Jane Levy's Harrowing Experience Filming Evil Dead: A Look Back at the Challenges and Impact on the Actress

News - 20 December 2023

American actress Jane Levy gave a memorable performance as Mia in director Fede Álvarez's Evil Dead (2013), a remake sequel to the original 1981 film. However, the production process took a toll on Levy, who did not return to the horror genre until 2016. Evil Dead, known for its violent and intense scenes, put Levy in challenging situations with difficult weather conditions, bloody scenes, and demanding requirements that pushed her to her limits.

Despite the challenges, Levy reunited with Álvarez for the film Don't Breathe, but did not reprise her role for the sequel.Levy's decision not to participate in Don't Breathe 2 speaks volumes about her experiences while filming Evil Dead. In a behind-the-scenes feature on the DVD or Blu-ray of Evil Dead, viewers can witness the grueling day of production that Levy endured.

The footage captures the hard work and dedication that went into creating the film's intense atmosphere, but also shows the physical and emotional strain that Levy experienced. She is depicted standing between takes, shivering from the cold and covered in fake blood, showcasing the challenges she faced during filming.One particularly harrowing scene involved Levy's character being buried alive, a moment that left a lasting impact on the actress.

Levy described having a plastic bag tied around her head with an oxygen tube behind her ear while lying in a ditch for the scene. After the cameras stopped rolling, she struggled to breathe and had to dig herself out of the ground, highlighting the dangers of filming such intense sequences. Additionally, Levy recalled a scene where she shared a bloody kiss with fellow cast member Jessica Lucas, which resulted in a nosebleed and added to the physical demands of the role.

Despite the challenges she faced during the production of Evil Dead, Levy has continued to pursue acting in the horror genre. While she did not appear in the recent Evil Dead film, Evil Dead Rise, she remains open to future opportunities in the genre. Although Evil Dead is not available on streaming services, viewers can rent or purchase the film on platforms like Pathé Thuis and Prime Video, or buy the DVD or Blu-ray to access additional behind-the-scenes footage featuring Levy on set.

Overall, Jane Levy's experience filming Evil Dead was physically and emotionally taxing, but ultimately led to a successful and memorable performance. Despite the challenges she faced, Levy continues to showcase her talent in the horror genre and remains open to future projects that may bring her back to the world of Evil Dead.