How do you top one of the best zombie movies of all time? By turning its sequel into a time-traveling epic through Arthurian legend, of course.
That’s the approach director Sam Raimi took in Army of Darkness, his follow-up to the cult classic Evil Dead II and the final entry in his genre-redefining trilogy. But thanks in part to the subversive brilliance of Army of Darkness, the Evil Dead franchise remains as unkillable as the Deadites that relentlessly pursued Bruce Campbell’s cocksure hero Ash across space and time.
30 years after Army of Darkness made its theatrical debut on February 19, 1993, it’s worth revisiting how the unlikely genre mashup came to be — and why it’s more relevant than ever all these decades later.
For anyone who had previously seen Evil Dead II and its time-travel cliffhanger, the decision to place Army of Darkness in medieval times was no huge surprise. But the threequel still represents a significant change from the claustrophobic cabin-in-the-woods horror of the first two movies. Here, Campbell’s chainsaw-wielding hero is dropped into the world of King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable. And, unfortunately for everyone involved, wherever Ash goes, the Deadites are close behind.
After getting captured and losing his weapons, Ash is tossed into a hole with a Deadite. To everyone’s surprise, he defeats the undead monster and reclaims his shotgun and chainsaw. He’s also introduced to a wise wizard who explains that the only way to get home is with the Necronomicon (the evil magic book that’s appeared throughout the series).
This sets Ash off on an adventure that includes a haunted forest that includes, a trio of tiny Ash clones with a penchant for Three Stooges schtick, and an evil full-sized Deadite version of himself. Eventually, Evil Ash raises an entire “Army of Darkness” and attacks King Arthur’s castle. The situation seems dire, but through a mix of modern technology and pure cockiness, Ash leads the good guys to victory and then heads home to his own time.
Universal Pictures Universal Pictures Universal Pictures Info 1 / 3 PREV NEXT
Army of Darkness was produced on a budget of just $11 million and grossed $21.5 million (that may seem small, but Evil Dead II only cost a measly $3.5 million and made $5.9M). Behind the scenes, production was also a difficult ordeal. The scale was much bigger and more complicated, and the physical stunts were particularly arduous — at least according to Bruce Campbell.
“It was probably, I would say, the most physically uncomfortable movie in the history of motion pictures, and I’m just gonna say that, and any other actor can kiss my ass loud and hard,” the actor said in a behind-the-scenes documentary interview.
But it was clearly worth it. Not only is Army of Darkness an undeniable joy to watch thanks to its perfect mix of horror, comedy, and fantasy, but it also cemented the longevity of the Evil Dead franchise. Zombies may come and go, but Sam Raimi proved his Deadites could work anywhere and everywhere. That includes TV (Ash vs. Evil Dead), video games, comics, and even a musical.
Evil Dead Rise (2023) will feature a new Deadite called Mommy. New Line Cinema
Evil Dead shows no signs of slowing down, either. There’s a new movie (Evil Dead Rise) coming later this year. And last year at Comic-Con, Campbell told Inverse that the show could continue with an animated fourth season. Unsurprisingly, the plot could pull directly from Army of Darkness. Sort of.
The 1993 movie originally ended with Ash traveling too far into the future and winding up in a post-apocalypse. At the time, the studio demanded a less depressing finale, and Ash wound up making it back home instead. But 30 years later, we may finally see that story play out. And if Army of Darkness is any indication, Evil Dead will work just as well in a sci-fi future as it did in the Arthurian past.
30 Years Ago, an Amazing Time-Travel Movie Cemented an Unkillable Franchise
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer