Spy: Sam Raimi directs Lucy Lawless in new zombie series

Lucy Lawless.

Hollywood movie legend Sam Raimi has been in Auckland to direct Lucy Lawless in her new role in US TV series Ash vs Evil Dead.

The series is a spin-off from the famed director's cult Evil Dead movie franchise - and sees legendary splatter movie actor Bruce Campbell reprising his role as Ash.

Filming is under way in Penrose for the 10-part series that is looking to capitalise on the interest in all things undead. It is due to debut in the US later this year.

The new show is produced by "Mr Lucy Lawless", Rob Tapert, and Spy can confirm that Raimi directed the first episode and enjoyed being back in New Zealand and reuniting with his long-time producing partner.

The series is being filmed for US network Starz, where the pair executive-produced the pay cable network's first scripted hit drama, Spartacus.

Lawless, 47, joins the cast as Ruby, a mysterious character who believes Ash is responsible for the Evil outbreaks.

The show is gaining buzz with news it will star Mimi Rogers, most recently on our screens in the mega-popular Mad Men, as well as Campbell, 56, who also starred in Burn Notice, which ran for seven seasons and is playing here on Sunday nights on Four.

Director Sam Raimi on the set of Spider-Man 2. Photo / SUpplied

Kiwis are finding their niche in the horror genre - Cliff Curtis has been meeting zombies filming the The Walking Dead spin-off, Fear the Walking Dead and Rose McIver has become the CW Network's next break-out star in iZombie, where she has hit screens as a brain-eating hero, described as a mix between Veronica Mars and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.