Why was Bridget Fonda even in this film?

Rating: 7/10 (9 August 2019)

I saw the 81-minute version and could tell (even before I read IMDb's entry) that that a lot of stuff ended up on the cutting room floor. I assume that's what happened to Bridget Fonda, who was reduced to an utterly superfluous cameo at the beginning of the film. Ash's voiceover states that he had a wonderful girlfriend named Linda (played by Fonda), who was taken away by the evil force that invaded their cabin in the woods. Fonda speaks not a word, nor is her character mentioned again after her abduction.
To add insult to injury, once Ash lands in Medieval times, he almost immediately takes up with another woman. Clearly, his mourning period for Linda was short-lived. The film's ending also implies a new love interest for Ash once he's back in the present day.
So I have to ask: why was Bridget Fonda even in this film? They could have left her out completely and it would have made no difference at all.