New Trailer Released for 'Ash vs Evil Dead'

STARZ just released another trailer for its new original series, "Ash vs Evil Dead" and I'm betting you'll be craving some churros after checking it out. Even though there are some scenes from the first trailer, it's still funny, bloody and overall groovy (yes, I went there).

The show premieres on October 31 at 9 p.m. ET and stars Bruce Campbell, Lucy Lawless, Ray Santiago, Dana DeLorenzo and Jill Marie Jones.

Ash has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of the Evil Dead until a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind and Ash becomes mankind's only hope. (via IMDB)



-Larissa Mrykalo

'Ash vs. Evil Dead' Full Trailer Plus Premiere Date Revealed

"The man, the myth and the chainsaw return in the official trailer for the STARZ Original Series Ash vs Evil Dead, premiering this Halloween."

The official Facebook page for the the new original series starring Bruce Campbell, just released the full trailer and it's well...groovy. October 31 at 9 p.m. ET. Be there.

The man, the myth and the chainsaw return in the official trailer for the STARZ Original Series Ash vs Evil Dead, premiering this Halloween.
Posted by Ash vs Evil Dead on Friday, July 10, 2015

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Evil Dead' Series Coming to Starz and Bruce Campbell Will Star

Campbell looking suave as usual (IMDB)

Some damn groovy news just broke and yes, it has to do with Bruce Campbell and some dead that's... evil. An "Evil Dead" TV series is coming to Starz and not only will Bruce Campbell star as "Ash" but, according to Entertainment Weekly, "Original franchise director Sam Raimi will executive produce the series and write and direct the first episode, with Rob Tapert also executive producing." Excited yet? This isn't just pillow talk, baby.

Here's the logline:

“Bruce Campbell will be reprising his role as Ash, the stock boy, aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last 30 years avoiding 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.”

Campbell knows what fans of the franchise like and stated, “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."

According to Raimi, who teased this possibility at Comic-Con in July, “Evil Dead has always been a blast. 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.”

Did he say boomstick? Hell yes he did! The series will debut on Starz in 2015 and the network's managing director Carmi Zlotnik added, “Starz first worked with Sam and Rob on Spartacus, and we are thrilled to be back in business with them. With Sam writing and directing and Bruce Campbell returning to the screen, we are certain the show will give Evil Dead fans around the world the fix they’ve been craving.”

Let us know what you think of this endeavor. Will it work? Are you looking forward to it?

-Larissa Mrykalo

Wizard World Chicago Presents: Bruce Campbell's Horror Fest

Within the past few years alone, the growth of horror conventions has been on the rise. Next year, the convention titans at Wizard World will be joining the horror-con realm with one of the biggest names in the genre, Bruce Campbell. "Wizard World Chicago Presents: Bruce Campbell's Horror Fest" will be hitting the windy city in March of 2015 and promises a weekend like you've never experienced before, with the man himself emceeing the ENTIRE weekend, in addition to signings, photo-ops and panels moderated by the horror icon himself. For more information, check out the press release!

'Doc Of The Dead' Zombie Documentary To Premiere At SXSW

If you love (or are terrified by) zombies like we are, then you're going to want to catch "Doc Of The Dead" when it premieres at SXSW Monday March 10, then on EPIX Saturday March 15. Directed by Alexandre O. Philippe, who was behind "The People Vs. George Lucas," and co-produced by Geekscape, "Doc" explores the modern zombie genre and how it evolved, and decomposed, into its current state.

According to the film's synopsis, it's "shot and edited in a cinematically edgy, high-octane style," and will host "a rich pop culture dialogue with zombie experts and celebrities, seek participation from YouTubers and indie filmmakers, and investigate the possibility and ramifications of an actual zombie outbreak."

Since the teaser trailer premiered last year, this has been one to watch for. It not only tracks the popularity of zombies and the phenomenon that surrounds them, but also includes commentary from a lot of that bring the undead to life (as does the kick-ass poster from "The Walking Dead" artist, Charlie Adlard, shown here). In fact, the film boasts a lot of friends of Paranormal Pop Culture, including "World War Z" writer Max Brooks and Matt Mogk of the Zombie Research Society, and "Zombie Autopsies" author Steve Schlozman. It also includes interviews with George Romero, Simon Pegg, Greg Nicotero, Robert Kirkman and Bruce Campbell. Actually, if you head over to "Entertainment Weekly," you can catch an exclusive clip of Brucie talking about officiating a zombie wedding.

If you need more convincing than that, watch this teaser for "Doc Of The Dead."

Did Bruce Campbell Confirm 'Army Of Darkness 2'? Probably Not

Courtesy Paranormal Pop Culture

It’s been talked about for years. Would it happen? Whether it will or won’t, there’s no denying that fans want nothing more than to see Ash strap on his chainsaw, grab his boomstick and battle the Deadites in medieval times on more time.

Well, over the weekend at Wizard World Nashville Comic Con, our own Aaron Sagers hosted a talk with the grooviest chin Bruce Campbell. When asked by a fan about a sequel, Campbell told a room full of geeks:

"The last one was 22 years ago. I just haven’t been racing to do it. Sam Raimi is just a little bit busy making the biggest movies in Hollywood. I used to be busy. Now I’m not. That’s why I’m here… Ash would have to stop occasionally from chasing some Deadite to catch his breath. Maybe we could do that, I guess. That would be exciting. Fight in a walker. That would be all right. Hit them with my cane. Fake them out, have a fake heart attack, distract a zombie. I like it.”

Since he was on site, Sagers said that Campbell was joking and not at all confirming anything. However, he did say he was developing a new show with USA, but that it wasn't a spin-off of "Burn Notice," which just concluded.

-Andrew Peters

'Stan Lee's Comikaze' adds to line up

This summer has flown by and it has made us start thinking of all the fall events that are fast approaching. Namely, the largest pop culture event in Los Angeles, also known as, Stan Lee’s Comikaze.

Held annually at the Los Angeles Convention Center, this multi-media expo has something for everyone. Owned and operated by pop culture icons, Stan Lee and Elvira Mistress of the Dark, Comikaze brings the best in sci-fi, video games, comics, horror and fantasy.

This year boasts some high profile guests of honor, including Bruce Campbell, Lloyd Kaufman, Marc Silvestri, Tara Strong, LeVar Burton and of course, Elvira and Stan Lee. Other guests include Adrienne Curry, Lou Ferrigno, Tony Todd and Jenna Busch.

Keep checking their site for more info on reunions and special events and be sure to follow them on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest news.

Comikaze will be held November 1-3. Tickets for the event are available on their main site.

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Evil Dead' news from SXSW

Promoted as "The Most Terrifying Movie You Will Ever Experience," the April  5 Evil Dead reboot has been building steam since the July 2011 announcement from original director Sam Raimi's Ghost House Pictures. The red band trailer kicked up a little more excitement, and the hope is that those who haven't even seen the original will show up for the gore-fest, while also appealing to horror fans of the original.

And while he is a producer on the film, which makes him an invested cheerleader, Ash Williams himself Bruce Campbell has promised, "The remake's gonna kick some ass — you have my word."

Dread Central recently snagged an exclusive interview with the dynamic young cast of the Evil Dead remake -- embedded after the jump -- including Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci, Jessica Lucas and Elizabeth Blackmore, who stopped to chat at the 2013 SxSW Film Festival. All fans of the original films, the stars dished on their respective characters as well as their experiences on set, which ranged from comical to strenuous and intense, not unlike the movie itself.

The accompanying article sums up the film, which was co-written by director Fede Alvarez and Rodo Sayagues. Sticking close to the plot of its predecessor, the movie features a group of friends who unwittingly summon demonic forces after they find an ancient (and seriously ominous-looking) book during a remote cabin retreat. And as the reviews start trickling in, things are looking pretty positive for the flick.

-Virginia Fasulo

Watch the movie that became 'Evil Dead'

Remake poster, courtesy Deadites.net

Most people may not know this, but before it was Evil Dead, Sam Raimi and his usual cast of friends made a short film called Within the Woods back in 1978. This short has never been included on any release of either Evil Dead or Evil Dead 2 (or Army of Darkness for that matter, which premiered 20 years ago today), which is a shame.

I’ve always wondered why, but I’m sure there is a slew of legal reasons that are beyond me. The short was only available through bootlegs and tape traders, but now you can enjoy the entire short film right from your computer (via Dread Central). Although the quality is nothing great, I encourage you watch this piece of history while you can. It was originally shot to sell investors to fund the full length feature that would become Evil Dead.

Running as just under half an hour, this is truly a treat for anyone who loves Sam, Bruce and the Evil Dead trilogy. Interesting enough, you can see elements that were omitted in the first Evil Dead and later used in Evil Dead 2. So stop reading and watch (after the jump).

And don't forget, the Evil Dead remake (which initially received an NC-17 rating) is opening April 5.

'John Dies At The End': A must-see comedy horror

Alternate 'John' poster,
courtesy ShockTilYouDrop.com

If you're a fan of fantasy and horror movies, you know Don Coscarelli. The writer/director who created the Phantasm series, and has continued to shepherd it through three sequels, along with fantasy epic The Beastmaster and horror-comedy Bubba Ho-Tep (starring Bruce "The Chin" Campbell) has a reputation for crafting odd, eccentric and awesome cinematic worlds.

And he's back with John Dies At The End, a trans-genre horror movie currently available on VOD and iTunes, which is also receiving a theatrical release on Jan. 25.

Adapted from the novel of the same name by Cracked Senior Editor David Wong, the film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival last year and stars Paul Giamatti, Chase Williamson, Rob Mayes and Clancy Brown.

The official synopsis is that "it’s all about the Soy Sauce, a drug that promises an out-of-body experience with each hit."

As users drift across time and dimensions, some who come back are no longer human. And when a silent otherworldly invasion is underway, and mankind needs a hero. "What it gets instead is John (Rob Mayes) and David (Chase Williamson), a pair of college dropouts who can barely hold down jobs ... Can these two stop the oncoming horror in time to save humanity? No. No, they can't."

The movie is a trippy wild ride surrounding round a great comedy duo that AintItCool accurately says reminds fans of Shaun of the Dead, Return of the Living Dead and Re-Animator.

This is one of those movies that needs to be seen and supported. Like, now. For a list of theaters that will be screening John Dies At The End, head to Magnolia Pictures' site.

'Evil Dead' trailer debuts in bloody red-band goodness

It debuted to a select few at New York Comic-Con, but now all of us finally get a decent glimpse of the horrifically-gory new red-band trailer for the Evil Dead remake. The remake stars Suburgatory's Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Elizabeth Blackmore, Jessica Lucas, Lou Taylor Pucci and it's produced by the grooviest dude in the entire universe - Bruce Campbell.

The official synopsis: "Five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin. When they discover a Book of the Dead, they unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival."

And, as we mentioned before, this is true-blue (true-red?) horror with some splendid gore on display, along with naughty language - so we know you'll be watching it.

Check it out and let us know what you think! Will you be seeing the movie next April 12?

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Evil Dead' news from New York Comic-Con

Courtesy EW from 'Evil Dead' trailer

In 1981, a low-budget horror film directed by an unknown 22-year-old named Sam Raimi shocked theater goers with its graphic violence and gore. The Evil Dead has since become a cult-classic and has prompted a remake that will involve the eternally-groovy Bruce Campbell as a producer - but his iconic "Ash" is apparently nowhere to be found.

A panel at last weekend's New York Comic Con featured the remake's star, Jane Levy (Suburgatory), director Fede Alvarez and Campbell. And an extended trailer left viewers in shock and awe, and gave a glimpse into just how much and how little of the original film will be a part of the new release. Also, the film will be a straight horror, without the comedic elements the franchise came to be known for.

According to Entertainment Weekly:

"The beats of the film are familiar: A group of young people go into a remote cabin. But the trailer quickly descends into extremely visceral violence. Some of it looks familiar, including the saw-assisted removal of a demonic hand and a frisky tree. Some of it is all new: The trailer ended with one of the female characters cutting into her own mouth with what appeared to be a box cutter. Aesthetic-wise, it looks like they're going for something in the neighborhood of 'an orgy of bloodshed.'"

Over at Ain't It Cool, they report that Campbell said he and Raimi would still be up for an Evil Dead 4 one day, but that it's time to pass the torch for now. He added that it makes more sense, in his opinion, for a female to be the protagonist, and that he worked hard to make certain fans aren't screwed over by the film.

Will The Evil Dead appeal to fans and purists? Will you miss comedic deadites? It's scheduled to be released on April 12, 2013, so you have a little time to think it over.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Horror Pop Culture Sept. 21

BY ANDREW PETERS
Editor's Note: Horror Pop Culture is a weekly round-up of horror genre news, reviews and rumors

Return to Class of Nuke ‘Em High first look

I haven’t heard much about this one. Come to think of it, I don’t know if I’ve heard anything about it besides that it was going to happen eventually. Well, it looks like it did happen and fans of Troma should be more than pleased!

Horror Pop Culture: Aug. 24

BY ANDREW PETERS
Editor's Note: Horror Pop Culture is a weekly round-up of horror genre news, reviews and rumors

Bloody new 'Carrie' stills

I feel like all I write about lately is remakes, but then again it’s all that seems to be in the news. Of course, when you are talking about a remake of a chilling Stephen King tale that stars the talented Chloe Moretz, I’m all ears! Check out these stills, one of which shows Carrie famously covered in blood. Read the details on the plot as well. (via Dread Central)

A Tale of two Comic-Cons

BY AARON SAGERS
(originally published on July 16)

It was the best of cons, it was the worst of cons, it was the age of fan celebration, it was the age of crass commercialism, it was the epoch of true believers, it was the epoch of sell outs, it was the season of the nerd, it was the season of Hollywood.

Never before had I felt such a sense of belonging accompanied by one that I was out of place.

San Diego Comic-Con 2011: After a day of conducting press interviews and covering panels, I hit The Con floor to pick up some swag before booths closed. There were more than 130,000 attendees and I think I bumped into every single one of them. My eyes were in constant danger from too-close interactions with passing wings, lightsabers, claws and more than a few Dalek protrusions – and I had no Nick Fury patch to cover any resulting eye loss.

Despite the threat, and claustrophobia, I felt I was with my people ... (READ MORE)

Bruce Campbell talks Comic-Con and 'Evil Dead 4,' remake

Four days after we last interviewed Bruce Campbell on July 8 and he said an Evil Dead sequel was unlikely, the genre actor took to Twitter (GroovyBruce) and tweeted on July 11, "Believe in the remake, dawg! The project is real. In the works."

That was interpreted to mean a sequel was happening.

Not true, says The Chin. 

We spoke to him again on July 21 at San Diego Comic-Con International, where he cleared things up. In short, a remake is happening, not a sequel, and "chances are reasonably good" he'll star in it. Make note, this doesn't necessarily mean he'll be appearing as Ash or any character Ash-like. 

Watch the video below for more on this developing story. 

Bruce Campbell's B-list: 'Burn Notice,' 'Bubba,' books & back to 'Evil Dead'

BY AARON SAGERS

Campbell in 'Burn Notice,' Courtesy USA

He is Ash, the wisecracking hero with a chainsaw hand from the Evil Dead movies. He is Autolycus, the comical “King of Thieves” from the Hercules: The Legendary Journies and Xena: Warrior Princess television series. He is an aging mummy-battling Elvis Presley in the horror-comedy Bubba Ho-Tep. And among nearly 100 other characters, self-proclaimed B-movie actor Bruce Campbell is now retired Navy SEAL Sam Axe from USA Network’s hit spy show, Burn Notice.

Instead of gaining fame as a pretty marquee face in blockbuster movies, Campbell’s notoriety is the result of years spent in the blue collar world of acting. Originally from the suburbs of Detroit, he is a work-for-hire performer who just happened to appear in enough movies and TV shows he got to be well known. It didn’t hurt that his roles in the aforementioned cult favorites (not to mention his turns in Maniac Cop, Escape from L.A., The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.) made Campbell a pop culture stalwart. Campbell has even traded in on his working-class cult actor status in those Old Spice commercials, a meta movie My Name is Bruce – where he played himself – and two books, If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor and Make Love! The Bruce Campbell Way.

But it is getting more difficult for the 53-year-old to claim “B” status.

Since the show’s premiere in 2007, Campbell has appeared in Burn Notice on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. as Sam, a beer-drinking, ladies man who uses his espionage knowledge as a do-gooder private investigator in Miami alongside disavowed spy Michael Westen (played by series star Jeffrey Donovan) and former IRA operative Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar). A fan favorite, Campbell’s character received the stand alone treatment in the TV movie, Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe and the fifth season premiere of Burn Notice net 5.2 million viewers. His current success also involves appearing as the voice of “Torque” Redline in Cars 2, in theaters now and an upcoming appearance at the Comic-Con International in San Diego.

While taking a break from filming the sixth season of Burn Notice in Miami, Campbell discussed his work on Burn Notice, as well as involvement with Evil Dead and Bubba Ho-Tep sequels, and more books.