Halloween means the premiere of Starz’s new original offering, “Ash Vs. Evil Dead,” a 10-episode half-hour series, and a long-awaited television follow-up to the classic horror film franchise “The Evil Dead.” The series is executive produced by the original creators of the films and will air on Saturdays, starting October 31st. Joining the evil fighting crew is new addition, “Pablo Simon Bolivar,” Ash’s coworker and loyal friend, played by Latino actor Ray Santiago. In our exclusive interview Santiago reveals the inner workings of the exciting series, and what it means to have what he calls a ‘new Latino superhero.’

Santiago, originally from the Bronx and of Puerto Rican decent, has appeared in recurring roles on hit television shows including “Bad Judge,” “Touch,” “Raising Hope” and “Dexter;” and in the feature films “Sex Ed,” “In Time,” “Meet The Fockers,” and “Girlfight.” The Nuyorican currently resides in Los Angeles and attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for the performing arts in New York City.

In “Ash Vs. Evil Dead” Bruce Campbell is reprising his role as Ash, the stock boy, aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of the Evil Dead. When a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind, Ash is finally forced to face his demons –personal and literal. Destiny, it turns out, has no plans to release the unlikely hero from its “Evil” grip.

Lucy Lawless also stars as “Ruby,” a mysterious figure who believes Ash is the cause of the Evil outbreak.

Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell and Rob Tapert

Sam Raimi directed the first episode of “Ash vs Evil Dead.” Raimi will also serve as executive producer, along with Rob Tapert (Evil Dead,“Spartacus,” Xena: Warrior Princess”) and Bruce Campbell (“Evil Dead,” “Burn Notice”) along with Craig DiGregorio (“Workaholics,” “Chuck”) who will serve as executive producer/showrunner.

HOMBRE: Let’s start with the name of your character, Pablo Simon Bolivar, those are big shoes to fill.
Ray Santiago: Yes, I think the writers were trying to hint at the fact that this character will go down in history as a strong leader and fighter, somebody who’s going to help the world that he’s in.

H: What can you tell us about the role?
RS: I play Pablo, who is basically Ash’s sidekick. He is an immigrant from Honduras who ends up working at the same store as Ash. He’s a very idealistic guy who becomes friends with Ash, he sees the strength of people and sees the hero that Ash is meant to be. I think he, Ash, and Kelly (Dana DeLorenzo) are three people that are trying to escape the world that they’re in but they’re forced to confront their own inner demons and the demons that they fight along the way. Pablo is a great guy, he’s super smart and a leader as well.

H: Will the backstory that he comes from Honduras be explored?
RS: We explore the idea that he comes from Honduras and stays under the radar because he doesn’t want people to find out, he doesn’t want people to judge him and think he isn’t as smart as he is. We portray him as a smart Latino guy. It’s the first time in a long time we’ve had a Latino character on TV that is sort of a superhero.
Coming from a background of acting on television for over 10 years the majority of the roles Latinos play are gangbangers, drug dealers, sort of bad guys. For me, as an actor, I’ve always wanted to portray Latinos in a way that they haven’t been seen before. That’s why Pablo appealed to me. I think we will explore more the idea of embracing who you truly are and where you come from.

H: How is it the TV series the same or different from the film franchise, “The Evil Dead”?
RS: I would say that “Ash vs Evil Dead” is a high octane thrilling ride. We’ve opened up another door. It’s nostalgic in the sense that it’s going to give you the gore and the blood that you got from the “Evil Dead” movies, but it brings something new to the table with the addition of new characters. It’s taking this character Ash and humanizing him, making him more of a man.

He is more of a father figure to me and I look up to him and I admire how strong he is. He is fearless. From idolizing him I realize I don’t want to be like him. I just need to stay strong in who I am and that creates a better version of me.
We definitely have Deadites, we have tons of blood. I am the most covered in blood out of everyone.

H: You mentioned being a horror fan, what are your favorite horror films?
RS: I would say as a kid “Nightmare on Elm Street” was one of my favorite horror movies, the entire franchise. I love Wes Craven. “Halloween,” was one of the movies I felt I could not watch alone as a kid. And movies like “Fright Night” and “Scream.”

H What has been your favorite part about playing the role?
RS: There has been so much. Working with Sam (Raimi) was amazing and really great because he really took the time to listen, that was a dream come true. Also I would say the stunts. There are so many things I can say are my favorite. Going to New Zealand was an amazing opportunity. And being part of sort of creating this new genre. To be able to be a part of a franchise that has so much history and bring something new to it. To take what was and to add a little to the future of the franchise.

H: What kind of research did you do for the project?
RS: I was going to say I did research as an actor for twelve or thirteen years (laughs). But we did extensive stunt training. I learned how to ride a motorcycle for this job, so it was pretty bad ass. I was happy to be a part of it all.

H: Have you finished filming the entire series?
RS: We filmed the 10 episodes and I think I finally washed all the blood off (laughs). I still have a few bruises on my knuckles from actually punching and fighting. In the last weeks we crammed in a season finale that I would say no man should have to go through what I went through. Pablo goes through it, so do the other characters. I’m excited and I cant wait for you guys to see it.

H: What’s next for you?
RS: There is a project that I’m developing and that I want to direct and be in which I’m writing right now. And there are movies coming out that I can’t talk about now.

H: What does this character and this role say about Latinos?
RS: It’s important now to have an immigrant be seen in the light of a heroic figure, shedding light on that story. It mirrors the struggle that we face in life as Latinos and people from different places. Pablo is super sweet, he’s funny, he’s sort of a romantic, so you get to see a Latino in a multifaceted way, in a way you haven’t seen before; but all under the lens of the Evil Dead. You get to see the heart of a good Latino in a comedic horror genre which we haven’t explored before.

H: Why should audiences tune in?
RS: Because it’s everything you could ever want. People should see this show because it’s a whole new thing. You just want to sit, have some popcorn, and revel in it.

“Ash Vs Evil Dead” airs Saturdays on Starz.