Sam Raimi’s early career as a film director nearly stalled before his horror landmark, The Evil Dead, gained recognition. Released in the early 1980s and initially shunned by most distributors and producers, the film faced a bleak future—until author Stephen King intervened. King’s endorsement during the Cannes Film Festival helped turn the tide for Raimi’s indie horror, launching the franchise into cult status and securing its place in horror history.
The Crucial Role Stephen King Played in Evil Dead’s Early Success
Back in the early 1980s, Sam Raimi was a young, ambitious filmmaker trying to break into the industry. His debut feature, The Evil Dead, starring Bruce Campbell, struggled to find backing. When Raimi presented the film at Cannes, distributors largely dismissed it. Raimi later reflected,
“nobody would touch Evil Dead with a ten-foot plague pole.”
This bleak environment shifted dramatically when Stephen King happened to attend a screening at the festival.
King, who was already an established name with works such as Carrie, Salem’s Lot, and The Shining, recognized the film’s potential. After watching The Evil Dead, he praised it openly in Twilight Zone magazine, greatly influencing the film’s prospects. Raimi said,
“Well, nobody would touch Evil Dead with a ten-foot plague pole, and then Stephen King happened to be in the theater in Cannes, the market. He saw it, and he gave us a great review in Twilight Zone magazine. And I was so honored because he was my giantest, largest hero, still is. He’s a tremendous influence.”
King’s endorsement was a game-changer. Although he was not yet the titan of horror he would become in later decades, his reputation was already influential enough to attract attention. King famously called The Evil Dead,
“The most ferociously original horror film of 1982,”
a commendation that appeared on several of the movie’s releases and encouraged audiences and producers alike to take the film seriously.
Stephen King’s Continued Support for the Evil Dead Franchise
Stephen King’s connection with the Evil Dead series did not end with the initial film. Over the years, he consistently expressed enthusiasm for the franchise, even backing the sequel, Evil Dead II, encouraging producers to invest in Raimi’s vision. King’s ongoing passion for the series extended through its various incarnations including the 2013 reboot by Fede Álvarez and the Starz TV show, Ash vs Evil Dead, which continued the storyline of the original trilogy.
The franchise returned to cinemas in 2023 with Evil Dead Rise, directed by Lee Cronin. Initially slated for a streaming release, successful test screenings earned the film a theatrical launch. King’s public support helped reignite interest in the franchise’s theatrical presence. On the social media platform X, King wrote,
“While I’m busy promoting, how about EVIL DEAD RISE? It’s gruesome, it’s bloody, it’s even got an elevator vomiting blood. Not to mention chainsaw-fu.”
New Installments and What Lies Ahead for Evil Dead Fans
Fans of the franchise can look forward to more Deadite-fueled horror, as two new films are already in production. Evil Dead Burn, directed by Sébastien Vaniček, is set to release in cinemas on July 24, 2026. Meanwhile, Evil Dead Wrath, under the direction of Francis Galluppi, is currently filming and expected to premiere in 2027.
With Stephen King’s longstanding respect and enthusiasm for the franchise, it is likely he will continue to provide vocal support as these new chapters of Evil Dead emerge. The collaboration between iconic creators like Raimi and influential figures such as King has ensured the series remains a vital part of horror culture.
The Original Evil Dead and Its Key Cast
The initial Evil Dead film launched the careers of key talent including Bruce Campbell, who famously portrayed the series’ protagonist Ash Williams, and Ellen Sandweiss. Their performances helped establish the tone and style that would become synonymous with the franchise, combining horror, suspense, and dark humor. The compelling cast united with Raimi’s innovative direction to craft a film that has endured as a cult classic in the genre.
