Bruce Campbell revealed an intriguing detail about the creation of the iconic poster for the legendary horror classic The Evil Dead, showcasing his significant contribution to its visual identity.
The horror genre is renowned for producing some of the most memorable and striking movie posters in cinematic history, with iconic examples such as The Exorcist, Halloween, and Alien. Among these legendary designs, the poster for The Evil Dead stands out, featuring a chilling image of Cheryl (Ellen Sandweiss) being dramatically pulled into the ground by a menacing undead hand. This artwork has become a symbol of horror cinema. Curious about the fascinating backstory behind this remarkable piece of art? Bruce Campbell has generously shared the complete history that led to its creation.
At JoBlo.com, we are passionate about exploring and celebrating movie artwork, so when Bruce Campbell took to social media to discuss a photo shoot from The Evil Dead that someone had highlighted, we were thrilled to gather more insights into the creative process behind this iconic poster. Campbell shared an intriguing anecdote: “This pix was taken in a chilly Ferndale, Michigan warehouse studio, early 80s, by old pal Mike Ditz because we had no publicity shots for our first flick, Evil Dead. It’s the basis for the poster, with my hand clutching model Bridget Hoffman’s neck. The poster image was then altered to remove the cross, give her some “cleavage,” drop a shoulder strap (to make it sexier?) and turn my arm into a deadite. Ahhh, movies.”
While many die-hard fans of The Evil Dead may have been aware that it was Bruce Campbell’s hand featured in the poster, this revelation comes as a surprise to a larger audience. The fact that Campbell not only portrayed the heroic character Ash but also played a vital role in the promotional artwork adds another layer of excitement and appreciation for the film’s marketing. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of horror cinema and the creative decisions that shape its iconic imagery!
The Evil Dead undeniably kicked off one of the most celebrated horror trilogies in film history, with sequels released in 1987 and 1993 that further solidified its legacy. Two decades later, the franchise saw a resurgence with reboots, including Fede Álvarez’s gripping 2013 installment and Lee Cronin’s 2023 offering, Evil Dead Rise. As it stands, Bruce Campbell has hinted at the development of two additional films, although he won’t be directly involved in those projects. However, he has committed to an upcoming Evil Dead animated series, which fans can look forward to, even if its release is not imminent.
What do you believe is the lasting legacy of the poster for The Evil Dead? Does it rightfully claim a spot among the most prestigious examples of horror art? We invite you to share your thoughts and favorite horror movie posters with us in the comments section below!
