A few weeks back we got our first rather ambiguous look at the upcoming reboot of Troma’s classic The Toxic Avenger. Whilst the obscured image wasn’t much, it was enough to spark interest in the highly secretive project.
Now, we have our first clear look into the zany world of this upcoming reimagining, and it looks insane, to say the least!
In a series of new stills, we see a glimpse into the dystopian world this re-imagining seeks to create, as well as a look at star Peter Dinklage pre “toxic” disfiguring.
What has gotten genre fans most excited, however, is a look at Elijah Wood as antagonist Fritz Garbinger. Looking suitably grimy with patchy hair and horribly discoloured teeth, Wood leers into the camera giving us his best sneer. For the role, Wood has recently commented that his main inspiration for the part was Danny DeVito’s Penguin in 1992’s Batman Returns, and it certainly shows.
Whilst carrying the Toxic Avenger title, both Legendary Pictures and Troma Entertainment want fans to know that this is not a remake. Described as a “reimagining,” both parties have emphasised that this new vision is “inspired” by the 1984 original and will be homage to it, but isn’t seeking to directly remake the film.
“While the original film (which premiered in 1984 – almost 40 years ago!) followed the fate of Melvin Ferd Junko III (Mitch Cohen), who goes from zero to toxic hero in a case of bullying gone awry, Macon Blair’s contemporary take follows a hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength all his own.
Peter Dinklage stars as downtrodden janitor Winston Gooze who, after falling into a vat of toxic waste, becomes none other than The Toxic Avenger. This timely reimagining is up to its eyeballs in environmental themes as Winston goes up against the evil forces of greed and corruption to save his son, his friends, and his community.”
åAlongside Wood and Dinklage, The Toxic Avenger stars Jacob Tremblay, Kevin Bacon, Taylour Paige, and Julia Davis. The film premiered September 21 2023 at Fantastic Fest, but doesn’t yet have a wide release date or even a trailer, but watch this space!
