Halloween came early for Hollywood on Wednesday night, as Starz’s “Ash vs. Evil Dead” shut down the high-traffic boulevard outside the TCL Chinese Theatre in celebration of the long-awaited horror show’s premiere.
Stars including Bruce Campbell, Lucy Lawless, Jill-Marie Jones, Ray Santiago and Dana DeLorenzo walked the carpet while VIP guests enjoyed an outdoor bar in front of the theater and hundreds of “Evil Dead” fans filled the street for a free Iggy Pop rock concert. Guests were also invited to explore a replica of Ash’s trailer from the show and step inside a gif booth that gave chainsaw-wielding fans a chance to dispatch a Deadite with their friends.
The anticipation was palpable in the theater as the assembled army of “Dead” fans (many in costume) waited for their first fresh glimpse of Ash Williams on screen in 23 years. Campbell was in high spirits as he introduced his fellow cast members and praised Starz for reviving the cult franchise — making note of the premium cabler’s uncensored approach to the bloody horror-comedy series.
“What you’re seeing is unrestricted content. You’re gonna see what Ash does for a living: he saves the world!” Campbell declared, joking that he couldn’t imagine ever doing the show on network television.
The cast were in a particularly jubilant mood since Starz announced “Ash vs. Evil Dead’s” season two renewal earlier in the day, ahead of the series’ Oct. 31 debut.
Starz showrunners including Bryan Fuller of “American Gods,” Steven DeKnight of “Spartacus” and Courtney Kemp Agboh of “Power” were also in attendance, along with Starz execs Chris Albrecht, Carmi Zlotnik, Glenn Curtis, Marta Fernandez and Jeffrey Hirsch.
