Remembering Josh Becker: A Tribute to a Horror Film Legend

As a young horror fan, I was introduced to the genre through various rentals from local video stores. However, it was director Sam Raimi's The Evil Dead that truly terrified me and became one of my favorite movies. The Evil Dead franchise is currently thriving, with two new films in development, one set for release in 2026. Unfortunately, the horror community recently lost some key figures, including Dan Hicks, Timothy Patrick Quill, Scott Spiegel, and now filmmaker Josh Becker, who passed away at the age of 67.

Josh Becker, a longtime collaborator with Sam Raimi, was involved in the production of The Evil Dead, contributing as a production assistant, sound recordist, and lighting technician. He also played a crucial role in setting up the film's memorable final shot. Following The Evil Dead, Becker and Bruce Campbell worked on the short film Stryker's War and the feature Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except. Becker continued his directing career with projects like Lunatics: A Love Story, Hercules in the Maze of the Minotaur, and Running Time, among others.

Becker's unexpected passing was announced on social media, just days after he had updated his newsletter. His dedication to filmmaking and his contributions to the industry will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. I had the pleasure of meeting Becker at a convention in 2010, where I found him to be a talented and engaging individual. His work has left a lasting impact on the world of cinema, and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.