The cult classic The Toxic Avenger is rising from the cinematic depths with a 2024 reboot. Entertainment Weekly has delivered an exclusive first glimpse of Peter Dinklage as the mutated vigilante. Macon Blair directs the film and promises a fresh yet loyal take on Troma Entertainment’s most beloved—and bizarre—hero. The big question on everyone’s mind is, does this reboot capture the campy heart of the original?
Join us as we break down everything you need to know about Dinklage’s debut as Toxie, the film’s updated plot, and what fans can expect from this unrated spectacle hitting theaters this summer.
revisiting the cult legend of the toxic avenger
For those unfamiliar with the cult phenomenon, The Toxic Avenger first graced screens in 1984 as a low-budget midnight movie. The plot? A hapless janitor, Melvin Ferd, has a life-altering accident involving toxic waste, transforming into Toxie—a disfigured mutant with superhuman strength and a knack for battling villains. Despite the grotesque premise, the film struck a chord with audiences for its campy humor and over-the-top action.
The original spawned sequels, a short-lived cartoon (Toxic Crusaders), comic books, video games, and even a stage musical. Troma Entertainment’s creation became an icon of weird, wonderful cinema.
But with cult classics, reboots walk a fine line—how do you pay homage to the original while modernizing the story for a broader audience?
peter dinklage brings a new heart to the toxic avenger
Peter Dinklage, best known for his Emmy-winning role as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones, takes on the lead role as Winston Gooze—a janitor whose unfortunate encounter with toxic chemicals changes his life forever. But this isn’t just a story about disfigurement and revenge. Director Macon Blair describes Dinklage’s Toxie as “part human, part mutant, all heart.”
For this reboot, the visuals are key. According to Blair, the design honors the original film while adding “something new and weird and lovable.” The result is equal parts grotesque and charming—perfectly fitting for a hero who wields a mop as a weapon and dons a tutu melted into his mutated body.
Luisa Guerreiro provides the physical performance for Toxie under layers of practical effects created by Millennium FX. Fans of the original will recognize iconic touches like Toxie’s bubbling skin and outrageous boils but can expect some modern twists.
a star-studded cast with dark humor
Joining Dinklage is an impressive ensemble cast. Kevin Bacon plays Bob Garbinger, a corrupt corporate overlord with a Lex Luthor vibe but comedic disaster tendencies. Elijah Wood, almost unrecognizable, takes on the role of Fritz Garbinger, a psychotic henchman leading a gang of lunatics known as the Killer Nutz.
Taylour Paige plays JJ Doherty, a journalist-turned-detective working to uncover Garbinger’s shady dealings, while Jacob Tremblay stars as Winston’s stepson, Wade. Tremblay’s character is described as “a special kid” with an anxiety-riddled but important role in Toxie’s quest for justice.
This reboot promises to pack in dark comedy alongside its over-the-top action—making it a faithful nod to the original film’s humor and heart.
a journey from film festival favorite to wide release
Blair’s The Toxic Avenger first premiered at Fantastic Fest in Austin in 2023 and made further festival rounds in Los Angeles and Spain, where it received a warm reception. However, the film struggled to secure distribution—until now.
Cineverse acquired the theatrical, home entertainment, and streaming rights in early 2025, paving the way for its unrated release this August. Fans can expect a grittier, less-censored version that captures the playful absurdity of the late-night cult classic.
staying true to its roots
Blair’s goal wasn’t just to revive Troma’s anti-hero but to maintain the essence of Lloyd Kaufman’s original storytelling. “We wanted to stay true to Lloyd’s original creature while mixing some influence from Toxic Crusaders,” Blair told Entertainment Weekly.
Practical effects play a key role in crafting the tactile, oozy look of Toxie, staying loyal to the quirky aesthetic of the original film. Combine that with themes of corporate greed and environmental recklessness, and it’s clear this reboot still has something to say.
why fans are excited
It’s rare for a gonzo midnight movie to get this level of Hollywood treatment, and fans of both Peter Dinklage and the Toxic Avenger franchise have high hopes. There’s a lot to be excited about, whether it’s the nostalgic charm, the star-studded cast, or curiosity about how far an unrated reboot will push boundaries.
For first-time audiences, the 2024 reboot introduces a quirky, hilarious, and heartfelt character that feels more relevant than ever.
the toxic avenger release date
The Toxic Avenger officially hits theaters on August 29, 2025, unrated and ready to delight both nostalgic fans and new audiences.