Is nothing sacred? Is no beloved film from our past safe from the unstoppable Hollywood production line? With every movie under the sun open to the remake treatment, film fans everywhere have justified concerns that their favorite flicks from yesteryear will be subject to a multi-million clean and polish job. And now comes the news that one of the most beloved of all cult movies – THE EVIL DEAD – is to be remade. Fortunately for us fanboys, the team behind the original – Sam Rami, Bruce Campbell, and Robert Tapert – are calling the shots through their partnership production team. Ghost House Pictures.
Ghost House apparently brought Fede Alvarez on board to direct and write after Raimi and Tapert were wowed by his short film, PANIC ATTACK. Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody is reportedly tinkering with the script at the moment. That the original ‘Evil Dead’ team are overseeing the production will come as a relief to many, as no doubt they will help retain the spirit and anarchic sensibilities of the original film. But clearly, they have seen a talent in Alvarez, and he will undoubtedly bring something fresh and exciting to the table. As the original film is famous for its inventive technical approach, perhaps Alvarez, with the availability of modern technology, can similarly redefine the conventions of horror?
The original film, made in 1981, spawned two sequels, and is famous for its chaotic style, extreme gore, and off-the-wall humour. It follows Ash (Bruce Campbell) who becomes trapped in an isolated cabin and under attack from the restless and mischievous souls of the dead. There is no word on who will take the lead role. Groovy.
