Evil Dead Franchise Diversifies With New Characters In Upcoming Films

Evil Dead has two films on the way, and the series is doing something that’s rare for other horror franchises. The Evil Dead franchise began in 1981 with the first film from director Sam Raimi. The movie followed a group of teenagers whose vacation at a remote cabin goes horribly wrong after they awaken demonic spirits, known as Deadites.

While the series initially started as mainly horror, it became a fusion between horror and comedy in Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness. Bruce Campbell’s Ash Williams became a well-known leading horror character, killing the Deadites through violent and sometimes hilarious methods.

Campbell returned to the franchise for Starz’ Ash Vs. Evil Dead series, but did not appear in Evil Dead Rise. The 2023 film focused on new characters who encounter the Deadites, and the next two films are seemingly doing the same. Evil Dead is doing something rare for a major horror franchise by not reusing familiar characters.

Bruce Campbell’s Ash Isn’t Expected To Be In The Next Two Evil Dead Films

Bruce Campbell with a chainsaw hand in Ash vs Evil Dead

Evil Dead Rise was a box office success, grossing over $147.2 million worldwide against a $15 million production budget. The film proved there is still interest in the over 40-year-old franchise, even without Campbell’s Ash. Two more movies are now on the way: Evil Dead Burn, which premieres on July 24, 2026, and Evil Dead Wrath.

Similar to Rise, both upcoming films focus on new characters within the Evil Dead universe. They both have different directors and different casts, though they will still be dealing with the Deadites in some way. However, the films are not expected to include Ash.

Campbell isn’t expected to be in Burn, and likely won’t appear in Wrath. In an interview with Fangoria, Campbell said he would “consider” returning to the franchise, “If Sam says, ‘I, Sam Raimi, will direct another Evil Dead movie,’ then I, Bruce Campbell, will consider being in it.”

Raimi is still attached to the franchise, as he is a producer on Burn and Wrath. However, he is giving directing duties to other filmmakers, meaning Campbell could be sticking to his word.

Evil Dead Isn’t Using Familiar Characters Like Many Other Horror Franchises

A woman floats on water in Evil Dead Rise

Horror franchises rarely move away from their recurring characters, continuing the stories that audiences have connected with. Halloween recently brought back Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode to continue her fight with Michael Myers, and Scream typically features Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott battling the latest version of Ghostface, except for Scream 6.

Recent franchises like The Conjuring and Insidious have reused the same characters, and A Nightmare on Elm Street, Saw, and Friday the 13th have used a recurring villain to tie the films together. While the Deadites are the antagonists in each film, they often differ in appearance depending on who they possess.

Rise proved that this direction for the Evil Dead could be the best move for the franchise. Using new characters and filmmakers ensures that each film will feel different from the other, while still delivering the bloody terror that Evil Dead films are known for.