It’s been more than a year since we learned of Legendary’s plan to reboot Troma’s midnight favorite, The Toxic Avenger. Perhaps the slow down was due to COVID-19, but whatever the case, it now has a star to play Toxie himself. Deadline reports Peter Dinklage will star in the film, with the hopes of creating a new satirical hero in the style of Deadpool.
Troma founders Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz are on board as producers, remaining key ties to the original which falls into that “so bad it’s kinda good” category. Behind the camera is Macon Blair, best known for his roles in Blue Ruin and Green Room, but also for directing I Don’t Feel At Home in this World Anymore.
Dinklage will take on the role of a bullied everyman who falls into a vat of toxic waste while escaping his tormenters. The nasty mix of chemicals turns him into a mutant creature with superhuman strength, which Toxie uses to get revenge and clean up the town of Tromaville.
The original Toxic Avenger spawned three sequels, a cartoon series for kids, and even a stage musical. Toxie can be found at Comic-Cons and festivals pretty much all year round, and remains pretty popular.
I’m curious to see how this works out. Dinklage will be fine, he’s not the issue, but the Toxic Avenger movies are pretty twisted and weird. While I get that they’re going for Deadpool-style comedy, the two aren’t really the same at all.
