Some films featuring time-travel are meant for long discussions about physics and science (Interstellar we’re looking at you) while are some are best just enjoyed while eating a bucket of popcorn the size of your head. 1992’s Army of Darkness, the third film in the Evil Dead trilogy, is definitely the latter. At the end of Evil Dead 2 lead character Ash Williams (and his Oldsmobile) are transported from modern day America back to the medieval era, probably somewhere in Europe since he lands in the middle of Knights and Lords. He fights deadites, he charms a ladyfriend, and he looks for the magic book and phrase that will let him click his heels and get back home.
In 2014 Starz announced Ash vs. the Evil Dead, a comedic-horror series based on the films with original star Bruce Campbell, and developed by creator/director Sam Raimi. As the series premiere draws closer fans have been asking whether there will be the possibility of any time travel, a prospect that could be much more complex and interesting within the TV show format. What if Ash were to travel regularly, fighting in two – or many – ages?
Bruce Campbell finally spoke out on the topic in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “I would just say don’t be surprised if it does happen because it has happened. So I would say that would be on the table as well.” In true, brutally honest Bruce Campbell fashion he added, “Especially, once you get into a series, your stories have to cover you for five freakin’ years, you know what I mean?”
The first season episode titles and synopses have already been released (horror fan site Bloody Disgusting has a nice roundup here) so it does seem like viewers may have to wait until at least season 2 for any possible portal jumping.
But this whole project is a time-jump in one sense…It’s been 23 years since Campbell strapped on the chainsaw hand to play Ash in the films though he has reprised the role for some video games. He says the new series won’t be ignoring the passage of time, in the trailer you can see him lacing up his aging waistline. Campbell told EW’s Dalton Ross “Ash is definitely going to be a guy that is not really suited for the job.”
The original The Evil Dead had low box office earnings, just $2.4 million during it’s theatrical run. But for a low-budget film it was considered a success and rave critical reviews (Stephen King was an early fan) and word of mouth made it a cult classic. This new series is tapping into a strong fanbase as well as riding the wave of undead fever that’s followed The Walking Dead and even films like 28 Days Later, I Am Legend, and World War Z. The film franchise was technically rebooted in 2013 with an all new Evil Dead movie featuring new stars and a new director. Campbell and Raimi served as producers. Ash vs. the Evil Dead gives the two the opportunity to reunite with their old roles which has thrilled the fan community. There are rumors of more Dead movies with Campbell and Raimi but nothing has been confirmed.
Ash vs. the Evil Dead premieres on Starz Oct. 31, 2015.