Few horror films have left an imprint on pop culture quite like Evil Dead II (1987), Sam Raimi's blood-drenched sequel that refined the blend of slapstick and terror he pioneered in the original Evil Dead (1981). Among the film's most iconic elements is the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, the infamous Book of the Dead, which unleashes chaos upon anyone who dares open its cursed pages.
Now, thanks to Adam Savage's Tested YouTube channel, horror enthusiasts get an up-close look at one of the original Evil Dead II Necronomicon props. This deep dive into movie history features special effects artist Tom Sullivan, the mastermind behind the prop, who shares rare insights into its creation and legacy.
A Close-Up on Cinematic History
During a visit to the renowned Prop Store, Adam Savage—a self-professed movie geek—had the privilege of inspecting several Evil Dead II artifacts, including an original shooting script, a dagger prop, and the Necronomicon itself. As Sullivan recounts, each page of the book was meticulously hand-drawn, filled with eerie sketches and cryptic symbols that have since become legendary among horror fans.
Sullivan, who also handled creature makeup, stop-motion animation, and other special effects for the film, describes the painstaking process of aging and distressing the book to give it an authentic, otherworldly feel. “We really didn't pay attention to the MPAA rating at all,” he recalls, highlighting the film's commitment to practical effects and raw, unfiltered horror.
Why the Evil Dead II Necronomicon Matters
The Necronomicon isn't just a horror movie prop—it's a symbol of Evil Dead's legacy in genre filmmaking. Unlike today's CGI-heavy productions, Evil Dead II relied on practical effects, stop-motion animation, and sheer ingenuity to create its nightmarish visuals. The Necronomicon encapsulates this ethos, a hand-crafted relic that embodies the franchise's DIY spirit.
Savage's enthusiasm is infectious as he pores over the details, geeking out over the texture, weathering, and eerie illustrations within the book. The visit also underscores the importance of preserving practical effects in an era dominated by digital trickery.
For horror aficionados, seeing the original Necronomicon is like discovering an ancient artifact from a beloved nightmare. Sullivan's craftsmanship, combined with Raimi's kinetic direction and Bruce Campbell's over-the-top performance, solidified Evil Dead II as a genre-defining film.
Savage's exploration of the prop serves as a poignant reminder of why practical effects continue to hold a special place in film history. It's one thing to see the Necronomicon on screen; it's another to witness the painstaking artistry behind it.
Would you prefer more horror films to return to practical effects rather than relying on CGI? What are some of your favorite horror props in cinema history? Let us know in the comments!
