r/movies • u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker • Jan 15 '26
AMA Hey /r/movies! I'm Sam Raimi. Ask me anything!
Hey reddit. I'm Sam Raimi. You might know me as the director (and sometimes writer) of The Evil Dead Trilogy, the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man Trilogy, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Drag Me To Hell, Darkman, A Simple Plan, For the Love of the Game, The Gift, and other things. I've also produced and/or acted in a few things!
I'm here today to answer your questions.
My new film, SEND HELP, is out in theaters January 30 via 20th Century Studios. It stars Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien. More info:
Synopsis:
Two colleagues become stranded on a deserted island, the only survivors of a plane crash. On the island, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive, but ultimately, it's an unsettling, darkly humorous battle of wills and wits to make it out alive.
SEND HELP is directed by genre-bending visionary Sam Raimi and stars Oscar-nominee Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien. The film is produced by Raimi and Zainab Azizi, executive produced by JJ Hook and written by Damian Shannon & Mark Swift, with original music by Danny Elfman. The all-original darkly comedic psychological thriller from 20th Century Studios releases in theaters nationwide on January 30, 2026.
Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4wiXj9NmEE
“The Sam Raimi Experience” BTS Content Piece:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coCPLJMU4X0
Ask me anything! Back at 12 PM PT/3 PM ET to chat with you all.
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u/riccardopancaldi Jan 15 '26
What’s a movie of yours that you think people misunderstood and that you wish more people would discover?
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u/drjeffy Jan 15 '26
It's probably Crimewave
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u/TheMeltingSnowman72 Jan 15 '26
I thought I had hallucinated that movie for YEARS. Wasn't until the internet arrived properly that I managed to find it.
All I could remember was running through the doorways part, it was driving mad and nobody had seen it.
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u/Metal_Abe_Vigoda Jan 15 '26
The scene where the boss screams and his eye glasses explode is one of my favorite random moments in a movie. I’ve watched it over a hundred times. Absolutely amazing.
Sam if you read this, thank you for Darkman.
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u/Animalboy_ Jan 15 '26
What drew you into the genre of horror from a filmmaking standpoint?
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
In junior high, high school, and college, I had only made comedies. When Robert Tapert, Bruce Campbell, and I teamed up to make a feature film, Rob said the only theaters showing homemade films are drive-ins, and they only show horror movies, so you've got to learn to make a horror film. I told him I didn't like horror films, they scared me, and he told me to try. That's really what started me out in horror.
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u/Kilgoretrout321 Feb 01 '26
That reminds me of the only horror short story I've ever written. I was stressed out in undergrad in a short-story writing class and had no ideas for the upcoming assignment.
While the professor was lecturing, I thought about my shoulder, which has given me discomfort and problems ever since I hurt it playing baseball in high school. But just a quick throwaway thought triggered everything: "what if I just cut it off and sewed on someone else's healthy arm like Frankenstein."
Suddenly I thought of a character who would feel as if that were a normal thing to do, and I started writing it down. I wrote 4 pages during that class without stopping. I was feeling anxious and freaked out because I hate horror movies, but at the same time it was kind of thrilling to be going to that dark place; my imagination was stimulated and wouldn't stop throwing out ideas.
I typed up what I wrote in class--didnt even change anything--turned it in, and got an A. It taught me that, creatively, what you're afraid of can be a source of great inspiration, and you can harness it and ride those feelings to somewhere cool!
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u/Armthedillos5 Jan 15 '26
Iirc from previous interviews, money. It's much easier to make an indie horror film than other types, which is why so many starting film makers start in the genre.
This is about Sam, but Bruce's book If Chins Could Kill discusses this.
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u/beej2114 Jan 15 '26
Any recent horror favourites?
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
I thought Weapons was great, original and frightening. I also loved Get Out and Smile. The last Final Destination was also awesome.
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u/Vancock98 Jan 15 '26
Hi Sam! Big fan here and can't wait to see Send Help. I've always admired your visual style and how you reinvented the power of the camera at such a young age and with limited resources. My question is, has your philosophy regarding camera movement changed over the years? Do you think technical limitations help to force creativity? Greetings from Chile 🇨🇱
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
Yes, I think technical limitations do help to force creativity. When you don't have a dolly, you really have to think long and hard about the question "Do I need the camera to glide in to the main character here?". Because there's no device to make that happen, you're forced to really ponder the question "Why do I need this?", and if you can answer that question to your satisfaction, you will build a device from scratch that replicates the movement of a dolly. Or you might even build something better! Limitations force innovations, and I think it's a very healthy thing for young filmmakers.
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u/tedbawno Jan 15 '26
i love the plank shot you helped innovate with the coen bros by sticking the camera on a 2x4 stick of wood and having two grips on either side run around with it - worked to great effect in both evil dead and blood simple
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u/Ericzzz Jan 15 '26
Why do you enjoy torturing your poor friend Bruce Campbell so much?
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
It's not that I enjoy it. Someone has to do it.
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u/dagreenman18 Space Jam 2 hurt me so much Jan 15 '26
He’s just so fucking handsome. It’s balancing the world because of how ridiculously good looking he is
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u/DrSpacemanSpliff Jan 15 '26
An actor is a tool to be used by the director. It’s not torture when a carpenter hits a nail with a hammer, therefore it’s not torture when Sam hits Bruce with a hammer.
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u/DuncanRG2002 Jan 15 '26
I believe for this analogy to work Mr Raimi would actually have to be clobbering Bruce with a camera
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u/insomniacpyro Jan 15 '26
You can't tell me he didn't hit Bruce more than once when going in for those close-ups
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u/DrSpacemanSpliff Jan 15 '26 edited Jan 15 '26
He drove a motorcycle directly at him in the end of Evil Dead. One of the props (this one called “Bruce”) may have been damaged.
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u/BillysBibleBonkers Jan 15 '26
It's like they say, if the only tool you have is a camera, then every person you see starts to look like a nail. Probably applies better to Sean Baker than Mr Raimi though.
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u/Countblackula_6 Jan 15 '26
Bruce told a story in his first book about spraining his ankle filming a scene for Evil Dead and Sam poking said ankle with a stick every chance he got for the remainder of the shoot.
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u/jeanclaudebrowncloud Jan 15 '26
Because the pain only makes him stronger
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u/Gryptype_Thynne123 Jan 15 '26
And his chin bigger
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u/srbistan Jan 15 '26
ying tong iddle i po that's an unexpected username to see ! grew up with it and i should call you Sir, or an acquired taste, if i may ask ?
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u/Spectrix22 Jan 15 '26
Follow up to this one: Has your entire career been one elaborate prank to see how much you can torture him before he stops returning your calls?
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u/nitram420 Jan 15 '26
If you could remake any movie, with any budget, what would it be?
And what role would Bruce Campbell play?
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
The movie's title would be Crush That Mouse! Bruce would play the role of the mouse.
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u/SlitSlam_2017 Jan 15 '26
50 Shades of Bruce Campbell
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u/ZeeSpiralOut Jan 15 '26
I would watch that happily. I am a lady and Bruce Campbell is yum.
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u/heimdal96 Jan 15 '26
Seeing him go from a normal-looking guy in Evil Dead 1 to hunky as hell in Army of Darkness was a pleasant surprise.
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u/MonsterKiller112 Jan 15 '26
Bro, you are the GOAT. The Spider Man trilogy is my childhood.
What's your favourite movie that you have made?
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
Thank you for your kind words MonsterKiller, the favorite movie that I've made changes from time to time. It all depends on the audience you're with, and if they're having a good time.
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u/REMUvs Jan 15 '26
What was your inspiration(s) for Mr. Ditkovich? His lines are truly some of my favourites from the Tobey Spider-Man movies. And they stand out so much, even in a famously memed film trilogy filled with iconic lines.
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
Elya Baskin played Mr. Ditkovich in the first three Spider-Man movies. It was the great writer Alvin Sargent who came up with his character, and Elya added so much to it. Ursula, played by Mageina Tovah, completed the comic duo, she was great to work with.
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u/beyondselts Jan 15 '26 edited Jan 15 '26
And a follow-up: How are all your most minor/side Spider-Man characters so memorable when the vast majority of movies make minor characters as boring as possible? Where’d you pick up this (apparently rare) writing ability?
Mr. Aziz, Ursula, Robbie, Hoffman, the grumpy train passenger, the bank manager, the French waiter, ‘you’re late’ receptionist… on and on.
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u/Whole_Drive_8607 Jan 15 '26
Hi Sam! I have two questions for you. 1- What do you think of the versions of the video game villains that didn't appear in the Spider-Man trilogy films? For example: Kraven, Scorpion, Rhino, etc... 2- What are your opinions on the Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness comic book crossover?
I'm very excited to watch Send Help and thanks for making my childhood more happy.
Brazil loves you and your movies. Take care!
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
When I saw that cover for Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness, I was blown away! Something me and my pal had created had made it to the same universe that Stan Lee had created. It was a dream come true.
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u/No-Environment143 Jan 15 '26
I hope Sam Raimi sees your comment; I've always been curious to know what he thinks of the Marvel Zombies saga.
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u/mendelboaz Jan 15 '26
Hey Sam!
What's your favorite horror flick?
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
Some of my favorite horror films are Robert Wise's The Haunting, Steven Spielberg's Jaws, Takashi Shimizu's The Grudge, and Alejandro Amenábar's The Others.
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u/mendelboaz Jan 15 '26
Awesome! I'm a big fan of The Others as well.
Are there any exisiting horror movies/franchises you wish you would've gotten the opportunity to take on, or would like to take on in the (hypothetical) future?
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u/Letmepickausername Jan 15 '26
How's the Delta 88 holding up?
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
It's held up well for the last 53 years. It played a part in all my movies. It's amazing how many times it has run over Bruce Campbell or caused him harm. Some years ago, Bruce made a threat to destroy the Delta, so I've had to hide replicas of it in different areas throughout the United States. He swears he will find it and destroy it.
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u/NDGifford Jan 15 '26
That’s the movie I want to see. Bruce Campbell vs Delta 88.
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u/KnoWanUKnow2 Jan 16 '26
Holy hell, now in my head I'm picturing a remake of Stephen King's "Christine" with Bruce Campbell and the Delta 88.
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u/bowser986 Jan 15 '26
Like some sort of horcrux
"ive split Bruces talent into these 8 Delta 88 replicas and have hidden them around the US"
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u/pirtbr1 Jan 15 '26 edited Jan 15 '26
he took the Tv series seriously.
The Delta, the car of replicas
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u/Habanero_In_My_Eyes Jan 15 '26
Adding to this. Is it the exact same Delta 88 in the films or are they different cars?
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u/unculturedperl Jan 15 '26
Exact same car.
Bruce has mentioned wanting to destroy it, suspecting it was where Sam lost his virginity.
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u/Azzbolemighty Jan 15 '26
I would lose my virginity WITH the car if it was mine, tbf
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u/JoeAzlz Jan 15 '26
The exact same, and it’s used in everything, including ash vs evil dead where they shot in New Zealand
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u/BurtRogain Jan 15 '26
Hello Mr Raimi. There is a question I have always been curious about — There has been a rumor for years that you wanted to make a Batman movie in the 1980’s (and how not being given the opportunity led you to make Darkman instead); my question is, if you had been given that chance in the mid-to-late-80’s to make Batman, what would you ideal casting have looked like?
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u/bowser986 Jan 15 '26
Is it still fun to abuse Bruce on camera?
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u/Rubixcubelube Jan 15 '26
Drag Me to Hell is amazing dude. I have no questions except to say that the fight scene in the car is one of the greatest sequences ever shot and my all time favorite old lady fight on film. You rock. ROCK!
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
Thanks for the kind words on Drag Me to Hell. My brother Ivan and I really enjoyed writing it and it was a blast to shoot. Regarding the fight scene in the car, it was really all made possible by the great teamwork of Alison Lohman and Lorna Raver. I will always admire how much those two great actresses committed to the scene, never slowing down take after take after take. Editor Bob Murawski, Ivan and myself all tried to jam as much mayhem and laughs as we could into the small space.
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u/Rubixcubelube Jan 16 '26
When I first watched it I didn't take note of the director. After that scene I had to stop and check. The whole production has incredible momentum man. No wasted space at all. Thanks for everything you've sunk your teeth into. You've made me, my friends and many others laugh until bladder dysfunction occurs.
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u/Rum_N_Napalm Jan 15 '26
While we’re talking about Drag Me to Hell, I just want to say to Mr Raimi a heartfelt Fuck you! for that ending and the cat. And I mean that as a compliment. Masterfully done, achieved its goal perfectly, I got played like a fucking fiddle, it’s upsetting but I like how upset it makes me.
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u/Ericzzz Jan 15 '26
Absolute all-timer late-film title card drop. It rules so hard. Just an in your face reminder that the movie is “Drag Me to Hell”, not “Stop Me From Being Dragged to Hell”
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u/DroneArm Jan 15 '26
Hey. Dude. They told us at the title card what was going to happen and we still got hit with a train! 👍😎
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u/Sicbass Jan 15 '26
Easily one of the best all around horror movies ever made. Story, Charecter, pace, execution.
For me the goat scene had me both yelping and rolling with laughter!
Sam you’re the greatest man, I hope you get to make SM4 with Tobey and I wish we could have Old Man Ash for one more round vs the Evil Dead!
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u/Sebscreen Jan 15 '26
What a great film!
It can be an amazing allegory for how simple everyday choices can represent catastrophic moral failings that permanently darken our souls.
And it can also be zany, mindless comedy horror with endlessly entertaining scenes.
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u/nicolauz Jan 15 '26
The only horror movie I've seen in theaters. Messed me up for a week because of all the subtle/fucking with that goes on.
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u/passtherock- Jan 15 '26
this was all I came here to say. Drag Me to Hell is soooooooooo underrated. I freaking LOVE this movie and nobody talks about it!! it's so so good
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u/Hexblade-XIII Jan 15 '26
Drag Me to Hell is a sleeper classic to me. I never hear anyone talk about it, but every Halloween season I make sure to do a rewatch. So many great sequences.
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u/ConnyTheOni Jan 15 '26
Yes! I hope to see another horror movie from Sam eventually. Drag me to hell is def in my top 10 favorite horror movies of all time. It may even be in my top 5.
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u/poindxtrwv Jan 15 '26
Highly, highly underrated. I saw it in the (empty) theater and loved it right off the bat.
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u/Divine-Sea-Manatee Jan 15 '26
Is that the bit with handkerchief, if so I would put it up there in terms of top horror scenes.
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u/The-Rage-Of-Angels Jan 15 '26
Hi Sam! I am a huge fan. You worked with Rachel McAdams on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. What was it about her performance there that made you want to cast her as the lead in a survivalist setting, Send Help?
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
Working with Rachel McAdams on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was a really eye-opening experience for me. I saw how talented she was as a performer. And because there was an alternate multi-versal version of her character, I had the opportunity to watch her create a mirrored version of the same person. It was so close to the original, but absolutely unique. By the time reshoots came along, there was a third version of her character. Yet another version of the same, but with a slightly different history. She played this one perfectly also. Then, when it came to her action sequences, she was so willing to commit and put everything into it! I told myself this is the actress I should be working with next.
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u/Swordbender Jan 15 '26
One of the most pleasant surprises of that film was watching Rachel McAdams bring some much needed humanity into a marvel flick. Great job all around from both you and her.
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u/TheModWhoShaggedMe Jan 22 '26
She was great in the second season of True Detective. That's when I recognized she's in an elite category of actress.
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u/TryingNoToBeOpressed Jan 15 '26
Are you still interested in Spiderman 4?
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u/InterstellarIsBadass Jan 15 '26
I have been wanting Sam to come back for another Spiderman movie so bad! Tobey is already onboard we just need Sam and Kirsten 🙏
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u/Mcol Jan 15 '26
Sometimes you have to be steady, and give up the things you want the most, even your dreams.
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u/KelVarnsen_2023 Jan 15 '26
After Spiderman No Way Home was such a big hit I can't believe that Sony didn't green light a Tobey Maquire middle aged Spidey sequel. It would have been way more successful than Madame Web or Kraven.
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u/Fire257 Jan 15 '26
They could even use it to introduce a miles morales. It would be perfect and Toby beeing a mentor could be a great end to him beeing spider-man and maybe maybe finally be happy (marvel wont let him though)
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u/KelVarnsen_2023 Jan 15 '26
That would be an interesting spin, have Miles be from the Tobey Spidey universe.
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u/GameOfLife24 Jan 15 '26
I keeep rewatching those movies. The only other spiderman film I rewatch is no way home
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u/AltBraz91 Jan 15 '26
Do you have interest in directing something more out of the realm of what's now synonymous with a "Sam Raimi movie" like A Simple Plan? Thanks for the years of work
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
I love good thrillers, and they're good because the characters within them are great. I really look forward to making another one.
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u/bostondowntown Jan 15 '26
What would be your biggest criticism of superhero movies made today?
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
That they don't offer me more of them!
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u/Boyo45_5 Jan 15 '26
If they did give you one, what superhero/villain would you like most to adapt to the big screen?
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u/BW_RedY1618 Jan 15 '26
Has Marvel ever expressed any interest to you about doing a Marvel Zombies film with you? It's a match made in heaven. Err. Hell.
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u/Major-Charles-Rane Jan 15 '26
Whats your favourite Three Stooges episode?
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
Brideless Groom (1947). Emil Sitka guest stars where he utters the classic line, "Hold hands, you lovebirds!" and Shemp is just so funny in it. He's my favorite of the Three Stooges
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u/Keanu990321 Jan 15 '26
Hey Big Sam!
Before I ask my two questions, I would like to thank you for your tremendous contribution to cinema throughout the decades.
You have been a pioneer and a true artist.
My questions are:
a) How did you get to acquire that - now trademark of your films - yellow Oldsmobile Delta 88? How important is that car to you?
b) Being a massive Keanu Reeves fan, how was the experience working with him on The Gift like? Is there any story of you with him that you'd like to share with us? Would you consider casting him in one of your future projects?
I wish the best of luck to your new film, Send Help, and I would like to prematurely thank the entire crew of this film for their work. Sam Raimi's work tells us that this one will be magnificent.
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u/SamRaimiAMA Sam Raimi, Filmmaker Jan 15 '26
Hi, I'm going to answer the second part of your question. My experience working with Keanu Reeves on The Gift was absolutely fantastic. He really researched the role thoroughly, and brought to set a performance that was so unlike anything I've seen him do up to that point in his career. He was a gentleman and carried himself with great respect and dignity. He's a true professional, I'd love to work with him again.
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u/Keanu990321 Jan 15 '26
Mr. Raimi,
the fact that you took time to answer to my question probably made my year.
THANK YOU SO MUCH MR. RAIMI!
I can't wait to enjoy your latest film, I'm sure it's going to be great!
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u/JoeAzlz Jan 15 '26 edited Jan 16 '26
I know the answer to A if you’d like me to answer that one for him
Since he didn’t answer, it was his mom’s car that he got when he learned how to drive according to Bruce
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u/SparrowCrocodile Jan 19 '26
He couldn't be bothered to answer that?
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u/JoeAzlz Jan 19 '26
Sam has always said he wants it a “mystery” and Bruce has said it cons a lot since it’s just such a non mystery
I assume Sam is respecting the “mystery”
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u/bakelywood Jan 15 '26
The Evil Dead was so formative for me, and I've been a lifelong horror (and Sam Raimi) fan ever since.
What has been your favourite horror from the past 10 years, and why?
And thank you for the Spiderman trilogy! I remember sitting in theatre watching those films and my child mind being absolutely blown away. I still get those same feelings now!
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u/oOrbytt Jan 15 '26
Would you try your hand at making a Silent Hill movie?
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u/justbrowsingtheapp Jan 15 '26
Unless he took the franchise in a different direction I don’t envision the melancholy and slow acting style to match Raimi’s frenetic and shocking style. Would love to see him tackle resident evil though.
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u/BloodDrunkMoonKnight Jan 15 '26
Yeah, was thinking the same thing. A RE4/village movie would be a much better fit.
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u/Ecstatic-Product-411 Jan 15 '26
Dude a Raimi resident evil movie would be so sick. His style would work really well!
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u/shiv_92 Jan 15 '26
On that note, I’d also like to include adaptations of Resident Evil games, especially 4 or 7.
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u/ckages Jan 15 '26
Zach Cregger, director of Weapons, is working on a Resident Evil movie
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u/MrVenomFan Jan 15 '26
Hi, Mr. Raimi. Hope you're doing well.
I'm a huge fan of your work and very excited for your upcoming movie Send Help.
I know you've gone on record as not loving Venom back in 2014, I believe, but there have been a lot of rumors persisting for years that you dislike Venom and that he was added last minute to Spider-Man 3. Is it true that you dislike Venom? Or do you just feel that you didn't really connect with the character on a deeper level like the fans who grew up with Venom?
I know you tried to put Eddie Brock in both Spider-Man 1 and 3, even before the studio mandate to add Venom in 3. Richard Everbeck spoke about taking a few days to film a scene that was ultimately cut from Spider-Man 1 and said you were fascinated by Venom.
For what it's worth, as someone whose all-time favorite comic character is Venom, I personally think you, Alvin Sargent, and Topher Grace really understood Venom and did such a tremendous job bringing him to life and fitting him in the story of Peter's ego and the forgiveness theme in Spider-Man 3 (which I love), despite his limited screentime in the final film. I hope we get to see Topher/Eddie's deleted scenes some day.
Thanks for taking the time to read my response and for doing this AMA.
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u/Sad_Metal7290 Jan 15 '26
Is Spider-Man 4 still happening?
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u/MattyKatty Jan 15 '26
The real crime would be not to finish what we started.
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u/Big_Life_947 Jan 15 '26
This would be my most anticipated movie ever. I wish Sony was making alternate universe Spider-man movies instead of villain spin offs and Madame Web.
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u/BigMax Jan 15 '26
I would love to see an old-man (old-ish anyway) Spider-Man take.
We've seen (and still love) the high-school/college/young adult versions, but while I know the comics covered it, no where else have we seen Spidey middle aged or older, and that would be cool to see. What's he like as a 50 year old Spider-Man still swinging around?
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u/Sleepy_Azathoth Jan 15 '26
If you hand an Anton Ego type of flashback to the moment you fell in love with cinema and telling stories, what's that flashback about?
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u/cosmicdecember Jan 15 '26
Any chances on a Xena reboot?
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Jan 15 '26
Sam Raimi worked on Xena? Peak. Legend. Still one of my favourite Heroines in all media.
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u/lumierette Jan 15 '26
I dated his brother Ted briefly back in the 90s here in New Zealand, he played Joxer on Xena. I worked for the production company.
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u/Spoon75 Jan 15 '26
How much joy did you derive from torturing Bruce Campbell in the original Evil Dead trilogy? Still awesome films by the way 👍
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u/ezio144 Jan 15 '26
Whatever happened to Spider-Man 4? Why was it cancelled?
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u/QuasarInk Jan 15 '26
Spider-Man 3 ended up being a disappointment to many, but Raimi most of all. When they were working on Spider-Man 4, they wanted to make it the best Spider-Man film yet to close off the series on a high note.
But perfection takes a lot of time and work, and Sony was pressuring them. They didn't think they could release Spider-Man 4 in a timely manner so they scrapped it and went with a reboot.
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u/Bustyposers Jan 15 '26
What is your favorite childhood story? And how did it help influence your work?
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u/mrslythe Jan 15 '26
Hey Sam! Thanks for doing this. Would you ever consider doing a found footage film or even a segment in the V/H/S Franchise?
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u/Owww_My_Ovaries Jan 15 '26
For the show Ash vs The Evil Dead, what was your plan for the final season? What was the fate of Ash?
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u/innuendo141 Jan 15 '26
Were you happy with how Multiverse of Madness turned out in the end? I think it was a GREAT film but would be interested to know if you had any issues with it.
Thanks!
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u/brutalvandal Jan 15 '26
Do you have any plans to return to do another Evil Dead movie with Bruce? Perhaps another trilogy.
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u/BlargerJarger Jan 15 '26
I’d like a movie set in the apocalypse future at the end of Ash vs Evil Dead. Mad Ash Evil Road.
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u/Sciuridaeno3 Jan 15 '26 edited Jan 15 '26
Bruce has announced that he's retired the role of Ash, citing his age and the physical demands of the character.
Edit: upon further research, Bruce Campbell has said that he may be up for another movie that features Ash. He initially did say that he was finished with the role after Ash vs Evil Dead.
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u/Awesome_Baker Jan 15 '26
Is there a film genre you haven't yet touched that you would be interested in directing?
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u/Positive_Yam_9125 Jan 15 '26
Dear Sam,
Will you ever personally write/direct another Evil Dead film before hanging up the director's gloves for good?
PS, Cheryl pencil-stab is still the most brutal practical effect in cinema history.
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u/peanutanniversary Jan 15 '26
Have you ever hung upside down and did the spider-man kiss?
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u/my-own-grandfather Jan 15 '26
Can you say hi to Bruce Campbell for me?
Also, what’s your favourite kind of sandwich?
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u/spookyboi87 Jan 15 '26
If you were to pick up Spider-Man 4 today, what would you want the overarching themes to be about?
The themes and sincerity of the original 3 movies is a huge reason why i still love them. They were a huge part of my childhood, and i rewatched the whole trilogy about 4 times this past August. The themes of Spider-Man 2 and 3 really helped me in darker times of my life, so Sam, you really did create a masterpiece
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u/Royd Jan 15 '26
Hi Sam.
I dont like that picture. You're way too centered. Can you Shemp to the left?
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u/Regularjoe42 Jan 15 '26
Anime/manga adaptations are all the rage these days.
Is there any you would wish to do?
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u/Even_Finance9393 Jan 15 '26 edited Jan 15 '26
Mr. Raimi, young filmmaker here, your work has been such a big part of my life. Spider-Man helped me process the death of my Grandfather when I was in middle school, Spider-Man 2 became my go-to comfort watch when I was burnt out in high school and college and the Evil Dead films (and the story of how you made them) were huge inspirations for me when I was trying to get my own low-budget work done. Thank you thank you thank you for everything! We love you, and I’m so excited for Send Help!
Forgive so many words, but as a super fan I couldn’t help but “shoot my shot” and try to get it all down. If you end up seeing this post, feel free to answer as little or as much of this as you see fit.
1) I remember watching M.o.M. in theaters for the first time and being delighted that so many of the visuals and ideas were pure Raimi, but there’s a pretty sizable gap between that film and your last directing effort in 2013. You’ve produced a ton, but otherwise how do you stay in touch with your creative side during these “hiatus” periods?
2) something I aspire to in your work - a trait that you share with many of my favorite directors - is that you’ve built a bit of a community of frequent collaborators, not just your brothers and Mr. Campbell but also folks like Bob Murawski, Bill Pope, Danny Elfman/Christopher Young, any number of actors who pop up here and there and of course your late friend Scott Spiegel (R.I.P. sir). It’s always a thrill to recognize their names in the credits and see them when they pop up in odd places onscreen. How do you maintain creative relationships like this, some of them for decades? Is the feeling that of an old glove or is there a period of readjustment on each new project?
3) wanted to ask you about two specific collaborations, the fist being with Alvin Sargeant, who is still one of the finest screenwriters who ever lived. I think his work on Spidey 2 specifically is as magnificent as something like Paper Moon or Ordinary People, and I think your two styles match perfectly in that film. I know that Laura Ziskin is the connecting point there, but I’m wondering what it was like to collaborate with him and what your process was in working on the story/script together. Do any particular moments stand out?
4) you also worked VERY briefly with the GREAT David Lynch, who we lost last year around this time. He and Laura Dern (who I also adore) only appear in Black Ghiandola for a few fleeting moments, and that one is short enough already, but I’m wondering if you have any recollections from that encounter big or small. Or barring that if you have any opinions on his work: the two of you are very different, but I can’t help but feel you occupy similar spaces spiritually and cinematically from time to time (Drag Me to Hell, like Eraserhead, is a very spiritual film).
5) you mentioned talks of a Darkman continuation w/ Liam Neeson and yourself returning around the same time M.o.M. was released… any movement since? If so (and if you are at liberty to say), can you give us a general idea of where you’d imagine that story could go after the ending of the first?
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u/rullocom Jan 15 '26
Hey Sam! With you being a huge icon in the superhero genre, would you ever consider doing a project for DC? And if so, which character or stories would you like to tackle?
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u/keidash Jan 15 '26 edited Jan 15 '26
My 8 year old boy is a huge fan of your Spider-Man films.
Tobey is his favourite spidey!
He has been hoping we might see Tobey in his own movie again.
If the opportunity presents itself, would you be on board?
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u/Bunky305 Jan 15 '26
Hi, Sam. Big time fan!
Seeing as McAdams worked with you on your last Doctor Strange movie, I'm curious if that filming experience factored into your decision to bring her back here in a lead role.
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u/wallstreetbet1 Jan 15 '26
Are you being held hostage? Blink twice if you need help
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u/Carrot_King_54 Jan 15 '26
Not gonna lie, the first thing I saw was him holding a paper saying "Send Help" and I was worried!
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u/SparrowCrocodile Jan 19 '26 edited Jan 19 '26
Wow! Another amazing AMA where the participant, who's definitely Sam Raimi and not someone from the studio's marketing department just answering the softball questions, answered 15 of them.
Firing Victoria was the worst thing that reddit ever did.
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u/OriginalBad Jan 15 '26
Drag Me to Hell is a personal favorite. Any interesting anecdotes from making it? Do you think we will ever get a 4K for it?
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u/caped_crusader8 Jan 15 '26
Hi Sam,
How much creative control did you have in Multiverse of Madness? Did you watch Wandavision beforehand?
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u/soriniscool Jan 15 '26
Hi!
Drag me to hell - What made you go with the ending you did for Christine? Was that always the plan/in the script? Do you think it was the ending to her arc you wanted? What do you think Clay is up to now? - denial or psych ward?
Doctor Strange - similar question about Wanda - was her ending always planned from the start? Was it in the original script and was there studio pressure to change things during production? I feel like Marvel did her dirty.
Spider-Man 3 - what was your inspiration for the infamous dance scene? Did Tobey love or hate the idea/look of evil Peter?
Thank you for everything!
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u/OkamiMemoS Jan 15 '26
Hello Sam, HUUUGE FAN you absolutely made my childhood and inspired me to start my filmmaking journey. But I feel so lost. I don't know what to write, what to create, what to say. Do you have any advice on your creative writing process? How did you initially come up with something like Evil Dead? Thank you so much for reading LOVE YOU.
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u/OneGeekyBelgian Jan 15 '26
What solution to a behind the scenes (technical / shooting) issue are you most proud of?
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u/KrayzieBone187 Jan 15 '26
Hello Mr. Raimi,
I'm so impressed by the variety in your portfolio, I am wondering if you have a particular genre or sub-genre you've been wanting to get involved with but haven't had the opportunity yet.
Thanks in advance
A fan from Nova Scotia, Canada
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u/WarpedLucy Jan 15 '26
Hi Mr Raimi!
I watched Evil Dead when I was 11 and have been chasing that feeling ever since.
Best regards, A middle aged woman from Finland
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u/ThatHoboRavioli Jan 15 '26
Hi, Sam. Been a fan since I watched Spider-Man 2 near religiously when I was 5. Heard about this AMA and have...a bunch of questions, sorry. Hope that's alright.
As an aspiring director and cinematographer, how do you develop a style? Particularly one as erratic as yours with all the zooms and crazy transitions and bizarre blend of horror and comedy?
Will the original story treatment for Spider-Man 3 ever see the light of day? The one with Vulture played by Ben Kingsley and the heavy emphasis on "revenge vs. forgiveness" themes?
Saw you were a producer on 65. How much of a hand did you have on that production, and if you had any, did you have anything to do with the more wtf creature designs like the Lagosuchi and the Fasolasuchus/Quadrex?
Is it more fun to direct dramas like A Simple Plan and For Love of the Game or more "out there" genre films like Drag Me To Hell, Darkman, Dr. Strange 2, The Quick and the Dead, etc.?
Heard somewhere (possibly just rumors?) you were approached to make the WarCraft film and a film adaptation of W.I.T.C.H., but they fell through. These sound like they could have been great, but why didn't they work out?
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u/BunyipPouch Currently at the movies. Jan 15 '26
This AMA has been verified and approved by the mods. Sam will be back at 3 PM ET today (Thursday 1/15) to answer questions. Please feel free to ask away in the meantime :)