Evil Dead Wrath is the next major chapter in the horror franchise, and the latest confirmed updates reveal a 1972 setting, a completed production, and a theatrical release planned for April 7, 2028.
The movie is being written and directed by Francis Galluppi, whose feature debut was the acclaimed thriller The Last Stop in Yuma County. Sam Raimi and longtime franchise producer Rob Tapert are producing, while Bruce Campbell and Lee Cronin are among the executive producers.
Unlike several recent entries that have moved the franchise into different modern settings, the new film will travel back nearly a decade before the events of the original The Evil Dead. Producer Rob Tapert has confirmed that the story takes place in 1972.
Production also has already finished. Filming began in New Zealand in February 2026 and wrapped later that spring. The project is now in post-production as the filmmakers prepare the movie for its 2028 theatrical debut.
Evil Dead Wrath Release Date
The current U.S. theatrical release date is April 7, 2028.
The date represents an important shift from an earlier release plan. During Warner Bros.’ CinemaCon presentation in April 2026, the movie was initially announced for 2027. The release was subsequently moved to April 7, 2028.
For American moviegoers, the film is currently scheduled as a theatrical release rather than a streaming-first project.
No confirmed U.S. streaming service has been announced. There is also no confirmed digital rental, Blu-ray, or home-video release date at this stage.
The current release information is:
| Detail | Confirmed information |
|---|---|
| Title | Evil Dead Wrath |
| Genre | Horror |
| Director | Francis Galluppi |
| Writer | Francis Galluppi |
| Producers | Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert |
| Executive producers | Bruce Campbell, Lee Cronin, Romel Adam, Jose Cañas |
| Setting | 1972 |
| Production status | Post-production |
| Filming location | New Zealand |
| U.S. theatrical release | April 7, 2028 |
The release date remains the key piece of information for fans waiting for the next installment.
What Is Evil Dead Wrath About?
The story details were kept secret for much of the movie’s development. That changed when Rob Tapert discussed the project publicly in 2026.
Tapert revealed that the movie is set in 1972 and described it as a major departure for the franchise. The story centers on a French woman living in America who is caught in a troubled marriage.
Tapert also described the woman’s husband’s family as effectively becoming the “in-laws from hell.” His comments indicate that the family conflict is an important part of the story before the supernatural horror takes over.
That makes the movie notably different from the basic setup of the original The Evil Dead. The 1981 film followed Ash Williams and his friends after they encountered the Necronomicon and unleashed demonic forces at a remote cabin.
The new movie instead starts with a period family drama and places its supernatural elements within that setting.
The 1972 timeline is especially significant because it occurs before the events of the original film. It therefore takes the franchise further back in its chronology than the better-known stories involving Ash Williams.
Tapert also said the movie includes coming-of-age elements and sexual material that are unusual for the franchise. He suggested that the material could present a significant challenge when the film goes through the ratings process.
However, the movie’s final MPAA rating has not been announced.
A 1972 Setting Gives the Movie a Different Identity
The decision to set the story in 1972 is one of the most important confirmed details about the production.
The original The Evil Dead arrived in 1981, meaning the new film takes place roughly nine years earlier. That gives Galluppi an opportunity to create a different visual and cultural environment while remaining connected to the franchise’s mythology.
Tapert has also discussed the filmmakers’ visual plans. He said Galluppi and cinematographer Mac Fisken wanted the movie to resemble a genuine 1972 production.
One of the inspirations mentioned was Ektachrome 100, a film stock associated with the era. Tapert described the intended appearance as warm and tungsten-heavy.
That approach could help distinguish the movie from recent Evil Dead installments. Instead of simply placing the familiar supernatural formula in another contemporary location, the filmmakers are building the story around a specific historical period.
The visual strategy also fits Galluppi’s background. His The Last Stop in Yuma County is a tightly controlled period thriller, and that experience helped establish his reputation before he joined the Evil Dead franchise.
Francis Galluppi Directs the New Movie
Francis Galluppi is one of the most important names attached to the project.
Galluppi is both the writer and director of the movie. His previous feature, The Last Stop in Yuma County, received attention for its tense storytelling and controlled atmosphere.
Sam Raimi has praised Galluppi’s filmmaking ability while discussing the decision to bring him into the franchise.
Galluppi’s appointment continues a recent strategy of allowing different filmmakers to give the Evil Dead universe their own identity.
Fede Álvarez directed the 2013 Evil Dead. Lee Cronin followed with Evil Dead Rise in 2023. Sébastien Vaniček was selected to direct Evil Dead Burn, while Galluppi took charge of the separate project that became Evil Dead Wrath.
The result is a franchise that no longer depends on one director or one central character.
That makes Galluppi’s approach particularly important. His movie has the opportunity to establish another distinct visual and narrative style while retaining the horror foundation created by Raimi.
Evil Dead Wrath Cast
The principal cast includes several established actors.
Charlotte Hope, Jessica McNamee and Zach Gilford are among the leading cast members. Josh Helman, Ella Newton, Ella Oliphant and Elizabeth Cullen also appear in the movie.
The currently confirmed cast includes:
- Charlotte Hope
- Jessica McNamee
- Zach Gilford
- Josh Helman
- Ella Newton
- Ella Oliphant
- Elizabeth Cullen
Charlotte Hope is known for The Nun and television productions including The Spanish Princess. Jessica McNamee has appeared in Mortal Kombat, while Zach Gilford is recognized for Midnight Mass and other television and film roles.
Josh Helman’s credits include Mad Max: Fury Road and the X-Men films. Ella Newton appeared in Dangerous Animals, while Elizabeth Cullen has appeared in Australian productions including Goolagong.
Character information remains limited. The identities and individual arcs of several cast members have not been fully detailed publicly.
Is Bruce Campbell Returning as Ash?
Bruce Campbell remains closely connected to the project, but his role requires an important distinction.
Campbell is serving as an executive producer on the film. He has also remained involved with the franchise after stepping away from regularly playing Ash Williams on screen.
There has been no confirmed announcement that Campbell will return as Ash Williams in Evil Dead Wrath.
That distinction matters because Ash has been the defining character of the original trilogy and the television series Ash vs Evil Dead. Recent movies have increasingly moved away from Ash and introduced new characters.
The confirmed information places Campbell behind the production rather than confirming an on-screen Ash appearance.
Until the filmmakers or studio officially announce otherwise, an Ash appearance should not be treated as confirmed.
Sam Raimi’s Role in the Movie
Sam Raimi remains an important creative figure behind the film.
Raimi created the Evil Dead franchise and directed the original trilogy. For the new movie, however, he is serving as a producer rather than director.
Rob Tapert is also producing.
The project therefore continues the franchise’s recent model of combining Raimi’s involvement with a new filmmaker’s creative direction.
Lee Cronin, who directed Evil Dead Rise, is also among the executive producers. Bruce Campbell, Romel Adam and Jose Cañas are likewise attached as executive producers.
This production team gives the movie strong connections to earlier parts of the franchise while leaving Galluppi in control of the story and direction.
Production Has Finished
Production officially began in February 2026 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Warner Bros. publicly announced the start of production on February 21, 2026, while confirming the film’s official title and creative team.
The production subsequently wrapped in late May 2026.
With principal photography complete, the project moved into post-production. That phase includes editing, visual effects, sound work and other finishing processes needed before a theatrical release.
The fact that filming has already finished is significant because it means the movie has progressed beyond the development and production stages that often create uncertainty around upcoming franchise projects.
The remaining work is focused on completing the finished theatrical film.
Will There Be a Trailer?
A full official trailer has not been released as of the latest confirmed updates.
The studio did reveal the title and production announcement, giving fans their first official look at the project through its promotional material. However, detailed footage and a conventional full-length trailer remain unavailable.
That is not unusual for a movie scheduled for 2028. The theatrical release is still well into the future, leaving considerable time for a formal marketing campaign.
A trailer date has not been officially confirmed.
Fans should therefore be cautious about unofficial videos labeled as trailers. Several fan-made or unofficial clips have circulated online, but they should not be confused with studio-released footage.
How Evil Dead Wrath Fits Into the Franchise
The new movie represents another evolution of the franchise.
The original trilogy focused heavily on Ash Williams and blended horror with increasingly prominent comedy. Later installments opened the door for standalone stories featuring new characters.
The 2013 film presented a darker interpretation. Evil Dead Rise moved the action into an urban apartment building and centered on a family. The upcoming films continue that trend by placing new characters in different environments.
Evil Dead Wrath takes the concept further by traveling backward in time.
Its 1972 setting means the movie explores a period before the events that made the original cabin famous. The approach also allows the filmmakers to create a period horror story rather than another modern-day supernatural thriller.
That makes the movie particularly notable within the franchise’s current direction.
What Is Confirmed and What Is Not
Because the movie remains in post-production, several important details have not been announced.
Confirmed information includes:
- The film is titled Evil Dead Wrath.
- Francis Galluppi is the writer and director.
- Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert are producers.
- The story takes place in 1972.
- The principal cast has been announced.
- Production began in New Zealand in February 2026.
- Filming wrapped in May 2026.
- The movie is currently in post-production.
- The U.S. theatrical release is scheduled for April 7, 2028.
Not yet confirmed are:
- The final MPAA rating.
- A full official trailer release date.
- A streaming service.
- A digital release date.
- A physical-media release date.
- A confirmed return of Ash Williams.
- Complete character details for the ensemble cast.
Keeping those distinctions clear is important because the movie has generated substantial fan discussion despite limited official footage.
Why the 2028 Release Matters
The next installment has a long runway before reaching theaters, but its production status makes it one of the franchise’s more concrete upcoming projects.
The movie is no longer simply an announced concept. Its cast has been assembled, principal photography has finished, and post-production is underway.
The unusual 1972 setting also gives the film a clear identity before its marketing campaign begins in earnest.
Galluppi’s involvement adds another layer of interest. Rather than returning to the franchise’s original creative formula, the filmmakers have chosen a director with a different background and a strong reputation for controlled suspense.
The combination of a period setting, a family-centered story and supernatural horror could give the franchise another distinct chapter without simply repeating earlier movies.
Current Status of Evil Dead Wrath
As of October 4, 2026, the movie is in post-production and remains scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release on April 7, 2028.
The most significant recent developments are already confirmed: filming has concluded, the 1972 setting has been revealed, the central story premise has become clearer, and the production team remains in place.
The film will arrive with Francis Galluppi directing and writing, while Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert continue their involvement behind the scenes.
For now, the biggest unanswered questions concern the trailer, final rating, additional story details and whether any familiar franchise characters will appear.
Evil Dead Wrath is shaping up as a very different chapter of the franchise, and fans can watch for the next official reveal as the 2028 release approaches.