NEW YORK – Bruce Campbell, the original Ash from The Evil Dead, knows some fans aren't excited about the 1981 film's forthcoming reboot. He's read all about the backlash, but he would like everyone to know they have nothing to worry about.
"We did not screw you over on this movie," Campbell told the crowd at New York Comic Con, which greeted him with a Springsteen-eque chant of "Bruuuuuuuuce."
Campbell, who is a producer on the film but not appearing in it, said it was time to do a remake of the original instead of another sequel because, well, the original "Ash" is a little past his prime.
"We realized maybe it's just too late to strap on the chainsaw one more time." Campbell said Saturday. "It's time to give these people what they want."
The new Evil Dead is being directed by Uruguayan newcomer Fede Alvarez, who took the job at the request of original director Sam Raimi. "When Sam Raimi asks you that, you don't really go, 'No thanks, I don't really [do] remakes,'" Alvarez told the crowd.
During the Comic Con panel, the filmmakers gave the audience an early preview of the film's upcoming teaser trailer. (Short version: It's looks scary as all hell, and the audience in New York freaked out when it was over. In a good way.)
"That just scared the shit out of me," said Jane Levy (Suburgatory), who plays *Evil Dead'*s female protagonist Mia, after the clip finished.
But teasers are just teasers. Can the film hold up to the greatness of its predecessor? Campbell said he thinks so.
"It's time for something fresh," he said. "We don't want to screw this up."
Evil Dead hits theaters in spring 2013.
