Bruce Campbell Explains ‘Evil Dead’ Has “Moved Away” From Ash: “Not Part Of Any Big Overriding Story Or Scheme”

Article excerpt

After 45 years, Bruce Campbell is officially stepping away from the Evil Dead franchise. The actor, who originated the role of Ash Williams in Sam Raimi's 1981 film, revealed he turned down a cameo offer for Lee Cronin's Evil Dead Rise (2023). Campbell explained that the character has "moved away" from its traditional narrative anchors, no longer serving as part of a coherent larger story. The decision marks a clean break from a role that defined much of his career and spawned multiple sequels, TV series, and spin-offs across four decades.