Bruce Campbell promotes new film after cancer diagnosis

Bruce Campbell, best known for his roles in “The Evil Dead” franchise, is committed to promoting his new film amid his recent cancer diagnosis.

The actor, 67, opened up about his health battle in a statement on his social media accounts earlier this month, on March 2, adding that it’s “treatable, not curable.”

“I apologize if that’s a shock – it was to me. I’m not gonna go into more detail,” he stated. “I’m posting this because professionally, a few things will have to change – appearances and cons and work in general need to take back seat to treatment.”

At the time, Campbell said that he hoped to get well by the summer so he could tour for his new film, “Ernie & Emma,” which follows a pear salesman as he navigates grief, memories, and the possibility of moving forward after the death of his wife. 

In an interview with the Salem Statesman Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, Campbell spoke about his diagnosis and the project, which he wrote, directed, and stars in.

Campbell said he reacted much like anyone would after he received his cancer diagnosis. He struggled at first to believe it. Even so, he said he isn’t letting it take his attention away from the film.

“It doesn’t change anything for me,” he told the outlet. “It makes you prioritize 100 percent, and for me, the priority is this movie.”

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‘It’s a real story’

According to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, Campbell came on the scene as Ash Williams in the 1981 film “The Evil Dead,” and appeared in the sequels “Evil Dead II” and “Army of Darkness.”

In a 2015 interview with USA TODAY, Campbell spoke about returning to the role for the Starz series “Ash vs Evil Dead.” Campbell’s website highlights other credits that include “Spider-Man,” “Sky High” and “Bubba Ho-Tep.”

Campbell completed his new film “Ernie & Emma” in southern Oregon with the help of his wife, Ida Gearon.

“My wife and I have never made a movie together before, and this is the most exciting thing ever,” he said. “We finally got to do something that has no outside influence. We made it in our own little bubble.”

Throughout the film, Ernie learns to confront his grief and the things left unsaid between him and Emma. Campbell wanted the film to focus on real-life experiences rather than delve into fantasy-driven storytelling.

“It’s a real story that can happen to you,” Campbell said. “I think movies have taken place so much in the fantasy world recently that we’ve lost a little bit of our understanding of reality.”

He said the project allowed him to lean fully into that perspective.

“I make my living in make-believe, but I’m a way bigger fan of reality,” he said. “This is actually one of the few times where I can make a movie where it’s 100% my sensibility.”

Campbell plans to participate in the film tour

As the film continues its tour, Campbell still plans to be at every screening. He wants to focus on connecting with audiences and seeing how the story resonates with them.

Campbell said he hopes audiences will leave with a message of hope and that second chances are possible.

“It’s a personal movie. I want to see how it affects people,” he said. “Every audience is different. I’m very, very curious to see what people think about it.”

The movie premiered Feb. 14 at Medford, Oregon’s historic Holly Theatre, and is set for another screening April 4 at Portland’s Hollywood Theatre, which is now sold out online.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].

Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval is a lifelong Oregonian who covers trending news, entertainment, food and outdoors. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X at@GinnieSandoval.