The star of the EVIL DEAD trilogy of films, Bruce Campbell, not only spends time in front of the camera, but has also had his hands into the production of numerous films. 1983ís THE EVIL DEAD kick-started his career which would include starring roles in such movies as THE MANIAC COP, RUNNING TIME, and most recently, GOLD RUSH and FROM DUSK TILL DAWN 2: TEXAS BLOOD MONEY. Joining us from his home in New Zealand, he chatted with fans during a recent online chat with twec.com. Hereís what transpired.

Hello and welcome to twec.com, where we are happy to have with us tonight, Bruce Campbell! Hello Bruce.

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Greetings to all the knuckleheads out there. You know who you are. I'm speaking to you from New Zealand, where we are miles ahead of you.

Izla: What's your favorite Xena/Hercules episode?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I would have break them into two separate shows. On the Hercules side, I enjoyed directing an episode called "Revelations." On the Xena side, it's an episode called "King of Assassins," where I was in it and directed it. But let me be clear, I enjoyed doing every episode on both shows for different reasons.

Mary: What can you tell us about JACK OF ALL TRADES?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: It will begin production mid-November. I will be playing the character of Jack, who will be an American, teamed up with an Englishwoman. We are sort of the first international spies in the early 1800s, helping our governments overcome scumbugs in Indonesia. Go figure. That's all I can tell you. If I told you more, I'd have to kill you.

ScottY2: Would you ever do a re-make of EVIL DEAD 1? With more $$$ for Effects?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Why bother? It's cheating to go back later and try to fix something like Star Wars. If your work sucks, it should stand for all time. If your work is good, it should stand for all time. Just because you have a lot of money to go back and fix something, that doesn't mean you should go back and fix it. For a film made in 1979, at the age of 21, I'm happy with the results.

Jericho: Did you like playing the character of Ash more in EVIL DEAD when he was not so ëkill 'em all-ishí or in ARMY OF DARKNESS when he was a real ëshoot 'em upí kind of guy?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I'll take ARMY OF DARKNESS because the character was more fully blown. Literally.

ScottY2: Do you think Zombie Horror movies have a chance at being successful in the time period we are in now? Would you like to do a Zombie movie?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I don't think about doing Zombie movies when I wake up in the morning. But any zombie movie that has a decent story, would have a chance. Those without a decent story don't have a chance, regardless of when they're made. I learned that lesson the hard way.

KingofThievesFan: Bruce, was the part of Auto written especially for you and was it your idea or the writers to call him the King of Thieves?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: It was the producer's idea to cast me in the role and we sort of refined the character from there, together, the writers and myself. The name King of Thieves was always there.

Mohammad: Did you like THE MUMMY? That movie stole many things from ARMY OF DARKNESS, I think.

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I did not see THE MUMMY, so you'll have to draw your own conclusions, my good man.

JimIves: Can you tell us a little about your new movie RUNNING TIME?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: It's available on home video right now for $110,000. It's a pretty damn good little film. Of all the films I've made, I would put that in the top 5.

Rev: Bruce, I noticed that during FARGO you appear briefly on a TV that Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare are watching, it appears to be a scene from an old soap opera. Just curious what that scene was from and how it ended up in FARGO?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: That scene is from a bad soap opera called Generations, done in Detroit in the early 80s. I contacted the Cohen brothers about being in FARGO and that was the only role available, for me to donate some bad footage, so I was happy to do it.

MidnightSun4: What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened on the set of Xena?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Those questions are almost impossible to answer because every day has shining moments and embarrassing moments. I was actually more embarrassed doing Hercules. On Hercules I had to wear a dress and was naked. My most delightful moment on Xena was clamping my hand on Rene O'Connors' firm butt.

GREMLIN: Is there going to be an EVIL DEAD 4?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Yes, when lightning strikes me dead on a golf course. I would say that 3 are plenty, wouldn't you? The more you make, the less value they each have.

Rev: Bruce, I really enjoyed your voice-over work in Broken Helix for the Sony Play-Station game. Any chance of more video game work in your future?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Yes, there are two coming. You can go to www.bruce-campbell.com for more details. I just did one called Tachyon: The Fringe. And I'm doing an Evil Dead computer game that's due out Oct. 2000, Halloween 2000.

AlexDewar: Which of your minor projects (Time Cop, Lois & Clark, Man with the Screaming Brain) do you wish had continued? [Besides Brisco, of course]

BRUCE CAMPBELL: First of all, Man with A Screaming Brain was never made. That's an Internet rumor. I would have been happy to continue Time Cop because I thought it was a good TV idea.

KingofThievesFan: Bruce, I loved you as Bill Church Jr. on Lois and Clark. How much freedom did the directors give you in that role and did you enjoy working with Cain and Hatcher?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I enjoyed working on that a lot, but I did follow the script. Their filming methods were pretty routine by the time I got there, so I tried not to fool around too much.

Mike B: What was it like working with guys on Homicide: Life on the Street? You were really good in the episodes you appeared in.

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Thanks! That was actually my idea. I had a conversation with the producers and they were very generous in asking "What idea would you like to do? What role would you like to play?" So it was extremely unique.

Nick: I'm not gonna try and bore you with EVIL DEAD questions. Will you be coming to Australia to meet with some fans? I've longed to meet you.

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I always post appearances on my web site. I don't have any plans to come to Australia right now, but you never know.

Kiwi: If there was one actor or actress you could work with who would you pick?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Robert Redford. He's sort of the last of the big shots.

Lesley: Do you like living part-time in New Zealand?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Yes because it's so far away from Hollywood that when I'm down here, it's all about the work.

Richnyc: Have you seen the BLAIR WITCH PROJECT?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: No, I have not seen it, but I'm very pleased at what it has accomplished. I hope more movies like that will turn Hollywood upside down and shake it by the feet.

Mary: How is the book coming?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Very well, thank you. The second draft is due shortly. It should come out sometime late 2000.

KingofThievesFan: Bruce, which do you prefer most, directing or acting?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I prefer both so that no one job becomes too tedious. I'm grateful for the opportunity to go between jobs. In life, not everyone has that chance.

Mm: Hey Bruce, do freaky EVIL DEAD fans ever approach you on the street or in a public place?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I have a very normal personal life because most of what I do has been cultish. Hercules and Xena are cultish TV shows. The EVIL DEAD movies are cult films. It means I get to earn a living and have fun too.

JimIves: Bruce, there were rumors that you were considered for the new Superman movies. Is there any truth to them?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: No, that was Mr. Internet-Strikes-Again. That's the downside of this thing we call the Internet. It allows every yahoo and his brother to spread baloney among millions of people. That's why I created the web site.

Patrick: Bruce, how do you prepare for all those acrobatic fight scenes in the Hercules and Xena episodes?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: My stuntman helps a great deal of the time. Time and assurance will not allow me to do everything. Because we move so quickly, there isn't a lot of time to practice, you sort of just do it.

Ozymandias: What is it like to work with Josh Becker? I know Running Time was just the last project in a long list of collaborations. Are you planning to get together for another project soon?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Yes, Josh and I hope to do several movies together in the next 2 years. We're putting together a financing deal that will allow us to rule the independent world.

Rev: I think my most memorable moment from your work, outside of the ED films, which I first saw you in, is from MINDWARP, specifically a scene where you vomit a pile of leeches onto your female co-star. Angus Scrimm is another favorite actor of mine, and I was wondering what it was like working with him in that movie?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Angus Scrimm is nothing like his screen persona. Angus is a gentleman. He's like a college professor. What he was doing in those movies, I will never know. And yes, it was fun barfing up leeches.

Vivid: Bruce, I loved your role in THE HUDSUCKER PROXY. Do you have any plans to work with the Coen brothers again any time soon?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Make a note here: Actors may plan many, many things, but it doesn't always work that way. Things just sort of happen. In many cases, in the entertainment business, it's a Zen thing. You have to take stuff as it comes.

JimIves: So Bruce, with regard to your appearance on The X-Files, is the truth really out there?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: No. The truth is in Chris Carter's head and we may never know what that truth is. Actually, the truth is, he wants you to keep watching so you'll think you'll find the truth.

Rich: Between the original ending in ARMY OF DARKNESS and the current one, which did you like better?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Iím always in favor of the filmmaker's original ending, good or bad. I feel that the original ending where Ash slept too long was more appropriate.

Richnyc: Did you know Quentin Tarantino before he made it big or is that another nasty Internet rumor?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I met Quentin Tarantino just after he did RESERVOIR DOGS. We both played hospital orderlies in a movie called EDDIE PRESLEY.

Cy: Hey Bruce, you seem like someone who should be in a Stephen King movie. Have you ever come close to doing so?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Not to my knowledge. I owe a great deal to Stephen King because he endorsed our first film. If I ever do a Stephen King movie, I will probably have to do it for free.

JimIves: Is it true that you personally answer every e-mail your fans send you?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Yes, but two rules apply. Number 1, you have to be willing to wait almost a month sometimes. Number 2, if it's a lame-ass question, then I will ignore it.

DarkMan: Bruce, how much work went into the voice commentaries and features on the ARMY OF DARKNESS DVD that just came out? Are you interested in doing something similar for EVIL DEAD 1 or 2?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Just so you know, EVIL DEAD 1 and 2 also have commentary on the laser discs. We put a lot of work into Army of Darkness, but I'm not sure we would want to re-do it for the other two movies. E-mail Anchor Bay and ask them to put out the DVDís.

Tfreak2199: Bruce, have you ever been shot down for any big movie roles that you really wanted?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: "Really wanted" is a relative term. I almost got the part in the movie PHANTOM, but aside from that, not really.

DarkMan: Hey Bruce, where are you in THE QUICK AND THE DEAD? The credits list you as a Wedding Shemp but I can't find you anywhere in the movie.

BRUCE CAMPBELL: That's because I'm not in it. I went to visit Sam Raimi on the set and he created a scene that he never intended to use, so that he could shut a whining actor up.

ash spice: Have you seen the online petition to get you in Star Wars Episode 2?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: No, I have not. But I don't think it will do you any good. Although I do appreciate the effort, very much.

CannibalCopas: Do you enjoy being a cult icon?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Yes, I guess so. But I don't really know what that means. When I wake up in the morning, I'm just Bruce. Nothing more.

Lesley: Have you ever done a voice for a cartoon?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: No, not yet, but I would like to, very much.

KingofThievesFan: Bruce, what would you like to see happen to Autolycus as Xena winds down?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Unfortunately, because of the new show I'm doing, I may not be able to work on Xena anymore. So we'll have to play that by ear.

Petra: Any talk about King of Thieves as a spin-off series?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: There was 100 years ago, but now that this new show is in gear, there's no need to pursue it.

Bbochek: Bruce, in various roles you are pretty handy with a gun. Where did you learn all that. Practice, training, or what? And has that skill helped make you famous?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: For starters, ironically I do not own a gun. It's all just smoke, mirrors, and baloney. But thanks anyway.

ASH: Was that really you in Reboot?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: No, it was not. I've heard it's similar to EVIL DEAD.

KingofThievesFan: Bruce, have you seen the newest addition to the Lawless-Tapert family yet?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: No, but I expect within a week or so I will. I look forward to meeting Julius.

CannibalCopas: I enjoyed seeing you in Brisco County Jr., what happened with that show?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Low-ratings came to call and we were cancelled like every other low-rated show. It performed better in rural areas. But at the time, Fox catered to urban audiences.

Lesley: What's it like to see action figures of yourself?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Very surreal, yet entertaining. I think I have one in my attic somewhere.

Trachyte: Do you prefer television roles or movie roles? Which is really more difficult as an actor?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I enjoy the speed of television now because movies take so long to do. Although movies can be edgier and more intense, so I like both.

Bbochek: Have you ever considered stage acting?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I did many, many years ago, but it takes too much time to prep a stage play. Maybe a few years from now I'll retire and do dinner theater in Orlando.

Robinis: What actor has inspired you most in your life?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I don't particularly get inspired by any actor, but I have many favorites. They are William Holden, Steve McQueen, Buster Keaton, and Bob Hope.

ash spice: Who wrote the one-liners for Ash? Did you help write them? Nobody else's can compare!

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I helped with some of them, but most were written by Sam Raimi and his brother Ivan.

Patrick: Bruce, did you do all those dance moves in that Xena episode or was that your stuntman?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: A dance double helped me there.

MixMasterDan: What kind of music do you like?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: You will laugh, but I like anything from New Age to 70s music to Country. Laugh all you want.

Richnyc: Are you a fan of Hong Kong Cinema?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I enjoy the early John Woo stuff, although I would like him to take a class that would teach him how many bullets a gun can hold.

Trencher: Whatís your take on Sam's success in recent movie making, he seems to be making it big time?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I think it's absolutely fabulous. He's a father many times over now and I believe his priorities are changing, like all of ours do.

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Now he gets to boss Kevin Costner around.

DarkMan: Are you looking to do another role as a swashbuckling action hero, like Brendan Fraser in THE MUMMY? I thought you would have been perfect for that role.

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Funny you should ask, because I'm doing one on television right now. Go to www.Bruce-Campbell.com for details.

Neo: Bruce, is it true you are going to star in the long awaited sequel to PLUTONIUM BABY?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Wow! That's a new one. Congratulations! I've never heard that rumor before. The answer is no, because I've never heard of it.

DarkMan: What did you think about THE MATRIX? A highly overblown shoot-em-up film, or an advancement of technology in film?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: There's a concept that bothers me in that movie. They talk a lot about using the mind, yet they've got to use automatic weapons as well. Personally I find the two concepts irreconcilable.

Robinis: What do you do to prepare for a role?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Learn my lines. I'm not a method actor, but I do try to get a different flavor for characters and sometimes you can only do that on the set.

Stone Cold: Did you enjoy working with Ellen DeGeneres? What was she like?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I enjoyed it very much. She is very smart, and very professional, and very good at what she does. It was a real treat even though my character didn't like gay people.

Bbochek: If you were not an actor, do you know what you might be doing today?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I would be a forest ranger.

Trencher: I notice you use your computer a lot, I see you on ICQ, what do you usually use it for, other then the tons of email people send you?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Let me be clear on this, I DO NOT use ICQ. There is someone on ICQ who's pretending to be me. The only e-mail address I ever use is bcact@aol.com. Tell that guy he is the King of Losers.

Phred: Do you adhere to a strict fitness regimen to prepare for your more demanding roles?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: No, but I do keep very active and I do get a lot of exercise on the set. Sometimes that's all I need.

Trachyte: On your web site, you express many strong opinions. Do you ever plan to run for a political office?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I hope not because there are too many actors doing the same damn thing. Of course, if I ever run for office, you'll have this quote to use against me.

Chip: Do you get a chance to watch much TV? What show impresses you the most, besides Hercules and Xena?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I am most impressed by CNN. When I get home at night after doing fantasy all day, I like to do reality. Sounds silly, huh?

Robinis: I love your web site. Was it all your idea?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Yes, but I have technical help from several people. I just sort of sit back and torment them.

KingofThievesFan: Bruce, have you ever played a joke on Lucy Lawless? Everyone says she is a big practical joker. Has she ever gotten one on you?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I do the easy stuff, they do the hard stuff. The only time we sort of did that was during the episode called "Tsunami." Several of us had a $10,000 bet to prevent us getting pissed off from being in the water all day long.

RellimGoud: So Bruce, what was it like working with John Carpenter and Kurt Russell in your great, but small role in ESCAPE FROM LA?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: John Carpenter was very quiet and reserved, but a nice guy. Kurt Russell was amazingly normal and it was really great to see. Working with the great Rick Baker was also a treat.

GREMLIN: How do you feel about horror movies these days?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I'm bored by them, horribly. I want to return horror films that are actually scary and have a film score instead of a soundtrack. Pretty people from the WB network do not always make for a good horror film.

Fritters: How difficult is it writing your book? Are you getting any ghost help?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: No, nobody helps me, so unfortunately, if it sucks, I'll have to take the blame. I do have a good editor, who will keep me in line, however.

Mohammad: Have your kids seen all your movies yet?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Not yet. When they are old enough to drive to the video store they can do what they please. Not all films are appropriate for all kids, even if I've been in them.

JoeBall: What did you think of THE SIXTH SENSE?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I thought it was a really good movie because it was very smart. That's rare these days.

Xeenah: Bruce where do you see yourself in 5 years?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Relaxing in the Pacific Northwest, chewing on lavender and thinking about this chat.

Trencher: What advise do you have to a couple of young 20-year-olds trying to get into movies, directing or filming. How did you, Sam and Rob do it with next to no budget?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: My advice is this: Learn your craft. Make short movies before you make long movies. Learn the business side of filmmaking. If you don't do that and if you are lazy, you will fail. Above all else, tell a good story.

lisa1138: Bruce, I can't wait to see JACK OF ALL TRADES. I heard from a reliable source, that Ted Raimi will be in it. What role will he play and how often will we get to see you two together?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Check your sources. I would like Ted to be in it and I will try and make that happen, but there are no plans right now.

Patricia: Bruce, what are you going to be for Halloween?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: A normal person, with no makeup and no costume, since that is what I do every day.

Robinis: What is your favorite thing to do when you get a day off?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Hike. I enjoy hiking and backpacking.

Phred: Do you have any favorite computer games?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: No, but my son enjoys them. He currently enjoys DragonBallGT.

FriGuy: How long did it take to make Running Time?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: 10 whole days. We shot the film in order, which is unusual and also because the movie is a series of very long takes.

Phred: Which director would you most like to work with?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I wouldn't mind working with Martin Scorsese, but I also don't kid myself about the world of reality. I have many low-budget friends who are very enjoyable to work with. I'm sure there are many "A" directors who would not be fun to work with at all.

Shemp: Bruce, what lessons did you learn while making your early short films like TORO, TORO, TORO with Sam that you took with you to your present career?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: It's all about experience. Each one of those dumb, little short films, gave us a better idea of how to pull stuff off. That's why experience is so important.

Chip: If you had absolute, complete control, what kind and what subject film would you make?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I would do a reality-based film that would, get this, have some social commentary. There are many issues today that filmmakers are shying away from that need attention.

silvr107: When is HATRED OF A MINUTE coming out?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: That poor project has been limping along for 4 years now. We hope to have it completed in about 6 months.

DLSteffy: Do you have any plans to write a screenplay of your own in the near future?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: I've actually written many screenplays, some of which I hope to do in the next couple years. As always, stay tuned.

twec.com: twec.com would like to thank Bruce Campbell for stopping by tonight! Is there anything you would like to say to your fans that logged in tonight?

BRUCE CAMPBELL: Hey everybody, thanks very much for dropping by. Your support is always appreciated, no matter how sarcastic I sound. And, if we should meet in a dark alley some night, watch your back! Good night to everyone.

twec.com: Thank You, Bruce! twec.com would also like to thank everyone who joined us for tonight's chat with Bruce Campbell!

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