NYCC: Bruce Campbell and Stars Show “Evil Dead” Remake Footage

The legendary Bruce Campbell was on hand at New York Comic-Con today to premiere the first-ever footage from the upcoming remake of his classic horror film “Evil Dead”. Many fans of the original film have been skeptical about this remake, but the new trailer may put their concerns to rest.

“The trailer was filled with gore, and the audience loved it. It showed a new group of kids going into the old cabin.  They discover the blood-smeared cellar door, start playing with the Necronomicon, and all hell breaks loose. Jane Levy (who plays the female version of Ash) screams, “We’re all going to die tonight.” The dead rise from the ground, and they look very scary. Then we see a bunch of gore scenes cut together: A girl is in the shower cutting up the sides of her mouth; Another girl saws off her own gore-covered arm; Levy  trapped by the raping tree. At one point, we hear a chainsaw, and the crowd goes completely (expletive). The undead version of Levy returns and splits her tongue in half with a knife. It was total carnage, and the audience loved it.”

During the panel, Campbell was the star of the show, appearing with director Fede Alvarez and star Jane Levy. The take away from the panel is that this a  new, modern “Evil Dead” that will remain true to the classic bloodfest that fans know and love. Campbell swears to the crowd, “We did not screw you with this movie.”

Levy, who assumes the Ash role in the film (but who is apparently named “Mia”), told a story about Bruce trying to scare her during her audition. “You know what it’s like to be buried alive?” he asked. “To have tubes shoved down your throat so you can projectile vomit?!”

Campbell says the film stands on its own and he joked that they don’t need any “silly references [to the original] so you can say, ‘Oh, look!'” He assured fans that this movie will be like slipping on a comfortable shoe… A familiar, comfortable “Evil Dead” shoe! “Oh my God, I can’t take it off!!”

The highlight of the panel was not surprisingly Campbell in action as he interacted with fans during the Q&A. Some highlights:

Referring to the Raimi Spidey films: “I named Spider-Man.” And the second film where he cock-blocked Peter Parker from getting into the theater? “And I defeated Spider-Man.”

To a girl cosplayer styled after his famous character: “Female Ashs are kind of hot actually.”

Regarding Diablo Cody’s contributions to the script and why they hired her: “She won a f*@king Academy Award!” Alvarez wanted someone who could bring some “American, cool dialogue.”

Campbell’s wife doesn’t worry when he goes to cons because it’s just “18-year-old guys trying to get into your pants.”

When a female fan who takes to crying in Campbell’s presence tried to ask him a question, he gave her five dollars and a kiss on the hand.

“It’s time for something fresh,” Campbell said when asked why he isn’t in the film. “We’ve got really talented people here who worked their asses off. We know there were a lot of pissed off people when this was announced. And I can’t wait for you to see it so that I can accept all of your apologies!”