As we eagerly await the thrilling return of the Evil Dead franchise with the upcoming release of Evil Dead Rise in 2023 (you can check out our review here), the masterminds behind the series—Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and Rob Tapert—are already eyeing new horizons. Campbell recently expressed their ambitious plans to churn out sequels or spin-offs every two to three years, igniting excitement among fans. Last year, they took a significant step forward by recruiting Sébastien Vaniček, who made waves with his feature directorial debut in the French horror film Vermin (also known as Infested), to helm the next chapter of this chilling saga. And guess what? The project just gained a talented new star!
According to Deadline, Souheila Yacoub, a Swiss former rhythmic gymnast turned actress who captured the title of Miss Suisse Romande, has officially signed on for a lead role in the film. Previously rumored to be titled Evil Dead Burn, this project is set to hit theaters on July 24, 2026, a date that’s sure to mark a thrilling day on horror fans’ calendars!
The financial backing for this film comes from both New Line Cinema and Sony Pictures, with Vaniček directing from his own screenplay co-written with Florent Bernard. International distribution is in Sony’s capable hands, while Canal Plus will take charge in the UK and Metropolitan will handle it in France. While detailed plot points remain tightly under wraps, Vaniček has assured fans he’ll be bringing a unique French flair to the story, a tempting prospect that opens up a world of possibilities.
Veteran producer Sam Raimi, along with Rob Tapert, is spearheading this venture, joined by executive producers Romel Adam, Jose Canas, Lee Cronin, and, of course, Bruce Campbell. Reflecting on the franchise’s evolution, Campbell shared with AV Club, “It’s all about the books now. It has nothing to do with (franchise hero Ash) or any particular character. In Army of Darkness, we first saw three books, so we know there are three out there, and none of them are any good. It’s about: where does that darn book wind up, who gets it, and what happens? But the universe remains the same—it’s about innocent folks without special skills fighting for their lives. I think these stories are going to progress more rapidly now. We’re aiming to produce them every couple of years instead of every decade.”
The innovative Raimi, who kick-started his directorial career with the classic The Evil Dead, has brought Campbell to life as the legendary Ash Williams, the face of this beloved series. Ash has returned in various forms over the years, from Evil Dead II to Army of Darkness and the acclaimed Ash vs. Evil Dead TV series. After being impressed by Fede Alvarez’s short film, Raimi and the rights holders embraced Alvarez’s vision for a modern take on the franchise, leading to the 2013 installment that was devoid of Ash. Following suit, Lee Cronin was chosen to direct Evil Dead Rise, paving the way for Vaniček’s entry into this wild universe.
And it seems like the Evil Dead saga is just getting started! In fact, not only is Vaniček’s Evil Dead Burn in the works, but the rights holders also recently tapped Francis Galluppi, who just directed The Last Stop in Yuma County, to craft his own thriller within this iconic realm. The franchise is also expanding with an animated series that promises to continue the legacy of Ash vs. Evil Dead.
Yacoub, the newest addition to the cast, made her acting debut in the French soap opera Plus belle la vie back in 2016 and has since showcased her talent in several hits, including Climax, Les affamés, The Salt of Tears, Dune: Part Two, where she played the role of Shishakli. Her joining the Evil Dead family sparks curiosity about her character’s arc and potential impact in this universe.
Are you as ecstatic as we are about Evil Dead Burn making its way to theaters in 2026? What are your thoughts on Souheila Yacoub joining the fray? We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below!
