Legendary Pictures has released the first look of The Toxic Avenger, starring actor Peter Dinklage. The Toxic Avenger is an upcoming superhero comedy film based on the 1984 film of the same name by Troma Entertainment. The remake is produced by Legendary Entertainment. Directed by Macon Blair, the film stars Peter Dinklage as the title character. The first look features Dinklage wielding a luminescent green mop.
The plot follows a janitor who gets mutated into a toxic creature after falling into a vat of toxic waste. He then becomes a vigilante superhero fighting against crime and corruption. The cast includes Elijah Wood, Julia Davis, Kevin Bacon, and Taylour Paige.
Macon Blair has said the new film will pay homage to the original while bringing something new, with contemporary themes and cultural satire. Filming began in Bulgaria in 2021. The film will premiere as the opening film of Fantastic Fest on September 21, 2023.
The original Toxic Avenger film from 1984 was a cult hit known for its campy violence and dark humor. It launched Troma’s iconic Toxic Avenger character, nicknamed “Toxie,” who became the mascot of Troma Entertainment.
This will be the fifth Toxic Avenger film, following the original and three sequels – The Toxic Avenger Part II, The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie, and Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV.
Elijah Wood will play the villain, a corrupt mayor who bullies Toxie. This is Wood’s second collaboration with director Macon Blair after the 2017 film I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore. Kevin Bacon plays a character named Bob Gray, though details are scarce on his role in the film. Taylour Paige plays Toxie’s ally and love interest, is described as a fearless, badass woman.
The film will be set in modern times in the fictional town of Tromaville, New Jersey, just like the original. Make-up and creature effects are being done by Jason Collins, known for his work on Beetlejuice and Suicide Squad. This indicates Toxie will have a new physical design update from the original films.
Legendary Entertainment acquired the rights to produce the remake back in 2010, but the project languished in development hell for years before Blair signed on as director in 2020. The tone is described as an anarchic R-rated superhero comedy, promising plenty of graphic violence and adult humour true to Troma’s outrageous style.
While paying homage to the original, Blair has said he wants to make the new Toxic Avenger resonate with contemporary issues of pollution and environmentalism.
Cast:
Peter Dinklage as Toxie: The iconic lead role, Dinklage brings his star power and acting chops to the mutated vigilante hero. Jacob Tremblay plays a young boy who is friends with Toxie. Tremblay has experience playing endearing child roles. Sarah Niles joins as Toxie’s mother, who originally transforms him into the Toxic Avenger. Eileen Mary O’Higgins plays the Mayor’s eccentric wife. She’s known for comedic roles.
Crew:
Macon Blair directs, having proven his indie filmmaking skills on prior films like I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore. Writers include Macon Blair along with original Toxic Avenger director Lloyd Kaufman. The producers are from Legendary Entertainment. Alex Garcia and Jay Ashenfelter serve as executive producers.
Production:
The budget is around $10 million, modest for a superhero film. Filming took place primarily in Bulgaria in 2021. Practical effects like makeup and prosthetics are being utilized to create Toxie’s mutated look, paying homage to the original films’ DIY aesthetic. Fans hope the new Toxic Avenger will capture the campy, subversive tone that made the original a cult classic. With Macon Blair as director, the film is expected to bring an updated indie sensibility and cultural satire lens. Dinklage’s performance as Toxie is highly anticipated, with his talent bringing new depth. The R-rating promises gruesome, graphic violence in classic Troma fashion.
