"The Evil Dead" mastermind Sam Raimi is helming a TV series sequel to the horror-comedy classic, and original star Bruce Campbell is resuming his role as Ash.
Starz announced Monday that it would air "Ash vs. Evil Dead," a follow-up series to the horror franchise started in 1981. The first season is set for 10 30-minute episodes, to air sometime next year.
Raimi, who wrote and directed the first flick, is returning to helm the pilot, and will co-write the script with Ivan Raimi ("Darkman," "Army of Darkness," "Drag Me to Hell") and Tom Spezialy ("Chuck," "Reaper," "Desperate Housewives"). Raimi will also executive produce the series, along with Campbell and original "Evil Dead" producer Rob Tapert.
The official synopsis for the series, per The Hollywood Reporter:
Campbell reprises his role as the title character Ash, a stock boy, aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last three decades avoding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of the Evil Dead. When a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind, Ash is finally forced to face his demons - personal and literal. Destiny, it turns out, has no plans to release the unlikely hero from its evil grip.
Starz executives cited Raimi and Tapert's previous work with the network on "Spartacus" as one of the reasons they were happy to link up with the duo again. Raimi and Campbell also expressed their excitement about the new venture in a statement announcing the news.
"'Evil Dead' has always been a blast," Raimi said. "Bruce, Rob, and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to tell the next chapter in Ash's lame, but heroic saga. With his chainsaw arm and his 'boomstick,' Ash is back to kick some monster butt. And brother, this time there's a truckload of it."
"I'm really excited to bring this series to the 'Evil Dead' fans worldwide -- it's going to be everything they have been clamoring for: serious deadite ass-kicking and plenty of outrageous humor," Campbell added.
"Ash vs. Evil Dead" will premiere on Starz sometime in 2015.
[via: The Hollywood Reporter]
Photo credit: DPA