Bruce Campbell has announced his permanent departure from playing the character Ash in the Evil Dead franchise. The 68-year-old actor, who first portrayed Ash in the 1981 film The Evil Dead, confirmed his decision last week on X, stating he "tapped out after [Ash vs. Evil Dead]".
Campbell cited both his physical ability and a shift in his personal interests as reasons for stepping away. He explained that he did not want Ash to be "compromised by declining skills" and that as a "borderline Geezer, my interests have diverged."
Despite no longer appearing as Ash, Campbell remains involved with the franchise as an executive producer. He served this role on 2023's Evil Dead Rise and this year's Evil Dead Burn, and will do so again for the forthcoming Evil Dead Wrath. The next film, Evil Dead Wrath, is scheduled for release on April 7, 2028.