Evil Dead franchise to get a new movie: Evil Dead Burn

Evil Dead Burn is an upcoming supernatural horror film that is set to be released on July 24, 2026. This film marks the sixth installment in the iconic Evil Dead franchise, which began with Sam Raimi's original film in 1981. Directed and co-written by Sébastien Vaniček, the film promises to deliver a fresh take while maintaining the franchise's signature horror elements.

The film stars Souheila Yacoub, along with Hunter Doohan, Luciane Buchanan, and Tandi Wright.

The development of Evil Dead Burn was officially announced in early 2024, with Vaniček expressing a desire to create a film that stands apart from previous entries in the series. He aims to craft a narrative that is both "nasty" and "cathartic," suggesting a focus on intense horror experiences that challenge viewers.

Vaniček has indicated that the film will feature a French main character who interacts with American characters, aiming to blend cultural elements while retaining a distinct style. The production is currently in the pre-production phase, with filming expected to commence in late 2024 or early 2025.

Vaniček has hinted at a storyline that will push boundaries and evoke strong emotional responses from the audience. He has stated, "I told the studio that I wanted to make a nasty film, a film that hurts, from which you come away tested". This aligns with the franchise's history of combining horror with dark humor and intense psychological elements.

Connection to previous films

Evil Dead Burn is positioned as a standalone sequel within the Evil Dead franchise, meaning it exists in the same universe as the earlier films but introduces a new cast of characters and a different setting. This approach is similar to recent entries like Evil Dead (2013) and Evil Dead Rise (2023), which also featured new protagonists while maintaining connections to the franchise's core themes and elements.

While the movie is not a direct sequel to any specific film, it is part of the broader Evil Dead universe, which includes the original trilogy featuring Ash Williams (played by Bruce Campbell) and the more recent films that have expanded the lore. The film is described as being set in the same universe, allowing for thematic and narrative ties to the established mythology of the Deadites and the Necronomicon.

The director has been given creative freedom by franchise creator Sam Raimi, which suggests that while the film will honor the legacy of the series, it will also explore new directions and narratives. Vaniček aims to create a film that is "nasty" and emotionally charged, pushing the boundaries of horror that the franchise is known for.

Vaniček has indicated that the film will feature a French main character, which may introduce new cultural perspectives while still appealing to the franchise's established fanbase. This blend of new characters and settings with familiar horror elements aims to attract both longtime fans and new audiences.

The director has expressed a desire to create a film that is not only terrifying but also emotionally resonant. He aims to deliver a nasty film that challenges viewers and leaves them feeling drained, which could deepen the emotional stakes within the Evil Dead universe. This focus on emotional intensity may lead to new character arcs and backstories that enrich the overall narrative tapestry of the franchise.

This movie connects to the previous films through its shared universe and thematic elements while also carving out its own identity with new characters and a distinct narrative approach. This strategy reflects the franchise's evolution and its ability to adapt to contemporary horror storytelling.

Evil Dead Burn has the potential to delve into unexplored mythologies related to the Necronomicon and its effects on different characters. This could lead to a richer understanding of the supernatural elements within the Evil Dead universe, as well as how they interact with various cultural beliefs and fears.

The horror film is set to expand the lore of the Evil Dead universe by introducing new characters and themes, exploring emotional depths, and continuing the franchise's evolution while maintaining connections to its roots. This multifaceted approach promises to enrich the overall narrative and provide fans with a fresh yet familiar horror experience.