Sam Raimi | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Raimi atGalaxyCon Raleigh in 2024 | |
| Born | Samuel Marshall Raimi (1959-10-23)October 23, 1959 (age 66) Royal Oak, Michigan, U.S. |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1972–present |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 5 |
| Relatives | Ted Raimi (brother) Ivan Raimi (brother) Lorne Greene(father-in-law) |
Samuel Marshall Raimi (/ˈreɪmi/RAY-mee; born October 23, 1959)[1][2] is an American filmmaker. He is best known for directing the first three films in theEvil Dead franchise (1981–present) and theSpider-Man trilogy (2002–2007). He also directed the superhero movieDarkman (1990), the revisionist westernThe Quick and the Dead (1995), the neo-noir crime thrillerA Simple Plan (1998), the supernatural thrillerThe Gift (2000), the supernatural horrorDrag Me to Hell (2009), theDisney fantasyOz the Great and Powerful (2013), and theMarvel Studios filmDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022).
His films are known for their highly dynamic visual style, inspired by comic books and slapstick comedy.[3][4] He founded the production companies Renaissance Pictures in 1979 andGhost House Pictures in 2002. Raimi has also produced several successful television series, includingHercules: The Legendary Journeys, its spin-offXena: Warrior Princess, andAsh vs Evil Dead starring longtime friend and collaboratorBruce Campbell reprising his role in theEvil Dead franchise.
Raimi was born inRoyal Oak, Michigan,[1] to aConservative Jewish family.[5] He is a son of merchants Celia Barbara (née Abrams) and Leonard Ronald Raimi.[2] His ancestors were Jewish immigrants from Russia and Hungary.[6] His younger brotherTed is an actor,[7] and his older brotherIvan is a screenwriter and physician.[6] His older sister, Andrea Raimi Rubin, is a court reporter.[8] Another older brother, Sander, died at 15 in an accidental drowning inIsrael; Raimi has said that the trauma knitted the remaining family closer together and "colored everything he's done for the rest of his life."[9] Raimi also mentioned that Sander first introduced him toSpider-Man, igniting his love for comics.[10]
Raimi graduated fromGroves High School[11] and later went on to attendMichigan State University and laterUniversità Bocconi inMilan, Italy,[12][13] where he studied English but left after three semesters to filmThe Evil Dead.
Raimi became fascinated with making films when his father brought a movie camera home one day. He began to makeSuper 8 movies with his friendBruce Campbell, whom he met in 1975. In college, he collaborated with his brother's roommateRobert Tapert and Campbell to shootWithin the Woods (1978), a 32-minute horror film which raised $375,000, as well as his debut feature filmIt's Murder!. During that time, he also shot the seven-minute short filmClockwork (1978), starringScott Spiegel (who had appeared inWithin the Woods) and Cheryl Guttridge.[14][15] Through family, friends, and a network of investors, Raimi was able to finance production of the highly successfulhorror filmThe Evil Dead (1981), which became a cult hit and effectively launched Raimi's career.[16]
He began work on his third filmCrimewave (1985), which he co-wrote with the then-unknownCoen brothers, shortly after.[17] Intended as a live-action comic book, the film was unsuccessful, partly due to unwanted studio intervention. Raimi then returned to the horror genre with the seminalEvil Dead II (which addedslapstick humor to the over-the-top horror, showcasing his love of theThree Stooges). With his brotherIvan Raimi (and crediting himself as Celia Abrams), Sam Raimi also wroteEasy Wheels (1989), which parodied theOutlaw biker film genre. A long-time comic book buff, he then attempted to adapt "The Shadow" into a movie but was unable to secure the rights, so he created his own superhero,Darkman (1990). The film was his firstmajor studio picture, and was commercially successful, spawning two sequels. Through it he was still able to secure funding forEvil Dead III, which was retitledArmy of Darkness and largely steered away from horror towardsfantasy andcomedy elements.Army of Darkness, the final movie in theEvil Dead trilogy, commercially underperformed, yet on video became a cult classic.
In the 1990s, Raimi moved into other genres, directing such films as the westernThe Quick and the Dead (starringSharon Stone andGene Hackman), the critically acclaimed crime thrillerA Simple Plan (1998) (starringBill Paxton andBilly Bob Thornton), and the romantic dramaFor Love of the Game (1999) (starringKevin Costner).
Raimi has frequently collaborated withJoel and Ethan Coen, beginning when Joel was one of the editors ofEvil Dead.[18] The Coens co-wroteCrimewave andThe Hudsucker Proxy with Raimi in the mid-1980s (thoughHudsucker was not produced for almost a decade). Raimi made cameo appearances inMiller's Crossing,The Hudsucker Proxy, and with Joel Coen inSpies Like Us. The Coen brothers gave Raimi advice on shooting in snow forA Simple Plan, based on their experiences withFargo.[19]
Raimi has worked in front of the camera inThe Stand as a dimwitted hitman,John Carpenter'sBody Bags as a murdered gas station attendant, andIndian Summer in what is perhaps his biggest role as a bumbling assistant toAlan Arkin. The film was written by his childhood friend, writer-directorMike Binder, and shot at the camp that they both attended when they were younger.
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Raimi achieved great critical and commercial success with theblockbusterSpider-Man (2002), which was adapted from the comic book seriesof the same name. The movie grossed over US$800 million worldwide, spawning two sequels:Spider-Man 2 andSpider-Man 3, both directed by Raimi and each grossing approximately $800 million. After the completion of the thirdSpider-Man film, he planned on producing two more sequels (althoughSony Pictures planned three sequels) but could not find a satisfactory script.[20] In 2022, reflecting onSpider-Man 3, Raimi toldRolling Stone: "It was a very painful experience for me. I wanted to make a Spider-Man movie to redeem myself for that. [The aborted]Spider-Man 4 — that was really what that was about. I wanted to go out on a high note. I didn't want to just make another one that pretty much worked. I had a really high standard in my mind. And I didn't think I could get that script to the level that I was hoping for by that start date."[10] He, along withMarc Webb, were both brought on as creative consultants forMarvel Studios'Spider-Man: No Way Home, directed byJon Watts.[21]
Raimi produced the entire English-languageThe Grudge franchise, based on the original Japanese films. On December 11, 2006, the website SuperHero Hype reported that director Sam Raimi and Michael Uslan would co-produce a new film version ofThe Shadow forColumbia Pictures.[22] On October 16, 2007, Raimi stated that: "I don't have any news onThe Shadow at this time, except that the company that I have with Josh Donen, my producing partner, we've got the rights toThe Shadow. I love the character very much and we're trying to work on a story that'll do justice to the character."[23][24] According toEntertainment Weekly, Raimi had expressed an interest in directing a film version ofThe Hobbit, the prequel to theLord of the Rings trilogy.[25] In 2008, it was reportedGuillermo del Toro would direct withPeter Jackson as the executive producer, though Jackson ultimately directedThe Hobbit film series. In 2008, it was reported Raimi might directBy Any Means Necessary, the next film based on the "Jack Ryan" CIA character created byTom Clancy forParamount Pictures.[26] Disney also approached him to directW.I.T.C.H.: The Movie, based on the popular comic.
Raimi directed the horror filmDrag Me to Hell, released in 2009 to critical acclaim.[27] Blizzard Entertainment announced on July 22, 2009, that Raimi would be directing a film adaptation of theWarcraft video game series,[28] but at the 2012San Diego Comic-Con, it was revealed that he would not be the director.[29]
In 2009, it was reported Raimi would produce the BritishsupernaturalthrillerRefuge, which would be directed byCorin Hardy and published byMandate Pictures,[30] and the remake of the Danish thrillerThe Substitute, which would be directed byScott Derrickson, under his new label Spooky Pictures.[31] In 2010, it was reported he would produce the British thriller flickBurst 3D with his companyGhost House Pictures, directed byNeil Marshall.[32]
Raimi directedOz the Great and Powerful, which was released on March 8, 2013, byWalt Disney Pictures and grossed $493 million worldwide.[33][34] He said he would not be directing the planned sequel.[35][36]
Raimi, along with Bruce Campbell andRob Tapert, produced the remake of Raimi'sEvil Dead. First-time feature filmmakerFede Álvarez wrote and directed, andDiablo Cody was also brought in to revise/rewrite the script.[37] Raimi confirmed plans to writeEvil Dead 4 with his brother; it was later specified that this film would beArmy of Darkness 2.[38] Álvarez revealed that Raimi would direct the sequel toArmy of Darkness.[39] However, in a 2014 interview,Bruce Campbell announced thatArmy of Darkness 2 is not happening, saying "It's all internet b.s. There's no reality whatsoever. These random comments slip out of either my mouth, or Sam Raimi's mouth, next thing you know, we're making a sequel."[40]
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On February 26, 2016, it was confirmed that Raimi was attached to direct the upcoming filmWorld War 3 forWarner Bros. The film would be based on a possible future inspired by the bookThe Next 100 Years byGeorge Friedman.[41]
On February 16, 2017, it was reported that Raimi would be directing a thriller about theBermuda Triangle forSkydance Media, with the script being written by Doug Miro and Carlo Bernard.[42]
By January 29, 2018, Raimi was set to direct the first in the movie adaptations ofPatrick Rothfuss'sKingkiller Chronicle series,The Name of the Wind, with Rothfuss andLin-Manuel Miranda serving as executive producers.[43]
On February 5, 2020, it was announced that Raimi was in talks withMarvel Studios to directDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,[44] and Raimi confirmed his involvement in April 2020.[45] This marked Raimi's return to the superhero film genre after more than 15 years followingSpider-Man 3 in 2007 and his first feature film directorial effort since 2013'sOz the Great and Powerful.[46]
In addition to film, Raimi has worked in television, producing such series asHercules: The Legendary Journeys and itsspin-offXena: Warrior Princess, both featuring his younger brotherTed Raimi and long-time friendBruce Campbell,American Gothic,Cleopatra 2525,M.A.N.T.I.S.,13: Fear Is Real,Young Hercules, andJack of All Trades. In 2008, Raimi executive-produced a syndicated TV series calledLegend of the Seeker, based onTerry Goodkind's best-sellingThe Sword of Truth fantasy series. He also executive produced theStarz original television seriesSpartacus: Blood and Sand,Spartacus: Gods of the Arena,[47]Spartacus: Vengeance andSpartacus: War of the Damned. He directed thepilot episode ofAsh vs Evil Dead for Starz.[48]
In 1993, Raimi married Gillian Greene, the daughter of Canadian actorLorne Greene. They have five children; their three eldest, daughter Emma Rose and sons Lorne and Henry, appeared as extras inDrag Me to Hell and during the final battle inSpider-Man 3.[49] Greene filed for divorce on May 8, 2024, citingirreconcilable differences.[50]
In 1995, Raimi donated $450 to the campaign of then-Republican SenatorArlen Specter. In 2002, he donated $1,000 toDemocratic SenatorBarbara Boxer. During the2004 election cycle, Raimi donated $900 to Republican PresidentGeorge W. Bush.[51]
| Year | Title | Director | Writer | Producer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | It's Murder! | Yes | Yes | Yes | Amateur film; also uncredited editor and sound mixer |
| 1981 | The Evil Dead | Yes | Yes | Executive | |
| 1985 | Crimewave | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 1987 | Evil Dead II | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 1989 | Easy Wheels | No | Yes | No | Credited as "Celia Abrams" |
| 1990 | Darkman | Yes | Yes | Executive | |
| 1992 | The Nutt House | No | Yes | No | Credited as "Alan Smithee Jr." |
| Army of Darkness | Yes | Yes | No | Also editor (credited as "R.O.C. Sandstorm") | |
| 1994 | The Hudsucker Proxy | 2nd unit | Yes | No | |
| 1995 | The Quick and the Dead | Yes | No | No | |
| 1998 | A Simple Plan | Yes | No | No | |
| 1999 | For Love of the Game | Yes | No | No | |
| 2000 | The Gift | Yes | No | No | |
| 2002 | Spider-Man | Yes | No | No | |
| 2004 | Spider-Man 2 | Yes | No | No | |
| 2005 | Man with the Screaming Brain | No | Story | No | Credited as "R.O.C. Sandstorm" |
| 2007 | Spider-Man 3 | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 2009 | Drag Me to Hell | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 2013 | Oz the Great and Powerful | Yes | No | No | |
| 2021 | Spider-Man: No Way Home | No | No | No | Creative Consultant[52] |
| 2022 | Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness | Yes | No | No | |
| 2026 | Send Help | Yes | No | Yes |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | It's Murder! | Uncle Jasper | |
| 1981 | The Evil Dead | Hitchhiker | Uncredited |
| 1983 | Hefty's | Cook No. 2 | |
| 1985 | Spies Like Us | Drive-in guard No. 2 | |
| 1987 | Evil Dead II | Knight hailing Ash | Uncredited |
| Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except | Cult leader | ||
| 1988 | Maniac Cop | News Reporter | |
| 1989 | Intruder | Randy | |
| 1990 | Miller's Crossing | Snickering Gunman | |
| Maniac Cop 2 | Newscaster | ||
| 1992 | Innocent Blood | Roma Meats Man | |
| Army of Darkness | Knight in Sweatshirt and Sneakers | Uncredited | |
| 1993 | Indian Summer | Stick Coder | |
| Body Bags | Dead Bill | Segment: "The Gas Station" | |
| 1994 | The Hudsucker Proxy | Hudsucker Brainstormer | |
| The Flintstones | Cliff Vandercave Look-A-Like | ||
| 1995 | Galaxis | Nervous Official | |
| 2002 | Spider-Man | Popcorn-Throwing Wrestling Fan | Offscreen |
| 2009 | Drag Me to Hell | Ghost at Seance | Uncredited |
| 2013 | 3 Geezers! | Sam | |
| 2016 | The Jungle Book | Giant Squirrel | Voice role |
| Year | Title | Director | Writer | Producer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Out West | Yes | Yes | No | Also cinematographer |
| 1975 | The Great Bogus Monkey Pignuts Swindle | Yes | No | No | |
| 1976 | Uncivil War Birds | Yes | No | No | |
| The James R. Hoffa Story, Part II | Yes | No | No | ||
| Mystery No Mystery | Yes | No | No | ||
| Attack of the Pillsbury Doughboy | Yes | No | No | ||
| 1977 | The Happy Valley Kid | Yes | No | No | |
| Six Months to Live | Yes | No | No | ||
| Picnic | Yes | No | No | ||
| Civil War Part II | Yes | No | No | ||
| 1978 | Within the Woods | Yes | Yes | Executive | Also editor |
| Clockwork | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| 1979 | William Shakespeare: The Movie | Yes | No | No | |
| 1985 | The Sappy Sap | Yes | No | No | |
| 2017 | The Black Ghiandola | Yes | No | No |
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Attack of the Helping Hand | Milk Man |
| Shemp Eats the Moon | Angelo the Knife | |
| 1982 | Cleveland Smith: Bounty Hunter | Nazi |
| Year | Title | Director | Writer | Executive Producer | Creator | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994–1997 | M.A.N.T.I.S. | No | Story | Yes | Yes | Wrote story for "Pilot" |
| 1995–2001 | Xena: Warrior Princess | No | No | Yes | Developer | |
| 1997 | Spy Game | No | No | Yes | Yes | |
| 2008–2010 | Legend of the Seeker | No | No | Yes | Yes | |
| 2014 | Rake | Yes | No | Yes | No | 2 episodes |
| 2015–2018 | Ash vs Evil Dead | Yes | Yes | Yes | Developer | Wrote and directed episode: "El Jefe" |
| 2020 | 50 States of Fright | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 3 episodes |
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Hercules and the Lost Kingdom | TV movie |
| Hercules and the Circle of Fire | ||
| Hercules in the Underworld | ||
| Hercules in the Maze of the Minotaur | ||
| 1995–1996 | American Gothic | |
| 1995–1999 | Hercules: The Legendary Journeys | |
| 1998–1999 | Young Hercules | |
| 2000 | Jack of All Trades | |
| 2000–2001 | Cleopatra 2525 | |
| 2009 | 13: Fear Is Real | |
| 2010 | Zombie Roadkill | |
| 2011 | Spartacus: Gods of the Arena | |
| 2013 | Spartacus: War of the Damned |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Journey to the Center of the Earth | Collins | TV movie |
| 1994 | The Stand | Bobby Terry | Miniseries |
| 1997 | The Shining | Gas Station Howie |
| Year | Association | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Sitges Film Festival | International Critics' Award | The Evil Dead | Won | [53] |
| 1990 | Best Director | Darkman | Won | [54] | |
| 1992 | Honorary Time Machine Award | — | Won | [55] | |
| Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival | Golden Raven | Army of Darkness | Won | [56] | |
| Avoriaz International Fantastic Film Festival | Grand Prize | Nominated | |||
| Fantasporto | Critics Award | Won | [57] | ||
| 1999 | Cognac Festival du Film Policier | Special Jury Prize | A Simple Plan | Won | [58] |
| 2001 | Saturn Awards | The George Pal Memorial Award | — | Honored | [59] |
| 2003 | Best Director | Spider-Man | Nominated | [60] | |
| 2005 | Empire Awards | Best Director | Spider-Man 2 | Won | [61] |
| 2005 | Saturn Awards | Best Director | Won | [62] | |
| 2007 | Scream Awards | Best Director | Spider-Man 3 | Nominated | [63] |
| 2008 | Saturn Awards | Best Director | — | [64] | |
| 2014 | Comic-Con | Inkpot Award | — | Honored | [65] |
| 2016 | Motion Picture Sound Editors | Filmmaker Award | — | Honored | [66] |
Birth Place: Royal Oak, Michigan, USA. Born: October 23, 1959
Raimi — who grew up in a Conservative Jewish home in Detroit....
He was raised by parents of Russian and Hungarian Jewish descent in a Conservative Jewish home that included older brother Ivan, now a screenwriter and physician; younger brother Ted, an actor, and older sister, Andrea.
Led by their father, who ran a furniture store, and mother, who owned a lingerie shop, the family became very close after Raimi's elder brother Sander drowned in a swimming pool at the age of 15. Raimi has said of that trauma: 'It colours everything you do for the rest of your life.'
clockwork.
