Cineverse Announces Plans To Release Macon Blair's "THE TOXIC AVENGER" In Theaters!
If we’re being honest, 2025 hasn’t gotten off to the best start. From blazing wildfires in LA, to the sweeping executive orders aimed at dismantling so much of the freedoms we enjoy here in the United States it can be hard to find reasons to smile, let alone get up in the morning. It’s almost as if 2025 needs a hero, a toxic avenger perhaps. Thankfully, the team at Cineverse have heard the cries and are heeding the calls for something truly heroic to save us this year, and that would be Macon Blair’s “The Toxic Avenger.”
Since it debuted at 2023’s Fantastic Fest, Toxie fans have been begrudgingly jealous of those who were fortunate enough to attend the screenings held near the tail-end of 2023 only to have the film seemingly disappear for 2024. If reporting from Variety is correct, and it often is, Cineverse is setting the stage to finally release the remake this year! From Variety’s article:
“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.” - Macon Blair, Screenwriter / Director
This really is some of the best news we could’ve gotten this year, as we are still kicking ourselves for not making the trip out to Austin in 2023 (something we corrected in 2024) to catch this at Fantastic Fest. While it’s still early days, we are hoping this one gets a summer theatrical release and we’ll be sure to share all the news with you as soon as it’s available!
From The Press Release
Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS), a next-generation entertainment studio, today announced the highly anticipated theatrical release of The Toxic Avenger, a daring and darkly comedic reimagining of the cult-classic franchise that first took the world by storm in the 1980s. 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 bold 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 fresh, contemporary twist. The film features an all-star cast beyond Dinklage, including Kevin Bacon, Elijah Wood, Jacob Tremblay, Julia Davis, and Taylour Paige. Tackling themes of corporate greed and systemic social injustice, it is as outrageous and hilarious as it is relevant, with timely commentary drawn straight from today’s headlines.
Opening to critical acclaim at Fantastic Fest, The Toxic Avenger has been hailed as a riotous blend of social satire, inventive gore, and unexpected heart. With a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film reaffirms the enduring power of subversive cinema to captivate and challenge audiences.
“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.”
Cineverse’s proven track record with unrated films, including last October’s box-office phenomenon Terrifier 3 – the highest-grossing non-rated film in U.S. history – underscores its ability to connect audiences with bold, authentic stories. The company’s horror division, Bloody Disgusting, has emerged as a champion for genre films with passionate fanbases, including the upcoming reimagining of Silent Night, Deadly Night 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.”
Images From The 2023 Fantastic Fest Premier
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