Okay—many of you fans
could probably give us a run for our money when it comes to the history of
the Evil Dead trilogy. But hey, our site is mostly for the game. That
being said, here is a section for those who have been living in a bubble
for the last twenty years, know nothing about the Evil Dead trilogy, and
want the Cliff Notes version.
[For more history on the
ED trilogy, check out our links page—there are some great fan sites out
there!]
WHAT:
The Evil Dead
Triology (Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn, and Army of
Darkness) IE Three splatter flics best known for their ghastly
amounts of gratuitous blood and over the top campy humor championed
by Bruce Campbell.
WHO:
Bruce Campbell (Lead Actor)
Jack of All
Trades Hercules: Legendary Journeys Xena: Warrior
Princess The Adventures of Brisco County,
Jr. Moontrap Lunatics: A Love Story Congo Escape
from LA McHale's Navy
Sam Raimi (Director)
Darkman Quick and the Dead For love of the
Game A Simple Plan Spiderman (scheduled for 2001) The
Gift (schedule for 2001)
Robert Tapert (Producer)
Jack of All Trades Cleopatra 2525 Hercules: Legendary
Journeys Xena: Warrior Princess Hard Target
Timecop Quick and the Dead The Gift
WHEN:
Evil Dead
1982 Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn 1987 Army of Darkness
1993
WHERE:
Michigan,
Tennessee, California and anywhere else the filmmakers could shoot
for cheap
HOW:
Shoestring budgets
and lots of determination. The saga began with an 8mm project
entitled Within the Woods. Sam wrote a short film
script, raised about $1500 dollars with the help of high school
buddies Bruce and Rob and made a 30 minute splatter short. The trio
then used the short to garner further fundraising and ended up with
about $100,000 to shoot The Evil Dead (originally
titled "Book of the Dead"). ED did not fare too well in theaters but
garnered enough of a following that Sam and crew were eventually
able to do a sequel, Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn, with a
bigger budget… meaning better costumes and better effects. Momentum
picked up and a loyal cult following grew. Eventually, Evil Dead 3
was made under the name Army of Darkness. Backed by a
large studio and much more money, the movie was released in 1993.
More action and comedy rather than horror, AOD nonetheless gave fans
another chance to see their favorite hero, Ash, in action.
Since 1993, fans have been asking the question: "When is Evil
Dead 4?" According to Bruce and Sam, there are no plans to do an
Evil Dead 4, but we feel the game is an excellent substitute… and so
does Bruce!
WHY:
Why, to make "The
Ultimate Experience in Grueling Horror" of course. Why else?
