Although Sam Raimi has been busy as a producer on a variety of projects in recent years, the director hasn't helmed a feature-film since 2013's OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL. Thankfully, that's about to change as THR has reported that Sam Raimi will direct a horror thriller set on an island for Columbia Pictures.
Not much is known about the untitled project at this point, but it's being described as a cross between MISERY and CAST AWAY. Colour me intrigued. Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, who penned the FRIDAY THE 13TH reboot, are set to write the script which is based on their original idea. "I am thrilled to be reunited with Columbia Pictures and re-teaming with Sanford (Panitch, Sony’s motion pictures group president) and Ange (Giannetti)," said Raimi in a statement. "I have been a fan of Shannon and Swift and we have found the perfect adventure to share with the world." As exciting as it is to imagine Sam Raimi back in the director's chair, for a horror film no less, it may still be some time before the project comes to fruition. Raimi was set to helm a Bermuda Triangle film for Skydance Productions, which had also been scripted by Shannon and Swift, but it's been some time since we last heard anything concrete regarding that project. THR does note that it is still in development, so maybe we'll actually see it someday.
In addition to hopefully making a return to directing, Sam Raimi is also producing a handful of other projects, including a new EVIL DEAD movie. Earlier this year, Raimi teased that they were kicking around a few ideas for another installment, and while speaking at the Rock and Shock convention this past weekend, EVIL DEAD star Bruce Campbell confirmed that a new director has already been chosen. "So we think we have a cool premise. We have a new filmmaker that Sam Raimi has hand chosen," Campbell said. "So he’s very involved in it. Will be involved in the story. And we’ll try and make sure the actors don’t completely suck. And then we’re gonna make another one, yeah. There’s lots of stories…creepy books…lots of people to torment."