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Inside is Nephren_ka's book review of Bruce Campbell's If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor. I know its late, well extremely late, but it's such a good book, we have to tell you about it. Read on for the review.

If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor

By: Bruce Campbell.

Published by: LA Weekly Books.

Reviewed by: Brian Sammons (nephren_ka).



Now this is a great book and how couldn't it be? After all, it's written by Bruce "don't call me Ash" Campbell. The Man! The Myth! The idol of a legion of rabid, die hard fans. The voice, the face, and yes, the chin behind one of the most quoted characters in movie history. One of the most overlooked and underrated actors of our time. The... the... okay, enough fanboy blabbering. I felt that I had to get that all out of my system as I am one of those rabid, die hard Campbell Cultists. Now that I have purged myself of that bit of hero worship, let's take an objective look at Bruce Campbell's autobiographical tale of Hollywood, television, early life in Michigan, and many other interesting (if somewhat random) topics covered by Bruce in this moderately sized tome.



The book starts with a humorous forward by Ivan and Sam Raimi. Then comes 51 chapters that follow Campbell's life in a mostly chronological order. While the bulk of this book covers Campbell's career, there are plenty of candid glimpses into his personal life. Not enough that they become overly sentimental and sappy and not enough to invade his privacy either, but just enough to show some of the man behind the actor; which is a nice thing since Campbell has become so identified with his best known character (Ash of the Evil Dead series) that it's sometimes hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. This book goes a long way toward helping to define that often blurry line.



Naturally, this book begins with Bruce's childhood, adolescence, school experiences and other normal, everyday events. Campbell describes the pertinent points of these subjects well and does so with a bit of wit and a good dose of self-deprecating humor that makes even the most mundane matters fun to read. However, it is important to note that Campbell does not seem to overplay the comedy. His stories about his family, school and whatnot ring true and do not appear to have been 'touched up' to make them more interesting or funny. This is a very good thing as too many biographies tend to deal with matters either too humorously or dramatically, depending on the picture they wish to paint of their subject. Reading this book, you get the sense that Campbell's telling you things straight, albeit perhaps with a slight smile or a wink and a nod every once and awhile.



Next, Campbell describes all his early acting experiments. These include his homemade movies he did with friends and the various acting troupes he played with. After a quick recount on his six month stay at Western Michigan University, Campbell relates some of the jobs he held as he was "trying to find himself." These include being a go-fer for a company that made local television commercials as well as a stint as a taxi driver. All of this is interesting and entertaining to read, but honestly, do you really care about that? Hell no, you want to know about the Evil Dead as, after all, this is Bruce Campbell. Well fear not my fellow horror-philes, Bruce knows which side of his bread is buttered and he?s not about to disappoint you. In fact, a good third of this book is all about the three Evil Dead films.

Bruce begins with the early concepts that he and fellow movie miscreants (Robert Tapert and Sam Raimi) thought up and tried out. This includes the now legendary prototype for Evil Dead called Within the Woods. Then comes the tales of scrapping together money, backers, crewmembers and cast, followed by a plethora of on set stories and behind the scenes goodies that will make any Deadite spew oddly-colored ichor with joy. Again, Bruce knows what made him famous (for better or worse) and so he delivers the goods in spades and then some.



But this book is not just an Evil Dead memoir. Far from it. Campbell delves into all of his "plum?" roles both on and off the silver screen. Even bit parts like his work on Congo and Escape From L.A. are covered, as well as near misses such as Bruce almost becoming the purpled tight-wearing superhero The Phantom; a part that eventually went to Billy Zane. Hell, Bruce even covers films that he was not in, only in for a second or two, or was supposed to be in but wound up on the cutting room floor. Two of his buddy Sam Raimi's films come quickly to mind that fit this bill, they being Darkman and The Quick and the Dead.



As an aside I've got to point out that one of the funniest chapters of the book is about Bruce and his work on the Tom Arnold flick, the McHale's Navy big-screen remake. This chapter is not funny because the film was funny (it really wasn't) or because of the on the set hi-jinks (there were a few) but because you really get the feeling that Bruce thinks Tom Arnold is an ass. This bit of honestly from someone in an industry famous for ass kissing is very refreshing.



Bruce?s work on the small screen is also well documented. From his short lived series Brisco County Jr. to his recurring rolls on Lois and Clark, Ellen, Hercules and Xena. Even his one shot appearances are documented such as his work on Homicide: Life on the Streets and the X-Files. It is important to note that this book was written before the short-lived Jack of All Trades series came out so that is missing but it does cover the never aired pilot for a golf-centric sitcom Bruce was in called Missing Links.



Then there's stuff on his Fanalysis documentary that he made (which is included in the ultra-cool Book of the Dead edition of the Evil Dead DVD), the various episodes of television shows that he directed, thoughts on living in Hollywood, dealing with fans_oh, and I didn't even mention the countless pictures found throughout the book. Well I could go on and on gushing about this book but do I really have to? If you are a Bruce Campbell fan or you just want a humorous insider's look at the entertainment industry then this book is for you. Well written, entertaining and insightful with more Bruce attitude then you can shake a boom stick at, what's not to like about this book?



Rating: 5 skulls out of 5.

Source: Brian S. (nephren_ka)

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If you didn't already have enough Ash merchandise, ActionFigureXpress is now taking pre-orders for the upcoming Army of Darkness Mez-itz line. But before you follow the link, read on for your first image of the finished product that is set for a November/December 2003 release.

Head on over to Action-Figure for more images!

Source: Action-Figure

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I'm really starting to get sick of old news being reiterated over and over again, but I guess it's good for people who missed it the first 1000 times. Well over at Aint it Cool News, they posted some comments from Sam Raimi indicating once again that he would still love to do an Evil Dead 4. If you didn't know already, he has said this numerous times and so has Bruce, read my interview with him to see. Point is, Army of Darkness flopped, and Ash really isn't a well known name, I get the weirdest look from people when I tell them about the Freddy vs Jason vs Ash idea, ended with a "who's Ash?" So until something solid gets posted, don't get your panties in a bunch, there's been talk for years now, and maybe one day you'll hear the words "green-light."

Source: Aint it Cool News

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Who's going to win seems to be the major dilemma surrounding the talks between owners of the Evil Dead, Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street franchises. Inside is one of two astounding scoops since Friday; reports are flowing in that talks are in extreme heat, and that this insane Ash vs Freddy vs Jason could actually happen!

In addition to our other news post from Friday here, Aint it Cool News received the following scoop, "This morning Gustav and Daria, two local Portland radio mini-celebs, interviewed the King- Bruce-I'm cooler-than-Colin-Farrell Campbell- on the opening/ short run of Bubba-Ho-Tep at Cinema 21."



"Daria began her last question with the warning to Bruce that he wouldn't like what she was about to ask, then preceded to tell him she'd interviewed Robert Englund a couple of weeks ago and he said a Freddy/ Jason/ Ash crossover was in negotiations and if Bruce could confirm that rumour."



"Bruce answered that "Robert was a pretty smart and perceptive guy" and that negotiations were underway by guys in suits at the studios. Basically the fight is over whose franchise would come out on top in the potential crossover..."



Very interesting, Bruce Campbell himself talking about this once considered rumor, he NEVER admits to anything! If things are getting this thick already, I wouldn't be surprised if you hear some sort of official announcement sometime in the near future, I don't think fans will be willing to wait another decade...

Source: Aint it Cool News

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Interesting enough, some rumors that seemed beyond ridiculous are actually beginning to take form! Everyone who knows Bruce Campbell knows that when it comes to Ash, it's always full denial, no hints, nothing, just a plain "no" for most. That's what makes this news reports so interesting, Bruce talking about New Line, Ash, Freddy and Jason? No Way!?...

While talking to The Seattle Times, Bruce Campbell was quoted as saying, "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." Want more? Then follow the link for some Bubba Ho-Tep sequel talk!

Source: The Seattle Times

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Action-Figure posted the following scoop about a line of Army of Darkness figures from Palisades that will be 3.75" in 2004, "Each 2-pack has a figure like, say Ash, with a Deadite figure, several accessories and figure bases. When you break it down each fig won't be THAT much more than a figure at that scale, but it will be a little more. Why 3.75? Why not? You can pack a LOT of detail into a 3.75-inch figure...and besides. We want people to be able to build an ARMY of Darkness...and at a six-inch scale that would fill up a room real fast." For more follow the link, I'm ready to build up my army!

Source: Action-Figure

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With all of the merchandise that's out there, I mean there's forty versions of each Evil Dead flick and now everyone seems to be scooping up rights from MGM. Action-Figure reports that Dynamic Forces has now purchased merchandise rights to Army of Darkness. The license allows for Dynamic Forces to produce trading cards, lithographs, giclees, acetate lithos, wall scrolls, hardcovers, limited edition bookends and full-size head busts statues featuring images and characters from the film.

Source: Action Figure

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Timothy Stevens emailed me, "Over at the news section of Tom Sullivan's website, there's a new post about an upcoming Evil Dead Prequel comics. Tom's the artist behind the Evil Dead; he created both the Book of the Dead and the Kandarian Dagger. Here's the post, "Tom currently just finished writing and designing the layouts for the first of three comic book Evil Dead prequels for Dead Dog Comics. Its a bloodbath! Expect a spring release." Sounds awesome, no? I can't wait to get my grubby little fingers on these puppies! I was also informed (by Ryan Rotten) that Fangoria was the first to report this comic in last months issue, and announce that Dead Dog is also putting out a Night of the Living Dead series entitled Barbara's Zombie Chronicles and a Howling series entitled Curse of the Blood Clan, which you can see teaser images for inside!

Dead Dog Comics informed me that the Night of the Living Dead comic is due out April/May of 2004. Here's an image they sent us!







Due Summer of 2004 is their series entitled Howling: Curse of the Blood Clan, here's an image:

Source: Tom Sullivan\'s website

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Over at Figures.com they are covering the UK Toy Fair and I stumbled across some sweet images from Palisades figures, those guys who make the kick ass Muppets Show figures. Palisades informed me that they will be 4 inches tall and they will be 2-packed together. Take a peak inside and check out these beauties that I speak of, I'm going to do some digging and hopefully we'll have some more news to report in the future...

You need to see this bigger don't ya? So click here!

Source: Figures.com

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Remember when it was announced at the NY Toy Fair that Palisades would be releasing a series of Army of Darkness figures this summer? Well now we've got images, and it's qute interesting how they're being sold, "This project marks a foray into a new product category for Palisades that of 3 ¾ action figures. Although other licensors have tackled this property before," says Palisades President & CEO Michael Horn, "No one has done it yet in this scale. The size and the price point is perfect for those collectors who are army builders. For the first time, collectors will truly be able to create their own Army of Darkness." Read on for a look at the figures!

Head on over to Action Figure for pictures of every single figure!

Source: Action-Figure

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Don't get too excited, even though the following scoop on Evil Dead 4 comes from a somewhat reputable source, it still smells of the ocean, and we all know New Line is trying to get Ash in their hands, so this news becomes even more fishy. Read on to see what I'm talking about.

Fangoria reports, "..Then, just this past week, the AFM Product Guide issue of Britain's Screen International magazine came into our possession (thanks to Fango scribe Matt Kiernan), and way in the back, on a page of last-minute additions that came in too late to be included in the main listings, is an entry that made us do a double take.



The company in question is the Connecticut-based Award Pictures, which has an even dozen projects listed under its banner. Among the lineup are the following two, reprinted here verbatim:



EVIL DEAD IV: CONSEQUENCES: Horror, 136 mins. Prod co: Award Pictures. Prod/scr: Graham MacCrae, Glenn MacCrae. Budget: $71m. Pre-production. Delivery date: 2004. Ash may need a hand fighting deadites, demons, the FBI and reality TV.



MORE BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA: Action/adventure, 127 mins. Prod co: Award Pictures. Prod/scr: Graham MacCrae, Glenn MacCrae. Budget: $75m. In development. Delivery date: 2005. With the mysteries of death revealed, Lo Pan returns and Jack Burton must stop him.



Needless to say, there are a number of things that give us pause about these announcements, not the least of which is how movies in preproduction and development can already have set running times. We called the phone number accompanying the listings, but no one has gotten back to us yet. If we hear any more about these, we'll be sure to keep you posted."

Source: Fangoria, Joseph A

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The Army rises again in July. Confirming and clarifying initial reports of Army of Darkness comics (while we wait for any Ash movie news), Devil's Due has announced that it will release Army of Darkness #1 in July, produced by their new studio partner, Dynamite Entertainment. Read on for details.

Newsarama continues, "The issue will be written by Andy (Danger Girl) Hartnell, with art by Nick Bradshaw. Covers for the issue will be provided by J. Scott Campbell, Marc Silvestri, Ben Templesmith, with the fourth cover being a photo cover. The four covers will be equally divided. Additionally a rare 1-in-25 J. Scott Campbell sketch cover will be available, as well as a Necronomicon retailer incentive cover.



As it was originally announced, Dynamic Forces had acquired the rights to Army of Darkness as a comic book property.



"I've been nothing short of incredibly impressed with what Josh [Blaylock, President of Devil's Due Publishing] has put together since striking out on his own," said Nick Barrucci, President of Dynamic Forces in a release. "When we got the license for the comics, with our license to do trading cards, lithos and statues, we knew we needed to have a cool publisher release the dynamite series! Now, with the creative teams involved, we're ready to send Army of Darkness straight to the top of the sales charts!"





Tied to the mythology made famous by Sam Raimi in his Evil Dead movies, Army of Darkness #1 showcases Ash in a story where the hero gets a chance at a "do-over" - a chance to set right a new problem he inadvertently caused when he misspoke the magic words in the Army of Darkness film. Straight from the comfort of S-Mart, Ash has to retrace his steps to a certain cabin in the woods he's all too familiar with.



According to both publisher Blaylock and Barrucci, Army of Darkness #1 is the firstfruit of a packaging partnership which will yield new projects by the likes of Jim Starlin and John Byrne.



"Army of Darkness is something we've wanted to do for a long time, and I'm psyched that DF chose us as a partner," Blaylock said. "Adding legends like John Byrne and Jim Starlin to the list was icing on the cake, and I can't wait to see what they do. It's an honor to have them published under my label."



Army of Darkness #1 will be in the Devil's Due section of the May Previews, for items scheduled to ship in July, 2004. The issue will retail for $2.99."

Source: Newsarama, Joseph A.

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Inside you'll find an image of both Palisades exclusive 2-Pack that includes a figure of Ash splitting in two, as well as a repainted version of a Deadite Scout figure and a resin statue based on the "Evil Ash" character. The figures stand approximately 4" tall and feature an incredible 20 points of articulation. This 2-Pack also includes various accessories, including Deadite mace, sword, dagger and shield, a shotgun and holster, the Necronomicon, and seperate bases for each character! Blister card packaging and scheduled to ship September 2004 for $14.99. The statueis produced to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Army of Darkness and is limited to 1993 pieces. read on for images.

News courtesy of Action-Figure and Figures:

Source: Figures, Action-Figure.com

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Youri Zoutman informed me that if you head on over to Newsarama, you can take a look at brand new images from the forthcoming Army of Darkness comic book, which hits stores in July for $2.99 an issue. J. Scott Campbell, Marc Silvestri, and Ben Templesmith will each be making a cover for the release, while the fourth cover will feature some sort of photo. Just follow the link to see a six page preview of this bad-ass looking comic entitled Ashes 2 Ashes!

Source: Newsarama, Youri Zoutman

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Palisades Army of Darkness mini toy line is coming mid summer, and there are already packed shots of the figures. Now you can create your own Army of Darkness at home, with Palisades' new fully articulated and eye-poppingly detailed 4-inch scale action figures. The sets will include: Hero Ash/Deadite Scout 2-pack, Pit Witch/Deadite Centurion 2-pack, Knight/Deadite Pikeman 2-pack and Deadite/Deadite Footsoldier 2-pack. Read on for a look at the packed product.

Image courtesy of Action-Figure, The 2-pack mock up below shows Hero Ash with Necronomicon, Chemistry 101 book, Boomstick, holster & cloak and Deadite Scout with spear & shield:

Source: Action-Figure

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Palisades Toys is proud to present their first series of action figures based on director Sam Raimi's 1993 cult-classic film, Army of Darkness. Just announced is a brand new 4-inch figure coming in one the two-packs, the winged deadite! Inside you'll find an image of this beauty along with a link to more images.

For more images, head on over to Action-Figure:

Source: Action-Figure

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A brand-new Army of Darkness #1 by James Kuhoric and Nick (AOD: Ashes to Ashes) Bradshaw!? Hell yeah! The new comic book will feature five covers by the hottest and best artists working in comics today. Inside you'll find the story and some images...

Dynamic Entertainment WRITES:



"Grab the keys to the Oldsmobile and break out the boomstick 'cause Ash is back! The wisecracking everyman with a chin of steel comes face to face with something worse than Deadite possession. Unemployment.



Recently returned from his time traveling adventure to Egypt Ash gets a taste of department store bureaucracy when he is docked for the damages caused to the store and discovers the evil spirit from the woods now inhabits the aisles of S-Mart. As a full-blown Deadite invasion manifests Ash must fight his way through possessed shoppers and find the Necronomicon before the Army of Darkness is reborn in downtown Detroit.



This brand-new #1 features 5 incredible covers: Eric (Witchblade/Wolverine) Ebas Jae (Thing/Hulk) Lee Richard I(Ultimate X-Men) Isanove Paolo (Spectacular Spider-Man) Rivera and Nick (Army of Darkness) Bradshaw! Orders will be filled randomly from one of these 5 incredible covers!"

Source: Dynamic Entertainment

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[color=yellow]First let me catch my breath- ok I think I'm ok now. Nope, maybe not... I don't know what to think- I'm a little disturbed with the news, a little shocked, a little disappointed, a little pissed- and yet I'm excited, very excited. But it's official folks, official enough that it's probably safe to say 'Freddy vs Jason vs Ash' is dead. Read on and prepared to unload (something) into your pants after reading about Raimi's upcoming Evil Dead remake and then click here to talk about it...[/color]

I guess we all sell out sooner or later...



Variety breaks the shocking news:

"Spider-Man 2" director Sam Raimi and original producing partners Rob Tapert and Bruce Campbell are reteaming to produce a remake of the cult hit "The Evil Dead" through Ghost House Pictures, the joint venture of Raimi, Tapert and Senator Intl.



Raimi wrote, directed and produced the 1981 "Dead," which tells of five twentysomething friends holed up in a remote cabin who discover a Book of the Dead. When an archaeologist's taped translation of the text and its incantations is replayed, the youths unwittingly summon dormant demons that possess them.



Raimi will not direct the remake, so Ghost House is looking for a helmer to reinvent the franchise before a script is written.



Original pic spawned subsequent installments "Evil Dead II" and "Army of Darkness."



"Dead" will be fully financed by Senator Intl., which will hold worldwide rights to pic. Exec VP of motion pictures Nathan Kahane will oversee the pic for Senator.



" 'The Evil Dead' is such a special film to Sam, Rob, Bruce and horror fans that we are going to take great care in renewing this franchise," said Joe Drake, Senator Intl. prexy. "By keeping its original formula intact and given audiences' appetite for horror, we expect that we'll have a real hit on our hands."



Pic follows Ghost House's first horror release, "The Grudge," which has grossed more than $100 million worldwide to date.



Senator and Ghost House are developing a sequel to "Grudge."



Other upcoming pics include "Dibbuk Box" from the Pang brothers; "Scarecrow"; "30 Days of Night," in partnership with Columbia; and "Boogeyman," to be released by Screen Gems in February."

Source: Variety

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OK, it's official, I cursed us all with my little April Fools Day joke (laugh here)... but it's no laughing matter, this is serious. I think Spiderman ran out of webs and landed straight on Sam Raimi's head. Is it true? Ash will no longer be played by Bruce Campbell in the dreaded Evil Dead remake? Why not check out Bale, he can do everything (j/k). Inside you'll find the scoop along with news on who's beng rumored to play him...

Dark Horizons shocked me with this story from a scooper:

"I was one of the several dozen that submitted a Freddy vs Jason sequel treatment to New Line back in November 2003. It ended up that one of the execs there had his treatment - "Freddy vs Jason vs Ash" - met most favorably (saves starting up another payroll for an outsider you see?) and it was the one that was all set to go. Then things changed...



They began negotiations with Sam Raimi. I understand that as soon as Raimi saw that there was some interest in his Evil Dead franchise, he started thinking about other possibilities for the character and the remake idea was born out of that, and at the end of the day - money talked. He gets a bigger stake in ownership this way, whereas NL wanted a 'hand your character over to us' handshake. They were trying to work out a way they could both win, but it just didn't come off.



Anyway, Senator International is doing the new series of "Evil Dead" movies. And nope, Bruce Campbell - besides a cameo I assume - isn't going to playing Ash. Not sure whether that's the financing parties decision or Raimi's. Guessing the suits made the call. One name being thrown about for the part of Ash is a guy named Justin Theroux from "Charlies Angels: Full Throttle" and "Mulholland Drive". Will be interesting to see how the fans take to him and the new start in general".

Source: Dark Horizons

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The more I talk about it, the more I think about it, the more sick to the stomach I get- I officially hate the idea of remaking Evil Dead. But I need to get over it, considering I'm going to be bringing you every single piece of news that breaks regarding the remake. So here it begins anew, rumors rumors rumors that won't end until shooting begins. So here's 'Evil Dead' rumor mill part 3- guess who might play Ash? I think you'll want to stick a "pie" in Raimi's face...

Movies Online reports:



"It is now being reported by Dheatre.com that actor Sean William Scott is in the running to play Ash in the re-make of Evil Dead. I am not sure whether this is good or bad. I still want Bruce Campbell to play the role, and I dont think anyone can replace him in this role. Sean is a talented actor who plays good quirky roles, but please, nobody can top Bruce Campbell.



Bruce Campbell is rumored to be producing with Sam Raimi, and neither one is expected at this point to direct or be in the movie. I hope that as time passes this turns out to be untrue since both have gobs of talent and could make this movie top notch. The nominal plot involves five vacationing college kids (Ash played by Bruce Campbell, his girlfriend Linda, and their classmates Cheryl, Scott and Shelly) making an unplanned stopover in an abandoned mountain cabin surrounded by impenetrable woods. Before settling in for the night, they come across an ancient-looking occult tome filled with dense hieroglyphics and macabre illustrations, a dagger fashioned from human bones, and a reel-to-reel tape recorder."

Source: Moviesonline

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Sam Raimi, creator of the 'Evil Dead' trilogy, hasn't sold his soul to the devil just yet. According to a recent interview, Evil Dead 4 is "still in the cards." Read on for the scoop. The other week Raimi announced he would produce a remake of the original Evil Dead, alongside Ash himself, Bruce Campbell. No news on a director or Ash replacement yet...

Zap 2 It writes:

"When he's all finished with the "Spider-Man" franchise, director Sam Raimi thinks he'd like to go back to his horror roots and add to his "Evil Dead" series."

What, when Bruce is like 80?



Zap 2 it continues:

"Raimi first got noticed with his low-budget indie "Evil Dead" in 1981, followed by "Evil Dead 2" in 1987 and "Army of Darkness" in 1993 which follows the story of the reluctant demon killer Ash., played by Bruce Campbell, who has had cameos in all the "Spider-Man" films.



"I definitely want to do it and I think after -- whenever the Spider-Man jobs end -- I would love to dig in on that," Raimi says. "That's something I'm really looking forward to."



He's already approved the remake of his 1981 "Evil Dead" which is a sequel to "Army of Darkness," but he doesn't plan to direct the remake. Instead, he wants to continue the story with a fourth film."

Source: Zap 2 It

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myersman78 writes in on our message boards that, "I found this site that has behind-the-scenes footage from Army of Darkness and a featurette (not from the DVD) that I have never seen before. It is at Sam Raimi's companies website Zooma Zooma. Go to directors and click on Sam Raimi." I haven't seen the dozens of featurettes, nor do I own all the DVD releases, but hopefully this is a cool find for you deadites out there!

Source: myersman78, Zoomazooma

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If your shelves weren't filled enough- like your mom doesn't tell you to throw away all that junk because it collects dust- now it's time for more crap to ensure you have even less space. Diamond Select Toys and Collectibles has signed a new license for Army of Darkness, according to Action-Figure.com. This new license includes a collectable beanie release, which will be hitting stores in May of 2005. Read on for the full story...

Action-Figure.com continues, "The assortment of beanies will depict main characters from the popular movie, and have significant play value. Ash, the main character, will have a removable chainsaw on his hand to reveal a metal hand. Evil Ash will have a removable jaw, while the Deadite plush has removable arms and legs.



"All of our past film based beanies, like Hellboy and Alien vs Predator, have been very well received," said Chuck Terceira, Diamond Select Director. "And this continuation of the line featuring a cult classic like Army of Darkness will no doubt be as exciting as our previous beanie releases."



Diamond Select has previously released "cutified plush dolls" based on horror or sci-fi films. In 2004, beanies based on the film Alien vs Predator were released and the response from the fans was fabulous. Those beanies, which featured bendable hair on the Predator and a pull out mouth on the Alien were so well received that a second edition was released. Other past releases include an Alien "facehugger," beanie which collapses into an egg, and several beanies based on the popular film Hellboy.



The film Army of Darkness was released in 1993 and has had a cultish following ever since. It was the third film in The Evil Dead trilogy and has created a solid following of fans who are eager to see new products hit the market. When chainsaw yielding Ash went 600 years into the past in Army of Darkness, he fought not only against the Army of Darkness, but also against a Deadite version of himself. Diamond Select's previous Army of Darkness releases, including statues and busts, have been well received by the films devoted following and the early feedback from the plushes has been much of the same."

Source: Action-Figure

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I think it's a pretty much anonymous decision here Robert, most fans of the genre think you- and Raimi- are sellout bi--es for remaking the classic trilogy Evil Dead. But it's happening, so we must suck it up everyday and just wait and see what happens. Inside co-producer Robert Tapert talks about how Raimi was the one who pushed to get it made and how they have to make the fans happy. I guess we'll find out in 2006...

"Rob Tapert, producer of the upcoming remake of The Evil Dead, told SCI FI Wire that he and director Sam Raimi deliberated for a long time before deciding to redo their cult-favorite 1981 supernatural horror movie. "It took a long time to get to the point where we wanted to remake it," Tapert said in an interview. "The funny thing is, nothing is as you would expect. Our original investors and I think [original Evil Dead star] Bruce [Campbell] and myself were more resistant to remaking the movie than Sam."



The low-budget Evil Dead launched the careers of Michigan high-school friends Tapert, Raimi and Campbell and was the first of three movies featuring the zombie-fighting, time-traveling Ash (Campbell). Tapert went on to produce such TV shows as Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and with Raimi formed the production company Ghost House Pictures (The Grudge), which they run with Senator International.



Tapert said that Raimi (Spider-Man) initiated discussions about remaking Evil Dead, which has spawned hordes of fans since its initial release. "Sam, in his own special way, kind of led that charge," Tapert said. "I think Sam was really the one who said, 'Gee, I would love to give a new filmmaker an opportunity to use that title and use their skills to retell this in a new way for a new audience.' I talk to Bruce Campbell every other day, and he says, 'You should see the message boards and all of the stuff I get saying "Please don't do it!"' So we're certainly going to have to tread carefully."



Tapert said that he is confident that with Raimi and himself on board as producers, the remake will live up to fans' expectations. "As long as we stay true to what was the original model of the first Evil Dead, which was that we want to hurt and punish the audience, then those who love it will be satisfied," Tapert said. "We mean to bring that out to a whole new generation in something that honors all of the people that loved it and yet gives them a new and thrilling ride that they weren't expecting. That's the challenge, and hopefully if we succeed that's kind of the glory."

Source: Sci Fi Wire

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I can't think of anyone in their right mind who would want to have an Evil Dead remake hanging over their head for the rest of their career- one slip up means death my horror fans for life (we're unforgiving bastards). Well talented directed Dante Tomaselli, who just completed his film Satan's Playground is willing to put his balls in a vice grip for one of his most beloved franchises. Read on for word from Dante (update inside)...

Dante tells Movieonline:



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



UPDATE FROM DANTE



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."

Source: Movieonline

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I guess Sam Raimi had approached director Park Chan-Wook (Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Oldboy) for his remake of Evil Dead, but smart for him he turned it down. Inside you'll find some quotes from Raimi, who seems perplexed that Park would turn down the offer along with more details on the remake that is supposed to be followed up by Evil Dead 4...

Empire Online:



Why, it seems like only yesterday that we wrote a story about the proliferation of horror movie remakes coming our way. That’s mainly because it was only yesterday – click here. to read our exclusive on The Fog remake, with quotes from director, Rupert Wainwright.



And today we’re still infused with remake fever – notably, the revamp of The Evil Dead, the 1981 Sam Raimi-directed, Bruce Campbell-starring lo-fi classic about five teens battling demons in an isolated log cabin that gained notoriety when a) no less an authority than Stephen King dubbed it ‘the ultimate experience in gruelling horror’, and b) it somewhat incongruously became one of the first banned video nasties in 1984.



And now it’s up next for remake treatment, but the fanboys have taken the news surprisingly well – perhaps because Raimi himself originated the idea and will produce. We spoke to Raimi recently about the remake, and rumours that OldBoy director Park Chan-wook was being wooed into the director’s chair.



“Actually, we did approach him, but I don’t think it was right for him,” said Raimi, whose latest horror film, Boogeyman, opens here in the UK on Friday. “I don’t want to put words into his mouth, but he was either too busy or not interested. But that didn’t bear fruit and we’re now trying to find the next person who would bring something strikingly original to it with their vision and talent.”



Given that the movie’s already been remade, essentially, by Raimi himself as the peerless Evil Dead II: Dead By Dawn (which some Empire writers – ok, one – consider to be the finest achievement by a human being in any artistic field), news of Raimi’s desire to do a remake may come as a surprise. But the director feels there’s still room for improvement on the original.



“I don’t look at it as anything sacred. I’m glad that it has fans and I appreciate them. They sure are a diehard bunch and I don’t want to anger them or displease them,” he told us. “But I never felt that in remaking a film, you take anything away from the original. But I felt the film could be better, and certainly the narrative and the characterisation and the dialogue could be better in the first Evil Dead.



“Yes, a lot of its power lied in its crudeness,” he continued, “but it could still be more than that. And it’s kinda exciting for me to see what it would become in the hands of a really fine director and not just a kid learning how to direct a picture.”



One thing seems certain, though: Bruce Campbell, who became something of a B-movie icon thanks to his wonderfully cartoonish performance as the hapless hero Ash – beset on all sides by demonically possessed chums, with only a chainsaw and a shotgun for protection – won’t be involved in the remake. But that’s ok, folks, for Raimi is also planning Evil Dead IV, which will see Campbell back in Ash’s blood-stained shirt and slacks, and Raimi back calling the shots.



“One day I’d like to do that. It’s not certain that it would ever happen, but that is a dream of mine,” said Raimi. At the moment, Evil Dead IV is also listed for a 2006 release date (which would really confuse audiences), but as he’s currently hard at work prepping Spider-Man 3, it’s unlikely that it’s going to happen anytime soon. “There’s no script for it yet, so I don’t know that.”



And which ending of Army Of Darkness (aka Evil Dead 3, for the uninitiated, in which Ash travelled back in time to fight demons with his boom-stick) will Raimi go with – the original ending, where Ash ends up in a post-apocalyptic 21st-century London, or the alternate one where he’s back in present-day USA, fighting zombies in a supermarket? “That’s a really good question. I’ve been working on some script ideas with my brother, but we’re still trying to figure that out, though.”



Either way, it means we get two doses of Evil Dead in the next few years and that can only be a good thing.

Source: Empire Online

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Brisco County Jr himself, Bruce Campbell sat down with The Beat to discuss a whole variety of topics, from getting lost trying to find the Spider-Man set to him taking some time talking about Man with the Screaming Brain to a little something about a remake of some movie he was in a while back called Evil Dead. The last one I am sure you all are very interested in. So quit wasting your time and check out the interview here.

Source: The Beat

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I really wish this news were sweeter, but hey a new Evil Dead game is cool with me- especially with the interesting plot they announced. IGN confirmed our scoop today that THQ is bringing gamers another dose of dead-slashing action, as the company officially today announced Evil Dead Regeneration for the PlayStation 2, PC, and Xbox. The best part? The game takes place after Evil Dead 2! How? Read on for the full story and prepare to kick more deadite arse with your boomstick!

IGN writes:



THQ describes Regeneration as a "what if?" follow-up to Sam Raimi's classic film Evil Dead 2.



Bruce Campbell will lend his voice to the game, reprising his role as unlikely hero Ash. Having put in time at a hospital for the criminally insane, Ash discovers his shrink, Dr. Reinhard, is dabbling in naughtiness, using the Necronomicon -- the book of the dead -- and a dash of ill-directed science to unleash evil on the world. Luckily, Ash is equipped with a prosthetic chainsaw hand and a grumpy attitude, which gives him a fighting chance at stopping freshly unleashed Deadites, monsters, spirits, and other nasties.



"It's our goal to create the spiritual successor of Evil Dead 2, one of the seminal action films ever, in pop-culture," said David Bollesen, general manager at Cranky Pants. "Having Bruce Campbell on board, providing creative direction and embracing new ideas we've injected into their universe is critical, and their enthusiasm continues to drive us to deliver the ultimate Evil Dead experience."



THQ expects to ship Evil Dead Regeneration this summer. We'll be back with more on the game as soon as new details break loose.

Source: IGN, Inksb

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God bless comic books, the only place where you can create something so stupid, so over the top, that it just plain rocks. Would I ever want to see a Army of Darkness vs Re-Animator movie? F no, but bring that comic on! Read on for details on this bad boy from Dynamite Entertainment...

Newsarama writes:



As announced in the new issue of Diamond’s Previews for books on sale in July, after two successful limited series, Dynamite Entertainment is launching its Army of Darkness license into a monthly series, and they’ll start with a story arc featuring an unexpected cro