"The Toxic Avenger" Official Teaser: Peter Dinklage Wields a Toxified Mop of Justice in This Gory, Mutant-Powered Reboot From Writer-Director Macon Blair
The long-delayed, ultra-violent remake of the cult ’80s superhero horror comedy is finally making its way to theaters this August!
Who knew a modern-day remake of a trashy ’80s cult classic would stir up so much drama ahead of its release? Macon Blair’s redo of Troma’s 1984 superhero horror campfest The Toxic Avenger—a film that gained a devoted following through the underground movie scene, VHS, and late-night cable—premiered nearly two years ago at 2023’s Fantastic Fest, where it was met with enthusiasm from horror fans.
But despite its well-received debut, the film, shot back in 2021, endured a rocky road to securing a distribution deal. Even with an impressive cast led by Emmy-winning Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage and notable turns from Jacob Tremblay, Kevin Bacon, Elijah Wood, and Taylour Paige, the filmmakers behind this Toxic Avenger reboot feared it might never see the light of a movie theater—or any kind of release at all.
Dinklage himself even joked not too long ago that Toxic fans should write to their congressman to demand the film’s release.
So, what was the holdup? Was the movie just too horrible?
Well, judging by the critic and audience reaction at Fantastic Fest two years ago, that answer is a resounding no. In fact, the film currently holds a 92% score on the Tomatometer from critics who caught the world premiere in Austin.
Perhaps the delay had something to do with its graphic violence—something you can get a taste of in the newly released teaser trailer (watch it above).
Or maybe it was just too damn weird for today’s distribution studios. Then again, with movies like The Substance and Emilia Pérez racking up Oscar nominations last year, perhaps weird isn’t just a good thing—it might be the new mainstream.
The film follows a nebbish janitor named Winston Gooze who, after a freak accident involving toxic waste, is transformed into a mutant superhero vigilante known as Toxie. Armed with his toxified mop, Toxie becomes an unlikely hero, taking on freaks, gangsters, and corrupt CEOs in a crusade to clean up the filth that’s made society unbearable.
Peter Dinklage dons heavy green prosthetics to play a pint-sized Toxic Avenger, but don’t let his size fool you—his lethal mop can take out half a person’s face with just one mighty swipe. Ouch!
Written and directed by actor-filmmaker Macon Blair (I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore), the film is based on Lloyd Kaufman’s flagship Troma classic, which not only spawned a low-budget franchise but also helped fund Kaufman’s B-movie empire throughout the ’80s and ’90s.
Cineverse, an LA-based entertainment company, has stepped up to handle the film's distribution, with a theatrical release now set for August.
And with the world as crazy as it is, perhaps there’s never been a better time for a mutant hero to rise and start cleaning house—literally!
For more updates, you can check out the movie’s official website at toxicavenger.com
Watch the previously-released red band teaser, below:
