Production Begins on STARZ’ ‘Ash Vs. Evil Dead

Production has begun in New Zealand for the highly anticipated STARZ original series “Ash vs. Evil Dead,” the original filmmakers of the cult classic, Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell and Rob Tapert, confirmed yesterday. The trio will also executive produce the 10-episode first season with Craig DiGregorio as the series showrunner. The new series is set to premiere on STARZ fall 2015, STRAZ confirmed.

Campbell will be dusting off his ol’ chainsaw to reprise the role of the iconic hero of “The Evil Dead” series, Ash Williams. After 30 years of stocking shelves and tip-toeing around responsibility, Ash is forced to jump back into action when a deadite plague threatens the world.

Joining Campbell is veteran actress Lucy Lawless (“Spartacus”) as Ruby, a mysterious woman who has a feeling Ash is reason for the deadites resurfacing, Ray Santiago (“Meet the Fockers”) as Pablo Simon Bolivar, Ash’s trusty immigrant sidekick, Dana DeLorenzo (“A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas”) as Kelly Maxwell, a girl trying to outrun her past and Jill Marie Jones (“Sleepy Hollow”) as Amanda Fisher, a Michigan State Trooper hell bent on proving Ash is responsible for the death of her partner.

Raimi will direct the first half-hour episode, which he co-wrote with his brother and frequent collaborator Ivan Raimi.

“This is not gonna be a water downed version of ‘The Evil Dead,’” said Campbell. “Thankfully by partnering with STARZ, the gloves are off. We have no restrictions almost literally.”

“STARZ took this unusual approach of ours, embraced it and they’ve been nothing but supportive,” said Raimi.

How excited are you guys to see Ash break out the boomstick? Let us know in the comments below.