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Bruce Campbell Mourns the Death of Evil Dead II Writer, Scott Spiegel
The 1987 film Evil Dead II stands as a landmark in horror cinema, a wildly inventive and influential work that defied genre conventions. Serving as both a sequel and a quasi-remake of the first Evil Dead, the movie blended grotesque horror with slapstick comedy, creating a unique tone that would inspire a generation of filmmakers. In addition, its chaotic energy and groundbreaking practical effects helped solidify it as a cult classic with a lasting legacy. As it turns out, even movies with the smallest of budgets are the result of the labor of dozens of creatives. While star Bruce Campbell and director Sam Raimi are often the primary figures credited with the film’s success, they were part of a tight-knit group of Michigan filmmakers who brought the vision to life. One of the key architects of its celebrated madness was co-writer Scott Spiegel, a longtime friend and collaborator of both Raimi and Campbell, who died at the age of 67.
“This is a big personal loss,” Campbell stated on X following the news of his friend’s passing. “Scott Spiegel was a huge part of my formative years back in Michigan. From Sunday School to being stock boys together, to Evil Dead II, which Scott co-wrote, I can’t look in the rear-view mirror without seeing this unique guy doing cheap gags. I’m grateful for the treasure trove of happy memories. Keep Shemping, Scott!”
Campbell’s message nods at the term “Fake Shemp” in the credits of Evil Dead films, which became an inside joke referring to the various friends and crew members, often Spiegel himself, who would stand in for actors in the background. The term is a nod to their shared love of The Three Stooges, which famously starred Shemp Howard before his passing.
Scott Spiegel Beyond Evil Dead II
Scott Spiegel’s impact on Hollywood extended far beyond his crucial contribution to the Evil Dead franchise. A central figure in the group of ambitious young filmmakers from Michigan that included Raimi and Campbell, Spiegel was involved in their creative endeavors from their earliest days, including the trio’s first feature-lenght partnership and Raimi’s unofficial debut, It’s Murder!. After moving to Los Angeles, Spiegel famously shared a house with Raimi and future luminaries like Joel and Ethan Coen, Frances McDormand, and Holly Hunter. It was Spiegel who introduced a young Quentin Tarantino to producer Lawrence Bender, a connection that was instrumental in getting Reservoir Dogs made.
Spiegel’s creative partnership with Raimi was a constant throughout his career, leading to cameo appearances in many of Raimi’s films, including the Spider-Man trilogy and Drag Me to Hell. He also forged his own path as a director and producer, becoming a notable voice in the horror genre. In 1989, he directed the cult slasher film Intruder and later directed the 1999 sequel From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money. His work also included a co-writing credit on the Clint Eastwood underrated The Rookie.
His passion for horror led him to co-found the production company Raw Nerve with directors Eli Roth and Boaz Yakin, Raw Nerve. Through Raw Never, he executive-produced the influential 2005 film Hostel, directed by Roth, and its sequel. Spiegel’s career was a testament to a deep-seated love for genre filmmaking, both as a creator behind the scenes and a recognizable face in front of the camera for those who knew where to look.
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