The Toxic Avenger reboot starring Peter Dinklage has finally set a theatrical release window. Written and directed by Macon Blair as a reboot of the film series that started with the 1984 cult classic of the same name, the upcoming reimagining stars Dinklage as Winston Gooze, a downtrodden janitor who, after a freak accident, transforms into the titular vigilante. The Toxic Avenger reboot’s cast also includes Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Paige, Kevin Bacon, Sarah Niles, Julia Davis, Julian Kostov, and Elijah Wood.
Now, after playing at several festivals in 2023, the film has finally set a theatrical release window. Per Variety, Cineverse has announced that The Toxic Avenger reboot will receive an unrated wide release in theaters sometime in 2025. In response to the reboot finding a distributor, director Macon Blair, the franchise’s creator Lloyd Kaufman, and Cineverse chairman and CEO Chris McGurk shared the following statements:

Blair: I’m beyond grateful to the team behind The Toxic Avenger who were so supportive and steady-handed as we searched for the perfect distribution partner for our film. It’s so cool that folks will have the chance to see this in theaters, it’s a fun rowdy movie you wanna see with a crowd. Mutant hero smashes bad guys with a mop: perfect entertainment for the whole family! Our goal was always to preserve the heart and spirit of the original Toxie (which was seared into my brain at a very young age) and try to make something that Troma fans would dig and at the same time do something with the character that feels fresh. Lloyd and Michael at Troma have been a blast to work with, absolutely everyone at Legendary are stars, and I can’t wait to start working with the champs at Cinverse to bring this version of Toxie to fans new and old.

Kaufman: Michael Herz, Toxie and I have mopped our tears away! Macon Blair’s Fantoxic reimagining of Toxie’s life is even better than Troma’s! The Troma Fans will be ecstatic!

McGurk: The Toxic Avenger isn’t just a great film; it’s an important one. Peter Dinklage’s transformative performance and Macon Blair’s fearless direction deliver a story that speaks to the anxieties of our time with outrageous humor and unflinching creativity. This is the kind of movie that major studios are averse to release because it dares to push boundaries, but Cineverse is rooted in championing bold, uncompromising storytelling. We believe audiences are ready – and eager – for films like this to take center stage.

What The Toxic Avenger Reboot’s Release Window Means For The Movie

Audiences Will Finally Be Able To See It In 2025

The Toxic Avenger reboot has traveled a long road to securing theatrical distribution and a 2025 release window. Way back in September 2023, The Toxic Avenger debuted as the opening film of Fantastic Fest and went on to screen at Beyond Fest later that month. It also had its international debut the following month, premiering out of competition at the Sitges Film Festival. As a result of playing at several festivals, The Toxic Avenger reviews praised the reboot for recapturing the spirit of the original with its silliness and over-the-top gore.

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However, over the following year, the film faced immense challenges finding a distributor. Because of its extreme gore and graphic content, it developed a reputation for being “unreleasable.” On X, formerly Twitter, filmmaker and producer Adam Masnyk said that no distributors had shown interest, citing concerns over its marketability and risk factor, and raising the possibility that it could become lost media. Now, The Toxic Avenger has finally found a distributor in Cineverse, ensuring it will be released in 2025 and be seen by audiences.
Our Take On The Toxic Avenger Reboot’s Release Window

Can It Actually Appeal To Mainstream Audiences?

Though The Toxic Avenger reboot has finally found a distributor and will be released in 2025, it remains uncertain exactly when it will hit theaters later this year. What is also uncertain is how well The Toxic Avenger will fare with an unrated wide release. Though it will undoubtedly attract fans of the original 1984 film and all its gonzo energy, it remains to be seen if it can appeal to mainstream audiences with its fresh, contemporary twist on the cult classic.
Source: Variety

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The Toxic Avenger (2023) is directed by Macon Blair and follows downtrodden janitor Winston Gooze, who becomes a superhuman hero after a toxic accident. Armed with a glowing mop, he must save his son and thwart a power-hungry tyrant seeking to exploit toxic superpowers.

Release Date

September 21, 2023

Runtime

102 Minutes

Cast

Peter Dinklage
, Jacob Tremblay
, Kevin Bacon
, Elijah Wood
, Taylour Paige
, Julia Davis
, Sarah Niles
, Macon Blair
, Spencer Wilding
, Jonny Coyne
, Atanas Srebrev
, Lee Eddy
, Rebecca O’Mara
, David Yow
, Chris Sharp
, Brent Werzner
, Randy E. Aguebor
, Ev Lunning
, Jane Levy
, Lloyd Kaufman

Character(s)

Winston Gooze / The Toxic Avenger
, Wade
, Bob Garbinger
, Fritz Garbinger
, J.J. Doherty
, Kissy Sturnevan
, Mayor Togar
, Dennis
, Monster Garbinger
, Thad Barkabus
, Chief Wormer
, CJ Doons
, Shelly Gooze
, Guthrie Stockins
, C.S. Hawley
, Toxie Witness
, Coach Stanwyck
, Rick Feet
, Cheerful Insurance Rep

Director

Macon Blair

Producers

Lloyd Kaufman
, Michael Herz
, Alex Garcia

Writers

Macon Blair
, Lloyd Kaufman

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