Bruce Campbell Releases A Statement To Fans After Retiring As Ash

Bruce Campbell said he was done as Ash if Ash Vs. Evil Dead was canceled, and to his credit, he stuck to his guns and chainsaw arm. Campbell penned a note to fans upset with his decision, and seemingly gave his blessing for Ash to continue on elsewhere, even if he's not involved:

Good people, Evil Dead fans everywhere, I bid you a heartfelt farewell playing Ash – the character I took acting lessons with for 39 years. I am hereby retiring from that portrayal. It’s time. I followed Ash from his formative years thru his mid-life crisis and decline. What a thrill! What a privilege!

We had a great resurgence with the help of Starz (kudos not jeers, folks). They made it possible for 15 more hours of Evil Dead-ness in your life – the equivalent of 10 more features!

Is Ash dead? Never. Ash is as much a concept as a person. Where there is evil in this world, there must be one to counter – man or woman, it matters not.

Thanks for watching.

Love, Bruce.

Now this is a dude who knows the in's and outs of geek culture. In one letter, Campbell managed to address any potential rage inducing argument sparked by the geek community in the wake of his departure for the role. Of course, those arguments will still happen, but good on Campbell for making explicitly clear where he stood on cancellation, the series, and the future of the Evil Dead franchise. Here's hoping he enjoys retirement!