'Evil Dead' Series Announced

Horror fans will have much to celebrate following the news that entertainment company Starz has announced a new series adaptation of Sam Raimi's genre classic The Evil Dead.

Entitled 'Ash Vs. Evil Dead', the project reteams the original filmmakers, director Sam Raimi, with longtime producing partner Rob Tapert and star Bruce Campbell.

Sam Raimi's 1981 original was one of the most controversial horror films of its day upon release, but has since been re-acclaimed and re-appraised as a visually stunning and highly-original work.

The new series will consist of ten, half-hour long episodes and will see Bruce Campbell reprise his role as Ash.

"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," a statement said.

"Starz first worked with Sam and Rob on ‘Spartacus,’ and we are thrilled to be back in business with them," said Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director of Starz. "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."

"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," said Sam Raimi.

"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," said Bruce Campbell.

"STARZ has always been a great creative partner and we are excited to be working with them on this project," said Robert Tapert.

www.starz.com

(IT/CD)