It's a sad day for cult movie fans. Bruce Campbell has stated, in no uncertain terms, that he will not be reprising the role of Elvis Presley for the upcoming Bubba Ho-Tep prequel/sequel Bubba Nosferatu Citing a difference of opinion that threatened his relationship with director Don Coscarelli, Campbell has told Fangoria that he chose to simply walk away rather than destroy a friendship. Coscarelli, for his part, has said that he's open to recasting the role but that just aint gonna happen. Campbell was the heart and soul of the first film, he's the reason Paul Giamatti got involved with the sequel, and without him it's all just a big waste of time.
I consider BUBBA HO TEP to be Coscarelli's single best work to date and I had never any interest in this sequel. If it doesn't happen all I have to say is good riddance. Here's hoping Coscarelli will move on to something that isn't a sequel to or remake of PHANTASM. I believe the man is a very talented director but his taste in projects and resulting difficulties to find financial backing too often steer him down a route that's less than desirable. He has already proved twize that he completely gets what makes Joe R. Lansdale work as a writer. Maybe instead of some lame sequel he could adapt another of his gazillion books or short stories.
What Caterpillar said. I didn't have much hope or interest in other Bubba projects either...