(Left) Souheila Yacoub in ‘The Balconettes’. Photo: Tandem. (Right) Alyssa Sutherland as Ellie in New Line Cinema’s horror film ‘Evil Dead Rise,”’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Preview:
- The new ‘Evil Dead’ spin-off movie is ‘Evil Dead Burn.’
- Souheila Yacoub is aboard to star.
- French filmmaker Sébastien Vaniček is in the director’s chair.
Back in February last year, we reported on the news that Warner Bros., New Line and ‘Evil Dead’ producers Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert decided to strike while the franchise iron was sizzling hot after the success of ‘Evil Dead Rise.’
That movie, directed by Lee Cronin, and released in 2023 was originally slated to go directly to streaming service Max, ended up landing theatrically and grossed $147 million worldwide.
We already knew that French director Sébastien Vaniček, who previously made spider horror ‘Vermine,’ (AKA ‘Infested’) was hired to handle the new movie, but there were no casting details revealed yet.
Until now, that is.
Deadline brings word that ‘Dune: Part Two’ actor Souheila Yacoub will be taking the lead role in the movie, which also has a title: ‘Evil Dead Burn.’
Here’s what Vaniček had to say about his new star:
“I’ve long admired Souheila’s work in France, particularly in theater. She brings a rare physicality and emotional intensity to her performances –– exactly the kind of raw, visceral presence I was looking for in ‘Evil Dead Burn.’ ”
And of course, Vaniček’s movie is not the only ‘Evil Dead’ movie in development right now, since ‘The Last Stop in Yuma County’s Francis Galluppi is also working up his own.
From the looks of the new announcement, though, ‘Evil Dead Burn’ is clearly in pole position, with an aim to be shooting this year.
Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Evil Dead Rise’
What’s the story of the new ‘Evil Dead’ movie?
1981’s ‘The Evil Dead.’ Photo: Renaissance Pictures.
While we now know the movie’s title and who will be starring in ‘Evil Dead Burn,’ there are no details online about the plotline.
We can hazard some guesses from the title –– fire certainly sounds like it’ll be involved. Could it be something to do with flames in a contained space, or something to do with wildfires.
According to Vaniček, who wrote the script with Florent Bernard, he sees the ‘Evil Dead’ franchise as a great place to be making a movie. As he told Variety:
“It’s like a creative playground, a bold laboratory for filmmakers eager to explore something raw, brutal, and deeply transgressive.”
And this is what he said about his idea for the new title:
“My goal was to craft a powerful, singular –– almost personal –– story that could stand on its own, while still resonating deeply within the rich, complex world that Sam has built. [I want to add] depth and nuance, something that feels uniquely ours, but that anyone can connect with.”
Finally, this is what he said about what he brings:
“The ambition remains the same as with ‘Infested’: to create a visceral, sensory experience that punches the audience in the gut. I want people to feel physically drained when they leave the theater, like they’ve been through an emotional and intense journey.”
Vaniček has said that he’s going to demand a lot from Yacoub, since this will be a demanding role.
Where else have we seen Souheila Yacoub?
(Center) Souheila Yacoub in ‘The Balconettes’. Photo: Tandem.
The Geneva-born actor, who is a former professional athlete and was even part of the national team of gymnastics at a young age, sounds like someone who could well stand up to the rigors of an ‘Evil Dead’ movie (maybe Bruce Campbell, who went through the wringer at Raimi’s hands in the first three movies, can offer some pointers).
In addition to her ‘Dune: Part Two’ role, Yacoub also starred in ‘Planet B,’ which earned her a César Award nomination, and Noémie Merlant’s ‘The Balconettes,’ which premiered at Venice and Cannes.
On the small screen, she had a lead role in series ‘No Man’s Land’ and had breakout roles in Gaspar Noé’s ‘Climax’ and Anaïs Volpé’s ‘The Braves.’
What made Raimi and Tapert choose Sébastien Vaniček?
2023’s ‘Vermin.’
As with Cronin before him, it’s Sébastien Vaniček’s previous work that caught Raimi and Tapert’s attention.
The French filmmaker has been drawing attention thanks to ‘Vermine.’
That movie was first introduced as part of the Critics’ Week sidebar at the Venice Film Festival. Watching as the residents of a rundown French apartment building battle against an army of deadly, rapidly reproducing spiders, the film won Best Picture and Best Director in its North American premiere at Fantastic Fest, and was also invited to the Sitges Film Festival, where it earned a nomination for Best Motion Picture and won a Special Jury Prize.
He signed with agency CAA off the back of ‘Vermine’s success, and has been out and about taking meetings, which is how he ended up on Raimi and Tapert’s radar, since they’ve said they’re always looking for new talent to pick up the ‘Dead’ flag.
Raimi and Tapert produce new ‘Evil Dead’ movies through their Ghost House Pictures company.
When will ‘Evil Dead Burn’ be in theaters?
With Sony aboard to co-finance, Warner Bros. and New Line have handed out a July 24th, 2026 release date for the movie, which is a prime summer slot.
That means Vaniček will have his work cut out for him.
Bruce Campbell in ‘The Evil Dead.’ Photo: Renaissance Pictures.
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