore, there are certainly thoughts and ideas floating around, and we have had discussions regarding when and how

How Evil Dead Rise Set Up Multiple Sequels

might come into existence. Ultimately, the timing and manner of its occurrence are left to the whims of the film gods.

Since the movie's release, Cronin has hinted at various ideas for a potential Evil Dead Rise sequel. One idea is a prequel that delves into the Book of the Dead, with a priest similar to John Wick battling hordes of Deadites. Another possibility is continuing the story of Kassie and Beth as they navigate life after surviving the events of the movie. Fans of the franchise have shown great enthusiasm for the former concept, believing it has the potential to both reinvent the series and pay homage to its comedic roots.

The potential return of Bruce Campbell's Ash Williams is another reason why audiences have a hopeful outlook on a prequel to Evil Dead Rise. After a sneaky cameo teasing Ash's displacement from the medieval-centric Army of Darkness, fans are eager to see him in action again. Although Campbell has expressed interest in an Ash vs. Evil Dead animated show rather than a live-action format, he hasn't ruled out the possibility of a new movie helmed by Sam Raimi.

Alternatively, the future of the Evil Dead franchise could revisit the iconic woods setting. Evil Dead Rise's opening and closing segments introduce a young adult named Jessica who commits a gruesome act at a lakeside cabin, suggesting a return to the franchise's roots of isolated woodland stories. On the other hand, there is also the potential to explore new territory similar to the apartment building featured in Evil Dead Rise. This is made feasible by the existence of multiple books in the franchise's world, offering the opportunity for both familiar and fresh storytelling.