TMDb/Evil Dead Movie Evil Dead Rise shifts focus to new characters, marking a bold new chapter for the iconic horror franchise. Discover the future of Evil Dead. April 4, 2026 AceShowbiz - The Evil Dead franchise is embarking on a unique path that few horror series dare to take by focusing on entirely new characters rather than relying on familiar faces. The horror saga first burst onto the scene in 1981 under the direction of Sam Raimi. It chronicled a group of teenagers vacationing in a remote cabin who unwittingly unleash malevolent spirits known as Deadites.