UPDATE: Variety is reporting that the film will have an unrated release later this year. They’re bypassing the MPA on this one.
Last year, I reported on Macon Blair’s remake of “The Toxic Avenger,” starring Peter Dinklage, and how distributors deemed it “too out there” and “unreleasable.” Well, guess what? Someone seems to think it’s releasable.
A report from The InSneider is confirming that Cineverse, the company behind the ‘Terrifer’ movies, has picked up “The Toxic Avenger” and will release it in theaters this year. No specific date has been confirmed just yet, but it’s coming.
Sources said that despite its starry cast, and good reviews, the film initially struggled to secure distribution due to how violent it is — which should only be a selling point to ‘Terrifier’ fans.
Blair’s film, rated R for strong violence, screened at a handful off genre film festivals in 2023 — the reviews have it at 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. ‘Toxic Avenger’ actually had its first public screening in September 2023 at Fantastic Fest, it went on to also screen at Beyond Fest and the Sitges Film Festival.
A teaser was released for the film in October 2023. Ever since then, it’s been crickets, we haven’t heard anything about it. For those who aren’t familiar with the original 1984 film, which has a cult following, it tells the story of a janitor who gets exposed to toxic waste, turning him into a deformed superhero. He then goes on a mission of revenge.
Blair directed the 2017 Sundance winner “I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore,” and “Toxic Avenger” is his sophomore follow-up.