The Evil Dead franchise has been one of the most beloved horror films for over three decades and fans have long speculated why Bruce Campbell’s Ash character wasn’t included in the 2021-released Evil Dead Rise. Recently, director Lee Cronin of Evil Dead Rise gave insights into the reasons why Ash wasn’t part of the movie.
As explained by Cronin, Ash’s absence in Evil Dead Rise was mainly due to the film being a continuation of the Evil Dead 2, rather than being a direct sequel to the original 1981 movie, The Evil Dead. Because the film takes place in a dark timeline, Cronin believed it was important to stay true to the source material and not depend on Ash’s presence to move the story forward.
The only time Ash appears in Evil Dead Rise is during an Easter Egg sequence, which requires a keen eye from viewers to spot. The clip includes a brief appearance from the character, hinting at a possible post-credits scene for a possible Evil Dead 4.
While not having Ash in the movie may be disappointing for some fans, Cronin felt that it made up for the movie’s unique atmosphere and storytelling. He further added that having to introduce an entirely new protagonist this time around allowed him to explore a darker side of horror, as opposed to the light-hearted comedy fans have come to expect from the franchise.
Cronin’s decision to leave Ash out of Evil Dead Rise speaks to the filmmaker’s commitment to realizing a wider vision for the franchise. His ambition ties into the series’ ongoing commitment to audiences to constantly reinvent, while still respecting its long-standing legacy.
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