The first trailer for Evil Dead Rise is out now, and it's full of Easter eggs and references to the original Evil Dead movies. Evil Dead Rise is the first entry in the series since the 2013 reboot, which wasn't met with nearly as much critical acclaim as the original trilogy. However, Evil Dead Rise seems to be leaning more towards its beloved predecessors, with the film matching the tone of the originals as well as having all kinds of hidden references that Evil Dead fans will love.
Evil Dead Rise follows an all-new set of characters, with an aunt helping a group of kids take on their mother, who has been possessed by the franchise's iconic demons, the Deadites. Evil Dead Rise is set to take place in the same universe as the original Evil Dead films, meaning that the three movies starring protagonist Ash Williams are still canon in the upcoming sequel. Many elements of the larger Evil Dead universe are hinted at in the first trailer for Evil Dead Rise.
The Necronomicon
The first and most obvious reference in the Evil Dead Rise trailer comes with the appearance of the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, with the skin-covered book first appearing in the original The Evil Dead. The Book of the Dead is a supernatural object that allows its user to control the Deadites and summon the Kandarian Demon, the creator of the Deadites. The Necronomicon (aka the Naturom Demonto) is typically the catalyst for the return of the Deadites, with its destruction being what defeats the demons in the first Evil Dead movie.
The Evil Dead Rise trailer gives a first look at the updated Necronomicon, with its reappearance still to be explained. This version seems to focus more on illustrations of demons rather than featuring Deadite incantations, although the book still has supernatural properties. Also, instead of featuring a face on the front cover, this Necronomicon has teeth along the covers, with the book flipping its pages and slamming closed by itself.
The Record Of Incantations
In the Evil Dead Rise trailer, someone can be seen starting a record labeled as containing recordings from 1923. The record then starts playing some ancient incantations, which will presumably be what awakens the Deadites. This is an apparent reference to the original Evil Dead timeline, with the first Deadites being released after a tape recording is played that features an explorer named Raymond Knowby reading the Necronomicon. Although the 1923 date and recording method don't align with the original trilogy's events, Evil Dead Rise's demonic record clearly parallels the Knowby incantation tapes from the first three Evil Dead movies.
The Shot Of The Apartment
One of the biggest references to the original movies in the first Evil Dead Rise trailer is the shot of the apartment building. Although it's quick, one shot features a point-of-view angle of a demon flying toward the exterior of the apartments in which the film takes place. The method and execution of this shot are the same as the ending shot from The Evil Dead, which also features a POV of a speeding demon, with the only difference being that it's running through a forest.
POV shots have become a trademark of the Evil Dead franchise, as they frequently appear throughout the series. The methods by which Sam Raimi and his crew achieved the closing shot from The Evil Dead were quite impressive, especially for an under-experienced low-budget team. Evil Dead Rise featuring a POV demon shot is a good sign for the quality of the film, as it proves that the sequel is avoiding the issues of the 2013 reboot by returning to its roots.
The Chainsaw Scene
The last reference in the Evil Dead Rise trailer comes near the end when Lily Sullivan's blood-covered Beth picks up a revving chainsaw. This sets up Beth as a homage to Ash Williams, the protagonist from the original movies. Ash's iconic chainsaw is The Evil Dead's weapon of choice, with Ash even replacing his hand with a chainsaw in Evil Dead II. Beth's use of the chainsaw, as well as her clothes, pose, and camera angle, are calling back to the beloved protagonist played by Bruce Campbell in the original Evil Dead movies, with many crossing their fingers that Ash will cameo in Evil Dead Rise.
