If Starz cancels Ash vs Evil Dead, star Bruce Campbell says the franchise might end up continuing anyway via another Evil Dead movie. This past Sunday, season 3 of Ash vs Evil Dead premiered, to the joy of fans. There had been an extra long wait for new episodes, with seasons 1 and 2 both having premiered in October of their respective release years. Part of that delay was due to a creative shakeup behind the scenes, as original showrunner Craig DiGregorio departed the series, and was replaced by Mark Verheiden.
There was an odd period where Starz seemed to have absolutely nothing to say about the status of Ash vs Evil Dead, leading some fans to wonder if the already filmed season 3 would even be shown. Even Campbell himself made it known at one point that he had no idea when season 3 would finally premiere. Thankfully, premiere it did, to similarly good reviews as the first two seasons. A gory, disgustingly hilarious good time, Ash vs Evil Dead certainly isn't for everyone, but those who love it tend to really love it.
Related: Ash vs. Evil Dead Season 3 Premiere Review
Of course, that same sentiment could be expressed about the Evil Dead film franchise, which spawned Ash vs Evil Dead. For years, fans clamored for a fourth film in the series, and a continuation of Ash's adventures following his return to present day at the end of 1993's Army of Darkness. Ash vs Evil Dead has essentially been that follow-up, despite various rights issues preventing the show from directly mentioning the events of Army. Unfortunately, there is a lot of doubt that Ash vs Evil Dead will return for season 4 on Starz. Bruce Campbell is well aware of that doubt, but it turns out that he has hope for Ash's future either way. He told the following to EW.
"We’re in the horrible television limbo right now. We’re going to see what the TV gods have in store for us. We’re ready either way. If they take us off the air, we can think about another movie. And if they don’t, we can just keep plugging away."
As for when a decision will be made regarding Ash vs Evil Dead's future, Campbell says he expects to receive word on that by "the middle of March." While it's safe to say that most fans of the franchise would prefer that Ash vs Evil Dead simply continue to be renewed, knowing that Ash might still have life left if it doesn't is comforting. That said, people should by no means see Campbell's words as a guarantee that a movie will materialize should the show be canceled. Campbell and Evil Dead creator Sam Raimi teased fans with the prospect of a fourth film for decades, and never ended up delivering one. It's very possible that even if they want to make one, it might not get off the ground.
For now though, those who love Ash vs Evil Dead and its braggadocios lead hero should continue to tune in and enjoy season 3 as it airs, preferably legally. As Bruce Campbell has made clear, he doesn't think highly of those that pirate the show he works hard to make.
More: Ash vs. Evil Dead Season 3 Includes Biggest Deadite of All Time
Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 airs Sundays on Starz.
Source: EW