Back in 1984, the New Jersey state came across a very unlikely superhero called “The Toxic Avenger.” The movie was a gory horror-comedy headed by Troma Entertainment. Surprisingly, it did so well that it made the production house a famous independent movie studio.

The 1984 version of this film depicts the story of a wimpy janitor in a fictional town called Tromaville in New Jersey who fell into some toxic waste and turned into a superstrong mutant. Though the movie didn’t really do that well in the year it was released, it turned into a big midnight movie favorite the following year. After that, the production company released three film sequels, an animated cartoon series, many comic runs, and even an off-Broadway stage production called Toxie that continues to stand tall as the entertainment company’s bizarre mascot.

Now in 2022, we’re set to see another Toxic Avenger. The Toxic Avenger reboot featuring Peter Dinklage in the leading role as Toxie is set to release sometime this year. This movie will likely be one of the most interesting reboots hitting the big screens in a while. The film will be written and directed by Macon Blair.

Given this reboot’s high production value, we expect superior visual effects and a significantly better plot. In a conversation with Empire in December 2021, Dinklage, between his performance in the 2021’s Cyrano and this reboot, was looking for roles unlike anything he had previously done. He went on to say, "so why not be a monster in an over-the-top, crazy movie, and why not sing in another one?"

With the movie slated to release sometime this year, here’s everything we know about it so far.

The Toxic Avenger: The Plot & Rating

Toxic Avenger - 1984
Troma Entertainment

As briefly mentioned earlier, The Toxic Avenger (1984) narrates the story of a janitor named Melvin working at a health club. He gets picked on constantly by the attractive-looking but completely and utterly mean-spirited patrons. One day, these patrons prank him harder than usual, and he ends up falling into a vat of toxic waste. The waste mutates him into a hideously deformed creature of sorts but with the power and strength of a superhero. This leads to him being affectionately called Toxie. He cleans up Tromaville's corrupt politicians and criminals in an unlawful manner. Despite being hideous, he is an adorable monster who even finds love.

The official synopsis for the reboot describes the main character, played by Dinklage, as a weak man with a terminal disease whose boss isn’t willing to help him out financially for his treatment, as reported by THR. Based on the official synopsis, it is clear that the movie will not be an exact remake of the original 1984 The Toxic Avenger.

"After deciding to take matters into his own hands and rob his company, Winston falls into a pit of toxic waste and is transformed into a deformed monster that sets out to do good and get back at all the people who have wronged him."

Also reported by THR, the 2022 reboot of The Toxic Avenger received an R-rating from the MPA last week. According to the report, the MPA cited that the movie had "strong violence and gore, language throughout, sexual references and brief graphic nudity," which is why they decided to give it a mature rating. This has pleased the fans further as they are eagerly waiting for this project featuring Dinklage to hit the screens.

Related: Toxic Avenger Reboot Director Discusses His Vision for The Troma Classic

The 1984 version of this movie developed a cult following mainly because of all the gory violence. However, when talks about creating a remake for the movie emerged a couple of years ago, there were rumors of changing the rating. Back in 2010, Deadline had reported that The Toxic Avenger reboot was in the works and would take the shape of a PG-13 action-comedy that aimed to convert Toxie into an environmental justice hero. It goes without saying that a lot has changed since then.

The Toxic Avenger: The Cast & Crew

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HBO

It was confirmed in December 2020 that Peter Dinklage would take on the role of Toxie in this reboot. Alongside Dinklage, the female lead for this reboot will be played by Taylour Paige, costar of Zola and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. We will also see Jacob Tremblay play a supporting role in the film. The film's villain is an exciting casting choice, as Kevin Bacon will play the antagonist. The film would also feature Elijah Wood and Julia Davis, but their roles haven’t been disclosed so far.

As mentioned earlier, Legendary Pictures’ upcoming reboot of The Toxic Avenger will be written and directed by indie movie favorite Macon Blair. Variety was the first to report that Blair, the director and writer of I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore and a frequent actor and collaborator with Jeremy Saulnier (Green Room, Hold the Dark, and Blue Ruin), will head the reboot.

Related: Best Superhero Horror Movies, Ranked

Release Date

The film is set to release sometime in 2022.