Scott Spiegel, the filmmaker best known for co-writing Evil Dead II (1987) and executive producing the Hostel franchise, has died at the age of 67. His passing was announced by special effects makeup artist Robert Kurtzman and later shared by longtime friend and collaborator Bruce Campbell on X (formerly Twitter).
Campbell, who starred in the Evil Dead films, paid tribute to Spiegel, describing his death as “a big personal loss.” He recalled their friendship dating back to childhood in Michigan, writing: “From Sunday School to being stock boys together, to Evil Dead II, which Scott co-wrote, I can’t look in the rear view mirror without seeing this unique guy doing cheap gags. I’m grateful for the treasure trove of happy memories. Keep Shemping, Scott!”
Spiegel’s connection to Campbell and director Sam Raimi stretched back decades. The trio worked on early projects including the 1977 film It’s Murder! and frequently referred to their on-set substitutions as “Fake Shemp,” a nod to The Three Stooges. Spiegel also appeared on-screen in the first two Evil Dead films and later in Raimi’s Spider-Man (2002), Spider-Man 2 (2004), and Drag Me to Hell (2009). He most recently contributed a voice role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022).
Born December 24, 1957, in Birmingham, Michigan, Spiegel pursued filmmaking with Campbell and Raimi before relocating to Los Angeles. He made his directorial debut with Intruder (1989) and later helmed From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money (1999) and Hostel: Part III (2011). In addition to his directing work, Spiegel co-wrote The Rookie (1990), directed by and starring Clint Eastwood.
Spiegel’s influence spanned writing, directing, producing, and acting, leaving a lasting mark on horror cinema.
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