The Evil Dead franchise is rising from the dead once again with Evil Dead Burn, the sixth installment in the legendary horror series that has terrified audiences for over four decades. Set to possess theaters on July 24, 2026, this upcoming supernatural horror film promises to deliver a fresh wave of demonic terror while honoring the franchise’s blood-soaked legacy. With production recently wrapped and an intense behind-the-scenes teaser already generating buzz, Evil Dead Burn is positioning itself as one of the most anticipated horror releases of 2026.
A Rising Director Takes the Reins
At the helm of Evil Dead Burn is French director Sébastien Vaniček, who earned this opportunity through his exceptional feature film debut, Infested (also known as Vermines). The spider-infested horror film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and won Best Picture and Best Director at its North American premiere at Fantastic Fest. Vaniček’s ability to blend intense horror with social commentary caught the attention of franchise creator Sam Raimi, who personally selected him to direct the new Evil Dead installment.
Vaniček has been transparent about his vision for the film, telling Konbini in a recent interview: “I told the studio that I wanted to make a nasty film, a film that hurts, from which you come away tested. I’m going to put all the horror I have inside, it will be cathartic”. This approach suggests Evil Dead Burn will embrace the franchise’s notorious reputation for unrelenting gore and visceral terror.
Working alongside Vaniček is his Infested co-writer Florent Bernard, who collaborated on the screenplay. The duo previously demonstrated their ability to create tension-filled narratives with complex characters, skills that will serve them well in crafting the next chapter of the Evil Dead saga. Philip Lozano, cinematographer for films like Cobweb and MadS, is handling the visual elements.
Production Journey and Timeline
Principal photography for Evil Dead Burn began in New Zealand on July 22, 2025, and officially wrapped in mid-October 2025. The relatively quick production schedule demonstrates a focused and efficient filmmaking process, though specific details about the filming locations remain scarce. New Zealand’s diverse landscapes have long served as filming locations for major Hollywood productions, providing the perfect backdrop for the franchise’s signature combination of isolation and terror.
The production is backed by an impressive team of industry veterans. Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert are producing through their Ghost House Pictures banner, with Bruce Campbell—the iconic star of the original trilogy—serving as executive producer alongside Evil Dead Rise filmmaker Lee Cronin. This combination of franchise veterans and fresh talent suggests a careful balance between honoring the series’ roots and pushing it in new directions.
An Ensemble Cast of Rising Talent
Evil Dead Burn features a talented ensemble cast led by Souheila Yacoub as Alice. The Swiss actress has been building an impressive resume, most notably appearing as Shishakli in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two (2024). Yacoub’s background includes rhythmic gymnastics at an elite level before transitioning to acting, bringing a physicality that will undoubtedly serve her well in the demanding horror environment.
Hunter Doohan plays Joseph, adding another major project to his growing career. Best known for his role as Tyler Galpin in Netflix’s Wednesday series and Adam Desiato in Showtime’s Your Honor, Doohan has demonstrated versatility across different genres. His most recent work includes appearing as Muse in Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again, showcasing his ability to handle action-oriented roles.
The supporting cast includes Luciane Buchanan as Thya, Tandi Wright as Susan, who previously appeared in Pearl, and George Pullar as Will. Additional cast members include Erroll Shand as Edgar, Maude Dauvey as Polly, and Keanu Karim as Jared. While specific character details remain under wraps, the diverse ensemble suggests multiple perspectives and potential victims for the Deadites to terrorize.
Plot Mysteries and Franchise Connections
Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have kept plot details tightly under wraps, maintaining an air of mystery around what horrors await audiences. What’s known is that Evil Dead Burn serves as the third standalone entry after Evil Dead Rise (2023) and represents a spin-off rather than a direct sequel. This approach allows the filmmakers creative freedom to explore new characters and settings while remaining connected to the franchise’s mythology.
The most logical assumption is that the cursed Necronomicon Ex-Mortis—the ancient book that has been the source of demonic chaos throughout the franchise—will once again play a central role. The title “Burn” itself has sparked speculation among fans. Does it reference fire as a weapon against the Deadites? An apocalyptic scenario where flames consume everything? Or perhaps a combination of both elements?
One fan has theorized the film could follow “a flame-thrower-carrying protagonist” battling a “fiery apocalypse” brought forth by the Deadites. Given the franchise’s history of inventive weapons—from Ash’s iconic chainsaw to various improvised tools—the incorporation of fire as both threat and defense mechanism would fit perfectly within the Evil Dead universe.
Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses
In October 2025, when production wrapped, the official Evil Dead social media accounts shared a brutal first teaser featuring behind-the-scenes footage. The teaser shows star Hunter Doohan defending himself against what appears to be a Deadite attack in “extremely brutal fashion”. Additionally, director Sébastien Vaniček shared images of cast members looking bloodied and battered, suggesting the film will embrace the franchise’s tradition of putting characters through physical and psychological hell.
These early glimpses confirm that Evil Dead Burn will deliver the practical effects and visceral gore that fans expect from the franchise. The decision to showcase real, practical violence rather than relying exclusively on CGI aligns with the series’ roots in hands-on horror filmmaking that made the original films so memorable.
The Franchise Legacy
To understand the significance of Evil Dead Burn, it’s essential to appreciate the franchise’s remarkable journey. The original The Evil Dead (1981), directed by Sam Raimi on a shoestring budget of just $350,000, launched the careers of Raimi, producer Rob Tapert, and star Bruce Campbell. Stephen King famously called it “the most ferociously original horror film of the year,” and it currently holds a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The franchise evolved significantly with Evil Dead II (1987), which combined horror and comedy in unprecedented ways. Army of Darkness (1992) took the series in an even more comedic direction, transporting Ash back to medieval times. After decades of dormancy, the franchise was resurrected with a 2013 reboot/continuation that earned critical praise for returning to the original’s brutal horror roots.
Most recently, Evil Dead Rise (2023) proved the franchise still has commercial and creative vitality. The film grossed $147 million worldwide against its production budget, with Deadline Hollywood calculating a net profit of $46 million. It earned $67.2 million domestically and $79.8 million internationally, demonstrating the franchise’s global appeal. This success undoubtedly gave Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema confidence to greenlight Evil Dead Burn so quickly.
Distribution and Release Strategy
Evil Dead Burn will receive a theatrical release on July 24, 2026, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures domestically. Sony Pictures will handle international territories, excluding the United Kingdom and France, where StudioCanal UK and Metropolitan Filmexport will distribute respectively. This multi-studio distribution strategy reflects the global nature of the franchise’s fanbase and maximizes the film’s commercial potential across different markets.
The July release date positions Evil Dead Burn in the heart of summer, traditionally a competitive period dominated by blockbusters. However, horror films have increasingly found success during summer months, as audiences seek diverse experiences beyond superhero spectacles and family animations. The mid-summer slot also gives the film breathing room before the fall horror season begins.
The Future of Evil Dead
Evil Dead Burn represents just one piece of the franchise’s expanding future. In April 2024, it was announced that another mainline film is in development with Francis Galluppi (The Last Stop in Yuma County) serving as writer and director. This suggests Warner Bros. and Ghost House Pictures are committed to a sustained release strategy, with Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell previously indicating plans to release a new Evil Dead film “every couple years” rather than the previous pattern of decade-long gaps.
There’s also been discussion about future films potentially bringing back Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams, particularly if Sam Raimi returns to direct. Campbell had previously “retired” from the role after the cancellation of the Ash vs Evil Dead television series, but expressed willingness to reconsider if Raimi were at the helm. The franchise bible being developed by Sam and Ivan Raimi will provide a roadmap for these future installments, ensuring consistency while allowing individual filmmakers creative freedom.
