Spy: Sam Raimi directs Lucy Lawless in new zombie series

Hollywood film legend Sam Raimi was in Auckland to direct Lucy Lawless in her new role in an American television series Ash vs. Evil Dead.

The series is a cult spin-off from the famous director evil Dead movie franchise – and sees legendary Splatter movie actor Bruce Campbell reprise his role as Ash.

Filming is underway in Penrose for the 10-part series which seeks to capitalize on interest in all things the living dead. He is expected to make his US debut later this year.

The new show is produced by “Mr Lucy Lawless”, Rob Tapert and To spy can confirm that Raimi directed the first episode and enjoyed being back in New Zealand and reuniting with his longtime production partner.

The series is being filmed for the American network Starz, where the couple produced the first hit premium scripted drama of the pay cable network, Spartacus.

Lawless, 47, joins the cast as Ruby, a mysterious character who believes Ash is responsible for the Outbreaks of Evil.

The show is going viral with news that it will feature Mimi Rogers, most recently on our screens in the mega-popular Mad Men, as well as Campbell, 56, who also starred in Burn notice, which spanned seven seasons and plays here Sunday nights on Four.

Kiwis find their way into the horror genre – Cliff Curtis encountered zombies filming the The walking dead spin off, Fear the living dead and Rose McIver became the next CW Network star in iZombie, where she appeared on screens as a brain-eating heroine, described as a cross between Veronica Mars and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.