Jill Marie Jones on 'Ash vs. Evil Dead' Frank Ockenfels/Starz
"I think hopefully women and girls will see Amanda and see something inside of them that they can relate to," Jill Marie Jones tells THR about her character on the Starz series.
Diehard fans of the Evil Dead franchise have been anxiously awaiting Bruce Campbell's return to the role he first made famous more than 30 years ago. On Halloween night, Ash vs. Evil Dead, the sequel to the horror trilogy, is set to premiere on Starz. While Campbell and the blood might take the spotlight, one actress on the show is calling on viewers to pay especially close attention to the women on camera.
"All the three female main characters on the show are pretty badass. They can hold their own," Jill Marie Jones, who plays the Michigan State Trooper Amanda Fisher, tells The Hollywood Reporter. "I'm delighted about seeing these strong female roles and not that the woman is waiting for the guy to save her, but that she can take it on, all on her own, and get the job done."
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Jones, who went through strenuous MMA training for this role, is grateful to be a part of show creator Sam Raimi's vision. She affirms that Hollywood is still slow to portray women in this positive light.
"I’m just so appreciative of you know being able to play in this sandbox because you don’t really often see women roles like that," Jones says. "So, it’s truly great."
Jones credits part of Hollywood's gender issue to members of the industry failing to recognize the wide variety of roles that women can play. She challenges casting directors and show creators to trust that women can take the lead.
"Just 'cause you haven’t seen it, doesn’t mean that person’s not capable," says Jones, who pointed out that her character breaks down female stereotypes. She added about filming the action-packed show: "Oh, I felt like I was at Disneyland. I felt like a 13-year-old boy. I get to do stunts. I get to shoot guns. I get to be around blood. This should be a camp for young boys."
When it comes to her character, Jones hopes she will help demonstrate the kind of force women can have in front of the camera.
"I think when push comes to shove, I get the job done, I don’t like the word no, I try to fight through a no to try to get a yes. Amanda’s that way. Amanda hates the word no. I think hopefully women and girls will see Amanda and see something inside of them that they can relate to."
Ash vs. Evil Dead premieres Oct. 31 on Starz.
Ash vs. Evil Dead
