Is There an Evil Dead Rise 2? Unearthing the Future of the Franchise
The question on every horror fan’s mind following the blood-soaked spectacle of Evil Dead Rise is: will there be a sequel? The short answer is: currently, Evil Dead Rise 2 has not been officially confirmed. While the film certainly leaves the door open for a continuation, its future hinges on several factors, including the film’s performance and the creative direction the franchise chooses to take. Let’s delve deeper into what we know, what’s possible, and what fans can expect from the potential next chapter in the Evil Dead saga.
The Success and Legacy of Evil Dead Rise
Evil Dead Rise, the fifth installment in the series, served as a standalone entry while maintaining the core elements that define the franchise. Directed by Lee Cronin, the film introduced us to new characters and a terrifying new setting—a Los Angeles apartment building—while retaining the signature graphic violence and demonic possession that fans have come to expect. The film’s success at the box office, grossing over $146 million worldwide, certainly bolsters the case for a sequel.
Factors Influencing a Sequel
- Box Office Performance: The strong financial success of Evil Dead Rise is a significant green light for studio executives. A return on investment makes a sequel more appealing.
- Critical Acclaim and Fan Reception: The movie was met with generally positive reviews, with particular praise for its gore, performances, and fresh take on the franchise. Positive audience response adds to the momentum.
- Creative Vision: The direction and story ideas of the filmmakers are crucial. If director Lee Cronin or another creative team has a compelling vision for the future of the series, a sequel is more likely.
- Bruce Campbell’s Involvement: Although Campbell isn’t the lead actor in Evil Dead Rise, his cameo as a voice on a phonograph record and his desire to see a new Evil Dead movie every two to three years, indicate his continued interest in the franchise and may influence production decisions.
The Ending: Setting the Stage for More
The ending of Evil Dead Rise was not only thrilling but also set the stage for future installments. The hybrid Deadite “Marauder” suggests a frightening evolution of the franchise’s monsters. The original Deadites may have been just the beginning, with potential for more terrifying and continuously evolving demons. It showed that the evil was not confined to the woods, it is everywhere. This opens the door for multiple storylines and new locations for the series to explore. The fact that only Beth and Kassie survive also provides the possibility of their return in future movies, perhaps even as seasoned demon hunters.
Potential Plotlines for Evil Dead Rise 2
- Beth and Kassie’s Journey: Could the sequel follow Beth and Kassie’s experiences after escaping the apartment building? Will they become the franchise’s new demon-fighting duo, similar to Ash Williams?
- The Expanding Deadite Threat: The ending hints at the potential for Deadites to evolve. A sequel could explore how this terrifying new form of demonic possession spreads, impacting different locations and people.
- The Return of the Necronomicon: Although not explicitly featured in Evil Dead Rise, the iconic Necronomicon is at the heart of the evil. A sequel could dive deeper into its origins, powers, and the potential consequences of its existence.
- A New Standalone Story: Alternatively, the studio could choose to take the series in a completely new direction, introducing a new story with different characters but still within the Evil Dead universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Evil Dead Rise and the Possibility of a Sequel
To further clarify and satisfy your burning questions about Evil Dead Rise and the future of the series, here are 15 FAQs:
1. Are Evil Dead and Evil Dead 2 the same movie?
No, Evil Dead (1981) and Evil Dead 2 (1987) are not the same movie. Due to rights issues, Evil Dead 2 was made as a “re-quel,” essentially remaking the first movie with new footage and some new actors. It retells the events of the first movie but is presented as a new experience.
2. Why was Evil Dead 2 banned?
Evil Dead 2 was banned in several countries, including the UK, due to its graphic violence and gore. It was also controversially cited as having inspired copycat acts of violence.
3. Who survives in Evil Dead Rise?
Only Beth and Kassie survive the events of Evil Dead Rise. They escape the apartment complex at the end of the movie.
4. What happened to Ellie in Evil Dead Rise?
Ellie is the main Deadite in Evil Dead Rise. She is possessed by a demon after being killed, transforming into a terrifying antagonist.
5. What is the meaning of the Evil Dead Rise ending?
The ending suggests the original Deadites were just the beginning, and that there could be way more terrifying and constantly evolving Deadites in future installments of the franchise. The “Marauder” emphasizes the possibility of a bigger and more horrifying threat.
6. Is there a post-credits scene in Evil Dead Rise?
No, there is no post- or mid-credits scene in Evil Dead Rise. However, there is a detail which connects the movie to the previous films: Bruce Campbell’s voice cameo on a phonograph record found after an earthquake.
7. Was Evil Dead Rise a success?
Yes, Evil Dead Rise was a commercial success, grossing over $146.7 million worldwide, against a production budget of approximately $19 million, making it a profitable venture.
8. Where was Evil Dead Rise filmed?
Evil Dead Rise was filmed in Auckland, New Zealand.
9. Do you need to watch other Evil Dead movies before watching Evil Dead Rise?
No, you do not need to watch the previous Evil Dead movies to understand or enjoy Evil Dead Rise. It is a standalone story within the same universe.
10. Why did Evil Dead 2 ignore Evil Dead 1?
Because Sam Raimi didn’t own the rights to his original film, he had to essentially reshoot and reimagine the events of The Evil Dead in Evil Dead 2. He was unable to use any footage from the first film.
11. How many Evil Dead Rise movies are there?
There is only one Evil Dead Rise movie released. It’s the fifth installment overall in the Evil Dead franchise.
12. How many people died in Evil Dead Rise?
There are at least nine confirmed deaths in Evil Dead Rise. Almost every character introduced in the movie is killed or turned into a Deadite, with only two survivors.
13. Why was Evil Dead 2 a reboot?
Evil Dead 2 was not a reboot, it was a “re-quel” because Sam Raimi did not own the rights to the original film. He had to essentially re-make the events of the first movie.
14. What is the monster in Evil Dead Rise?
The main monster in Evil Dead Rise is the “Marauder”, a monstrous, mutated Deadite form, created by combining three possessed family members into a spider-like creature.
15. Is Jessica a Deadite in Evil Dead Rise?
Yes, Jessica becomes a Deadite in Evil Dead Rise after being attacked by the Kandarian Demon. She transforms after discovering her apartment’s parking garage covered with blood and gore.
Final Thoughts
While Evil Dead Rise 2 is not yet a certainty, the film’s success and the franchise’s history of creative reinvention leave plenty of room for hope. The ending of Evil Dead Rise not only closed the chapter on this film but also opened a horrifying portal to the future of the franchise. Whether it’s a direct sequel, a standalone story, or an expansion into other avenues, the Evil Dead universe has a lot of potential for future terror. Horror fans will undoubtedly be watching closely for any news of a sequel and eagerly awaiting the next installment.