Does Ash Have a Chainsaw in Evil Dead?
The Evil Dead franchise is known for its over-the-top violence, dark humor, and memorably bloody scenes. And one of the most iconic and symbolically significant aspects of the franchise is, without a doubt, the chainsaw. But do Ash, the franchise’s central protagonist, truly wield a chainsaw? Let’s explore the franchise’s history of chainsaw-wielding for an answer.
Does Ash get a chainsaw in the first Evil Dead?
In the very first movie, The Evil Dead, Ash Williams is introduced, played by actor Bruce Campbell. Throughout the film, Ash battles evil demons known as Deadites using an array of unorthodox weapons, including a shotgun and a chainsaw. Specifically, in an iconic scene, Ash encounters a zombie-like possessed neighbor, Dick Johnson, which he takes down with an industrial chain saw.
| Timeline | Ash’s Experience with Chainsaws |
|---|---|
| 1982 (first Evil Dead) | Ash uses a shotgun and chainsaw to kill the first Deadite and several zombies. |
The Birth of a Powerhouse
While the chain saw didn’t play as big a role as it did in the series, the first Evil Dead introduced this symbol of empowerment to Ash’s arsenal and, therefore, set a foundation for his later combat tactics in the subsequent franchise entries. Ash’s introduction to these weapons showcases that this chainsaw belongs to his resourcefulness as a means of survival.
What Happened in Army of Darkness and Beyond
The transition from demonic to a real threat: In the years between Army of Darkness’s 1992 release, and when Ash vs. Evil Dead premiered in 2015, Ash finds himself grappling with his position in regards to his possession of powers and the challenges faced through the Evil Dead.
A Note of a Shift By the time Ashley “Ash” Williams meets Deadites, the film establishes he has an inclination for disorientation, leading in to chaos. His connection with various chainsaws also illustrates ash’s will to resist powers of The Evil Dead to take an upper hand control of specific battles within the Evil Dead.