Bruce Campbell is mostly known for leading the “Evil Dead” franchise (and for popping up in every Sam Raimi movie since), a role that has proven to be both blessing and curse.
The actor, who now appears in Peacock series “Hysteria!,” told The New York Times that while the “Evil Dead” films and subsequent series “Ash vs. Evil Dead” propelled him to stardom, the franchise’s fans can make him feel a bit boxed in.
“I have nothing but love for the franchise. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. It got me into the business,” Campbell said, adding, “I’m more constricted by fans than the industry.”
Campbell continued, “They’re not going to watch ‘Burn Notice’ because spy shows aren’t their bag. And the guys who watch ‘Burn Notice,’ they’re not necessarily horror fans. You’re going to know me from what you’ve watched me in. I know myself differently because I know what I’ve done. I’m grateful to the industry because I get cast in things that are not horror. A little more relevance to what’s happening today never hurt anybody.”
Campbell was a lead the USA series “Burn Notice” from 2007 to 2013. He has also appeared in Raimi’s “Spider-Man” trilogy, “Fargo,” and more.
The “Burn Notice” fans are a bit less typecast-y than those from “Evil Dead,” Campbell said.
“They found that the old guy had done those weird horror movies way back when. I’m OK with that,” Campbell said. “That means I’ve been around for a while. I’m happy to still be in the game. I can offer guidance to young actors.”
He added, “You think you’re going to be eternally young — but I’m fine. It hasn’t been a hard transition. I’ve tried to play against type a lot. I was never the TV movie heartthrob. I was never that soap opera kind of guy anyway. I feel fortunate to have dodged a few soap opera bullets.”
“Evil Dead” debuted in 1981. Campbell led that one as well as “Evil Dead II” (1987), “Army of Darkness” (1992), and three seasons of Starz series “Ash vs Evil Dead” (2015-18). Fede Álvarez directed an “Evil Dead” film reboot in 2013. Raimi, the original director, said in 2019 that he was looking to return to the franchise with a feature film once again starring Campbell.
