Does Bruce Campbell return as Ash Williams in Evil Dead Rise? (Brief cameo explained)

Evil Dead Rise is now playing in theaters and, going in, fans had one major question — does horror legend Bruce Campbell return as Ash Williams in the movie? Spoilers ahead!

Spoiler alert! If you have not watched Evil Dead Rise in theaters just yet, please note there are significant spoilers ahead, including how Campbell is involved (if at all) in the fifth installment of the horror franchise. 

In Evil Dead Rise, we follow Ellie and her three children. Currently, Ellie is struggling as a recently-single mom. Beth drops in for a visit, but a problem of her own, too. Their reunion doesn’t even make it a day before a storm of evil descends at their apartment building after The Book of the Dead is found.

Depending on how much you love the franchise is how you will walk out feeling after watching the latest feature. For me, there’s a lot to love, but also some huge missed opportunities. For starters, I didn’t enjoy the setting. An apartment in Los Angeles just doesn’t have the same fear factor a cabin in the woods does. Secondly, and mainly, there’s Bruce Campbell (well, or lack thereof).

Does Bruce Campbell return as Ash Williams in Evil Dead Rise?

Unfortunately, no. Campbell serves as an executive producer (along with Sam Raimi, who created the original). The actor does have a cameo role in the movie, the voice of a priest in a recording. Just like the actor’s recognizable appearance, his voice is familiar, as well, especially to fans. However, I have to say it is disappointing not seeing Campbell portray Ash again.

There are no after credits in Evil Dead Rise

This is another missed opportunity. Ash should have appeared in a post-credit scene to tie it all together and/or to tease the next movie. No, another movie has not been confirmed yet, but there’s a high chance it is already in the franchise plans, ScreenRant reports.