Evil Dead is back from the grave with another chapter in the long-running horror franchise and an anticipated new 2023 movie, Evil Dead Rise. To make things even better, the movie has the backing of the original masterminds, creator Sam Raimi and star Bruce Campbell, who are both serving as executive producers.
The Evil Dead franchise has long been a favorite of horror fans everywhere, starting with the the original trilogy of movies starring Campbell as Ash and including the TV spinoff series, Ash vs Evil Dead, and even a 2013 remake that received generally positive reviews.
How does Evil Dead Rise add to the movie franchise? Here's everything you need to know about the horror movie.
Evil Dead Rise release date
Evil Dead Rise is now playing exclusively in movie theaters.
Evil Dead Rise trailer
The first trailers for Evil Dead Rise is here, with a green band trailer for all audiences and a red band trailer for those that want to see some of the gory delights that await them with the movie. Watch both trailers directly below:
Evil Dead Rise cast
Playing the characters tasked with fighting off the unleashed demons in Evil Dead Rise include Lily Sullivan (I Met a Girl, Barkskins), Alyssa Sutherland (The Mist, Vikings), Morgan Davies (Storm Boy, The End), Gabrielle Echols (Reminiscence) and introduces Nell Fisher.
IMDb also lists Jayden Daniels (Shortland Street, Head High), Billy Reynolds-McCarthy (Shortland Street) and Tai Wano as part of the cast.
Evil Dead Rise plot
Lee Cronin wrote the script for Evil Dead Rise, with Warner Bros. providing this as the synopsis for the movie:
"Moving the action out of the woods and into the city, Evil Dead Rise tells a twisted tale of two estranged sisters, played by Sutherland and Sullivan, whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable."
Evil Dead Rise reviews — what the critics are saying
This new chapter in the Evil Dead franchise is a good entry, according to critics. The movie is officially "Certified Fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes, with a score of 88% as of April 21.
Here is a sampling of what the critics are saying:
Andy Klein, AV Club: "Evil Dead Rises [sic] marks a welcome return to the seamless blend of humor and genuine scares and creepiness that Raimi created 42 years ago."
Perri Nemiroff, YouTube: "Evil Dead continues to be one of the most consistent horror franchises we have. Lee Cronin & co. could not have understood the assignment any better."
Jason Bailey, The Playlist: "A viewer's experience depends disproportionately on their personal expectation of what an Evil Dead movie should be."
Evil Dead Rise director
Cronin not only wrote the script, but he is the director of Evil Dead Rise as well. This is Cronin's most notable project to date, with his past credits including directing two episodes of Sam Raimi-produced Quibi series 50 States of Fright (now available on The Roku Channel) and the movie The Hole in the Ground.
How to watch Evil Dead movies and TV shows
Whether you're new to the Evil Dead franchise or a long-time fan who would love to revisit them before Evil Dead Rise hits screens, here's what you need to know on how to watch the varying Evil Dead titles:
- The Evil Dead (1981): available to rent via digital on-demand in US and UK
- Evil Dead II (1987): available to rent via digital on-demand in US and UK
- Army of Darkness (1992): available to rent via digital on-demand in US and UK
- Evil Dead (2013): available to rent via digital on-demand in US; streaming on NOW TV in the UK
- Ash vs Evil Dead: streaming on Netflix in US and UK
