The Evil Dead franchise is a staple for horror fans, and it's a mixture of horror, comedy, and action while building a universe with rich lore and more connective tissue to other franchises than any other. In fact, one of the most important characters in horror, Ash Williams, made his debut in the series and has been a fixture of the franchise ever since. However, with the next film in the series, Evil Dead Rise, not having Ash make an appearance, it forces the story to push itself in ways that match the energy of the original and surpass any common expectation that comes with the name "Evil Dead."
While Evil Dead (2013) reinvigorated the series and renewed interest in the lore and characters from the original films, it failed to kickstart a new storyline that continued the narratives of the main protagonist, Mia. That said, without it, the odds of a series like Ash vs Evil Dead getting greenlit wouldn't have been nearly as fortunate. Now, Evil Dead Rise has shaped up to do the same and may even take the rules of the Necronomicon Ex Mortis and push them to new limits.
What Is Evil Dead Rise About?
Not much is known of the larger narrative of Evil Dead Rise, but it's been revealed that the film will follow two sisters who stumble upon the Necronomicon and read from its pages. But rather than a cabin in the woods story or a tale where the Evil follows these girls wherever they go, the terror will be set in a Los Angeles high-rise apartment building. It may be a strange change of scenery, but it could push the limits of how scary this franchise can be.
For starters, metropolitan apartment buildings have always had a sense of claustrophobia to them. To accommodate the huge population in a city, raising the buildings and packing families into them is the best way to house them. But as a result, there may be moments where it could feel like too much and far less personal than an individual may like. From that notion alone, the chaotic terror of Evil Dead would fit right at home, exploiting these feelings and making them even worse. But what happens in a high rise may only be a fraction of how the film could be pushed.
How Could Evil Dead Rise Change the Franchise?
In the past, the rules of the Necronomicon were fairly straightforward. The Evil that emerges from it could possess anyone and anything, and once a soul has been taken, few can free themselves from its grasp. As a result, dismemberment is usually the only cure for the possession. Its influence could spread to a large area but has never been seen taking over a huge population. However, Evil Dead Rise could show just how far the dark power could spread beyond an apartment building.
Part of the humor and terror of the franchise has been how the main characters never seem to catch a break. Therefore, the best way to conclude the gruesome story would be to have these two sisters escape the terror of their apartment building only to see that the book had taken over almost all of Los Angeles. This ending would not only fit the series but also show just how evil the Necronomicon could be and why it's so important never to read it. Furthermore, it would showcase how dangerous Ash really is and why the book never dared to get that far in its corruption on his watch. Evil Dead Rise may be the fresh start the series needs, and it could easily pull out all the stops.