Bruce Campbell has expressed a keen interest in taking on a villainous role in a James Bond film. Known for his iconic portrayal of Ash Williams in Sam Raimi’s “Evil Dead” trilogy, which spanned from 1981 to 1992, Campbell has also appeared in cult classics such as “Crimewave,” “Maniac Cop,” and “Bubba Ho-Tep.” He even had a cameo role in Raimi’s “Spider-Man” in 2002, which introduced him to a broader audience.
The idea of Campbell playing a Bond villain emerged when a fan account on X (formerly Twitter) shared a photo of Campbell as James Bond, asking if he was up to the task. Campbell humorously responded by reposting the image with one of his own in a sharp suit, stating, “Hell no. Bond villain, all day long!” This playful exchange sparked excitement among fans, imagining Campbell’s potential as a Bond adversary.
Campbell’s career has continued to flourish over the years. After an uncredited cameo in the 2013 “Evil Dead” remake, he reprised his role as Ash Williams in the television series “Ash vs. Evil Dead,” which aired for three seasons on Starz until 2018. He also lent his voice to the character in “Evil Dead Rise” (2023). Additionally, Campbell has made multiple appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with his most recent role being Pizza Poppa in “Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness” (2022).
Looking ahead, Campbell is set to star in the Peacock series “Hysteria!” as a small-town police chief grappling with a series of murders, disappearances, and unexplained phenomena during the 1980s Satanic Panic. The series explores how a high school heavy metal band exploits the town’s fear of the occult, leading to a witch hunt that implicates them. Production was delayed due to the 2023 WGA/SAG-AFTRA strikes but is expected to resume soon.
As for the next James Bond, speculation continues to swirl. While names like Henry Cavill and George MacKay have been floated, Aaron Taylor-Johnson has emerged as a strong contender, with reports suggesting that Eon Productions has made a formal offer. Until an official announcement is made, fans can enjoy speculating not only about the next Bond but also about the intriguing possibility of Bruce Campbell bringing his unique charm and wit to a Bond villain role.