Overview
- Campbell confirmed in August 2026 that he is finished playing Ash Williams in any form and that he will not do animated voice work for the character.
- He said he effectively retired after the Starz series Ash vs Evil Dead (2018) and blamed equal parts declining ability and changing personal interests for stepping away.
- Campbell disclosed a cancer diagnosis in March 2026 that required him to cut back on appearances, conventions and new work, which he described as part of his decision.
- Although he still holds executive-producer credits, Campbell says his recent involvement with new Evil Dead films has been minimal.
- The franchise has proven it can continue without Ash with 2023’s Evil Dead Rise and 2026’s Ash-less Evil Dead Burn and has a new entry, Evil Dead Wrath, scheduled for April 7, 2028, leaving open options such as recasting or voice-recreation while renewing debate about the series’ tone.