Horror Franchise Doubles Down with Second Film Announcement
Major studios fast-track another supernatural horror film before the summer release even hits theaters, assembling a cast of genre veterans for the blood-soaked franchise continuation.
Hollywood studios are betting big on supernatural terror. New Line Cinema and Sony Pictures just approved another installment in the demonic horror series, months before Evil Dead Burn reaches theaters this July.
Francis Galluppi, a Los Angeles-based filmmaker, will write and direct the unnamed project. The decision follows Lee Cronin's Evil Dead Rise, which earned $147 mn worldwide in 2023.
Star-Studded Cast Assembled
The production secured several recognizable faces from recent horror hits. Charlotte Hope from The Nun joins the cast alongside Ella Newton from Dangerous Animals. Zach Gilford, known for his work with director Mike Flanagan, rounds out the main trio.
Supporting roles go to Jessica McNamee (Mortal Kombat), Josh Helman (Mad Max: Fury Road), Ella Oliphant, and Elizabeth Cullen (The Last Anniversary). The ensemble suggests studios are prioritizing proven genre talent.
Behind the Scenes Power
Cronin will produce the film with franchise veterans Rob Tapert, Romel Adam, Jose Cañas, Sam Raimi, and Bruce Campbell. Campbell originated the series' iconic character Ash Williams decades ago.
Plot details remain secret. Expect the usual formula: unsuspecting people discover the cursed Necronomicon, accidentally summon Kandarian demons, then battle flesh-hungry Deadites.
Summer Preview Coming
Sébastien Vaniček's Evil Dead Burn arrives July 24. The cast includes Souheila Yacoub, Luciane Buchanan, Tandi Wright, George Pullar, and Hunter Doohan from Wednesday.
"I told the studio that I wanted to make a nasty film, a film that hurts, from which you come away tested," Vaniček said previously. "I'm going to put all the horror I have inside, it will be cathartic, and if I haven't ruined my career and I can continue to make films behind it, I will move on to something other than horror!"