The remake of The Evil Dead is set to begin filming early this year in New Zealand and the casting process is currently underway. Lily Collins (The Blind Side, Priest) was set to play the lead role in the film, but it is being reported that she has dropped out.

According to Jeff Sneider at Variety, Lily Collins (Pictured Below) had to drop out due to "scheduling issues". There is no information on whether or not this will affect the start date of the movie or who is being considered as a replacement. While not 100% confirmed it was rumored that her role would be a female equivalent of Ash. We'll report back as soon as we hear any updates.

Fede Alvarez is directing the remake and wrote the original script, along with Rodo Sayagues. It was previously announced that Diablo Cody had been hired to polish up the script. Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert, and Bruce Campbell are producing. A release date has been set for April 12th, 2013.

“Five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin where they discover a Book Of The Dead and unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival.”

For more information on the Evil Dead remake, check out our previous articles: