Cineverse announced the theatrical release of The Toxic Avenger remake, a darkly comedic reimagining of the cult-classic franchise. Directed by Macon Blair (I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore) and starring Emmy and Golden Globe winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), this fresh take on the beloved anti-hero known as “Toxie” will premiere as an unrated wide release later this year. Cineverse acquired all U.S. and Canadian theatrical, home entertainment, and streaming rights through a deal with Legendary Entertainment.
In this new chapter of the classic midnight movie franchise created by Lloyd Kaufman and Troma Entertainment, a shocking accident transforms downtrodden janitor Winston Gooze (Dinklage) into a mutant vigilante. Armed with his signature mop, the unlikely hero battles freaks, gangsters, and corrupt CEOs while trying to save his relationship with his son.
The story channels the subversive, gonzo energy of the original Toxic Avenger while delivering a contemporary twist. The film features an all-star cast, including Dinklage, Kevin Bacon, Elijah Wood, Jacob Tremblay, Julia Davis, and Taylour Paige. It opened to critical acclaim at Fantastic Fest and has a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
“The Toxic Avenger isn’t just a great film; it’s an important one,” said Cineverse Chairman and CEO Chris McGurk. “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.”
In reaction to The Toxic Avenger remake, Lloyd Kaufman, President of Troma and creator of The Toxic Avenger, commented, “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!”
Cineverse’s previous releases include Terrifier 3, the highest-grossing non-rated film in U.S. history. The upcoming reimagining of Silent Night, Deadly Night is set for release in late 2025.
“We are proud to be growing a reputation as the home for iconic franchises that have incredibly passionate fan bases who just want to see their favorite stories on the big screen,” added Cineverse Chief Content Officer Yolanda Macias. “This wouldn’t be possible without the support of indie film and bold filmmakers that come from visionaries like Mary Parent and Legendary who were determined to figure out a smart way to get this film into theaters. We are grateful for their partnership and excited to bring this big-budget remake of this story to everyone who, like us, can’t wait to see Toxie back in theaters.”
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“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,” said Director Macon Blair. “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.”
Blair directed The Toxic Avenger remake from a screenplay he wrote based on Lloyd Kaufman’s The Toxic Avenger (1984). The film is produced by Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Lloyd Kaufman, and Michael Herz. The executive producers are Andrew Pfeffer, Jay Ashenfelter, and Macon Blair, with casting by Mark Bennett and Julie Harkin.
Blair’s collaborators behind the camera include Emmy Award-winning director of photography Dana Gonzalez; production designer Alexander Cameron; editors Brett W. Bachman and James Thomas; visual effects supervisor Chris Ritvo; costume designer Vanessa Porter; with music by Will Blair and Brooke Blair.
On behalf of Cineverse, the deal was negotiated by Chief Legal Officer Gary Loffredo, Chief Content Officer Yolanda Macias, and Executive Director of Acquisitions Brandon Hill. CAA Media Finance brokered the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.
