Tucker and Dale vs. Evil may have taken its time finding dedicated fans, but now it stands as a beloved gem in the horror-comedy genre, reminiscent of the innovative spirit seen in Shaun of the Dead. Despite an underwhelming box office debut, the film has amassed a passionate cult following over the past 15 years. So much enthusiasm surrounds it that discussions of a sequel and even a spin-off TV series have bubbled up. So, what exactly went wrong?
Director Eli Craig, who is currently promoting his new project, Clown in a Cornfield, recently reflected on the challenges faced by our favorite hillbillies, Tucker and Dale. Surprisingly, he identifies the real antagonist not as evil itself, but rather David Zaslav—who seems to be a force to reckon with in the industry. He shared with SlashFilm, “It’s always been a struggle, and every time we assemble the components for success, something comes along to sabotage it. We were on the brink of launching a TV series on TNT/TBS when the infamous David Zaslav—the bane of all cinematic dreams [laughs]—intervened and effectively ended the project just as we were set to roll.”
The idea of a follow-up to Tucker and Dale vs. Evil has lingered for years, with a script even crafted at one point. Yet, as time rolls on, the prospect seems increasingly remote. As Craig puts it, “Honestly, Tucker and Dale 2 has gone through more resurrections and fatalities than the college kids in the original. We’ve explored countless versions that nearly came to life but ultimately fell by the wayside. It’s frustrating that people overlook the true box office value of the film.”
In the original movie, the lovable duo of Tucker and Dale, played masterfully by Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine, are wrongfully branded as murderers by a group of college students who mysteriously keep meeting their demise. In a hilarious twist, Tucker and Dale genuinely believe they are witnessing a bizarre suicide pact unfolding. Trust us when we say it’s one of the funniest horror-comedies you’ll ever find—and yes, we are eagerly hoping for a sequel!
How about you? Are you a fan of Tucker and Dale vs. Evil? Do you believe there’s still a glimmer of hope for a sequel? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
