The Evil Dead franchise has grown over the years, spanning five films and a three-season TV series. Ash Williams, portrayed by Bruce Campbell, has become a beloved character across generations. Campbell appeared in the first three movies and the Ash vs Evil Dead series. For the 2013 reboot and 2023’s Evil Dead Rise, a new cast took over.
The franchise ranks among horror’s most popular, with Ash standing alongside icons like Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees. Yet, it might not have existed without Stephen King’s help. When director Sam Raimi needed a boost, King stepped in twice, ensuring the franchise’s survival.
Horror films gained momentum in the 1980s, with the rise of slasher movies. John Carpenter’s Halloween in 1978 kicked off the trend, followed by Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees becoming fan favorites. Freddy Krueger later joined with A Nightmare on Elm Street in 1984. Despite these villains’ popularity, horror lacked a standout hero.
The Series Timeline
In 1981, The Evil Dead introduced a new kind of horror. It featured friends facing a demonic force, breaking away from the typical slasher formula. Ash Williams, played by Bruce Campbell, emerged as a charismatic hero. His unique charm and one-liners made him an ’80s horror icon.
The film’s success led to sequels like Evil Dead 2 in 1987 and Army of Darkness in 1992. Although Sam Raimi later directed blockbusters like Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, The Evil Dead was his debut. Similarly, Bruce Campbell was a newcomer in 1981, making his mark with this film.
Raimi tirelessly promoted The Evil Dead, hoping to find a distributor. He struck gold when Irvin Shapiro, the founder of Cannes Film Festival, agreed to showcase the film. A significant turn of events occurred during this screening, thanks to Stephen King’s presence.
How Did Stephen King Help In the Making of The Evil Dead?
Stephen King was already a renowned author by then, known for books like Carrie and The Shining. He attended The Evil Dead’s Cannes screening and became an important supporter. His enthusiastic response caught Raimi’s attention, leading Shapiro to suggest asking King for a review.
Although King declined to give a direct quote, he wrote a glowing review for Twilight Zone Magazine. This endorsement helped The Evil Dead secure its first sales, propelling it to horror classic status.
After its release, The Evil Dead became a hit among fans and gained more popularity through home videos. Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell decided to create a sequel, Evil Dead 2.
This film followed a similar story: Ash and friends face The Deadites in the woods after accidentally summoning them with the Necronomicon. With better effects and a crazier plot, many consider Evil Dead 2 even better than the first.
In 1986, King directed his only film, Maximum Overdrive. During this time, a crew member from Evil Dead 2, working on Maximum Overdrive, spoke to King about the sequel’s funding issues.
King, surprised by this, immediately contacted Dino De Laurentiis, the producer of Maximum Overdrive, suggesting he fund Evil Dead 2. Within half an hour, a deal was made, thanks to King’s intervention.
Stephen King, known for his iconic horror novels like It and Doctor Sleep, not only creates horror classics but also supports and saves other horror projects. His influence extends beyond writing, helping movies like Evil Dead 2 reach audiences and become beloved classics.