What seemed like a crazy fanboy rumor may actually come to pass as New Line Pictures is in talks with Sam Raimi ("Evil Dead," "Spider-Man") to produce "Freddy vs Jason vs Ash," with Bruce Campbell reprising his role as the S-Mart cashier turned chainsaw wielding warrior of the undead.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, New Line began plans for another "Freddy vs Jason" project after the success of the first one last year.  Ash, an audience favorite, would be a logical choice for an opponent to the two most recognizable names in mainstream horror cinema.

Bruce Campbell

According to the article, Raimi would not direct, unfortunately, but he holds the rights to the "Evil Dead" franchise and the character of Ash and so must be on board for the film to come to fruition.  No word yet on Campbell's reaction to the project.  His official Web site still has a comment he made in June denouncing the rumor as internet chatter.

In the "Evil Dead" movies (which includes "Evil Dead 1," "Evil Dead 2," and "Army of Darkness") Campbell plays the cynical, often scared protagonist who must fend off all manner of zombies, skeletons, and demons with only his wits and the occasional chainsaw.  The horror/comedy element to the character of Ash has become a trademark of Campbell's career.

New Line intends to go ahead with another "Freddy vs Jason" movie regardless of whether Ash is involved.  The trades are reporting that in the absence of Ash, producers will either come up with a new opponent for Freddy and Jason, or just throw the two back into the ring one on one again.

More "Freddy vs Jason vs Ash" news as it develops.