Bruce Campbell’s “Ernie & Emma”: A New Film & Breaking Free From “Evil Dead”
Bruce Campbell, the actor best known for his role as Ash Williams in the “Evil Dead” franchise, has written, directed, and starred in a new film, “Ernie & Emma,” which was filmed entirely in Southern Oregon. The movie, a departure for Campbell after four decades of primarily horror and action roles, premiered on Valentine’s Day in Medford and will screen in Portland on Saturday, April 4 at the Hollywood Theatre, before a nationwide release this fall.
“Ernie & Emma” centers on a widower who embarks on a road trip dictated by a series of letters from his late wife, detailing where she wishes her ashes to be scattered. Campbell described the film as a story about processing grief, and a chance for him to explore a different side of his creative abilities. He has lived in Southern Oregon since the 1990s and sought to showcase the region’s beauty in the film, featuring locations like Table Rock and the Rogue River.
“Southern Oregon just has not been overexposed. It’s a wonderfully diverse, elegant area,” Campbell said, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting. “And if you catch it right, it’s magic.”
Campbell explained that writing a film he would similarly star in provided him with a level of creative control he hadn’t previously experienced. This flexibility allowed him to seize risks and challenge his established image. He acknowledged being frequently identified as “the ‘Evil Dead’ guy,” a typecasting he hoped to move beyond with this project. The film includes a scene referencing the local legend of Bigfoot, filmed at a decades-old Bigfoot trap still existing in the area.
The actor also drew parallels between his own career and the character of Ernie Tyler, the film’s protagonist, who is a local celebrity known as “The Pear Guy.” Campbell noted that, despite his success in the “Evil Dead” series, he has often been defined by that single role. He said people still call him “Ash,” even when he’s performing in other roles, like Shakespeare in the Park.
Campbell’s decision to self-fund the film stemmed from a desire for creative freedom. He previously published three books through a New York City publisher, achieving New York Times bestseller status, but found the financial arrangements unfavorable. He now prefers to self-publish and maintain control over his work. This approach extended to “Ernie & Emma,” allowing him and his wife, Ida Gearon, to produce the film independently.
Campbell expressed his hope that audiences will find the film enjoyable and appreciate its focus on color and emotion, contrasting it with the often-grim aesthetic of contemporary horror films. He stated his intention to avoid the dark and gritty visuals that have characterized much of his previous work, including the “Evil Dead” movies. He described a desire to create a visually vibrant and emotionally resonant experience for viewers.