Bruce Campbell, who played Ash in the "Evil Dead" series, all but denied the rumors, even after Variety and the Hollywood Reporter claimed that New Line was in talks with Sam Raimi ("Spider-man," "Evil Dead") regarding the deal.  Raimi owns the rights to the character of Ash.  The Hollywood Reporter said that Campbell was the studio's first choice to play Ash in "Freddy VS Jason 2."

"I think she's a dead issue by now," Campbell said in an email about three weeks after the Hollywood Reporter article was published.  He did not comment further.

But Creature Corner and Jeff Katz might disagree that the issue is dead.  Katz said, "There’s nothing official on the 'Freddy Vs. Jason 2' front yet, but I wrote the treatment and we’re all very excited about it."

Katz, whose treatment for "Freddy VS Jason 2" includes Ash, went on to say that he isn't worried about Ash's commercial appeal.  "It’s not about box office," he said, "It’s about delivering a story that will be better than the first and a story that makes sense given the continuity of the franchises."

Katz concluded by emphasizing that the production of "Freddy VS Jason 2" was being carefully planned.  "We’re not rushing. Nobody around here wants to make 'Halloween: Resurrection.'"

There is still no word from Bruce Campbell or Sam Raimi regarding Ash's future with New Line Pictures, but it is clear that the cult fans and at least one New Line executive are pushing to get the picture made.

Story Update (Raimi Speaks)!

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