Scott Spiegel, the co-writer of 'Evil Dead II' and 'The Rookie,' and executive producer of the 'Hostel' franchise, has died at the age of 67. He passed away on 1 September.
Spiegel was a frequent collaborator with filmmakers including Sam Raimi, Boaz Yakin, Eli Roth and Quentin Tarantino. He co-wrote 'Evil Dead II' (1987) and directed his first feature, 'Intruder,' in 1989. He also co-wrote 'The Rookie' (1990) with Yakin, starring Clint Eastwood.
His other credits include executive producing the 'Hostel' horror franchise with Roth, directing 'Hostel: Part III' and the 2004 reimagining of 'My Name Is Modesty.' He made cameo appearances in Raimi's 'Spider-Man' (2002), 'Spider-Man 2' (2004) and 'Drag Me to Hell' (2009), and voiced a role in 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' (2022).
Growing up in Michigan, Spiegel began making films with childhood friends including Raimi, Bruce Campbell, John Cameron and Josh Becker. Raimi paid tribute, recalling Spiegel's humour and work ethic, and how he introduced producer Lawrence Bender to Tarantino, helping get 'Reservoir Dogs' made.
Eli Roth described Spiegel as 'one of the funniest, warmest, most generous people' he had known, praising his visual gags and camera techniques. 'I will miss him dearly and think of him every time I film a crazy P.O.V.,' Roth said.
