The first official teaser trailer for The Toxic Avenger reboot has finally arrived, and this ain’t your average superhero story. Because Peter Dinklage is not your average hero, this film revives the cult classic of 1984 in an entirely new — yet familiar — lense. If your bag is over-the-top action, sloppy humor and heroes who don’t wear capes but do tote mops, then this one’s for you.
This new take, directed by Macon Blair, adheres to the mad and madcap spirit of the original picture. In addition to Dinklage, the film features a strong cast that includes Elijah Wood, Kevin Bacon, Jacob Tremblay and Taylour Paige. The film made its debut at Fantastic Fest 2023 and is set to arrive in theaters this August.
What’s the New Toxic Avenger About?
Peter Dinklage stars as Winston, a lowly janitor who is doused with toxic waste in this reboot. The result? He becomes a mutated yet mighty anti-hero named Toxie. The movie serves up dark comedy and action, as well as gore — all hallmarks of the original.
The teaser opens in a really unexpected way — with a phony infomercial for an odd fast-food restaurant named Miss Meat. There’s tuna tacos, sloppy burritos and an incredibly tall burger that has a very cheeky name. But things take a quick turn for the dark when a gang of armed men attack the place.
Just when you feel everything is hopeless, in comes Winston (now Toxie) to the rescue.” One of the assailants mocks him, saying he’s “just a guy with a mop.” But in the next breath, Toxie immediately proves him wrong an even more wrong way. He takes the man’s jaw clear off in one blow. Yes, the violence is extreme, but it’s leavened with enough humour to keep it all going.
A Hero Like No Other
The trailer features Toxie in action — so to speak — wearing torn-up clothes, half of his face melted, clutching his glowing mop. He’s no ordinary clean-cut superhero. But that’s exactly what sets him apart and is fun to watch.
The director has maintained that aesthetic as closely as possible to the era in which signs of doom are brightly scrawled on grimy streets as pearlescent green slime flows thick like molasses, with practical effects rather than computer-generated being the order of the day. And that also makes the film feel more authentic, giving it an old-school horror-comedy vibe.
What Is Special About This Reboot?
While most superhero reboots aim for sleek visuals and elaborate backstories, The Toxic Avenger is unapologetically raw, violent and absurd. And that’s a good thing.
Here’s what stands out:
Peter Dinklage in an entirely different capacity — dirty, dangerous and heroic in his own right.
Elijah Wood as a creepy villain with an unexpected new appearance.
Kevin Bacon bringing his charm and menace to the tale.
A good usage of practical effects rather than heavy CGI.
A narrative that is equal parts horror, humour, and absurdity.
The movie is obviously not trying to be a typical superhero film. It intends to shock you, to amuse you, to offer you another way to be entertained.
Final Thoughts
If you’re fatigued by the same sort of superheroes in shiny suits and serious looks, The Toxic Avenger offers a good diversion. It’s gory, it’s crazy, and it has a hero who cleans up after the mess — in a manner of speaking. Starring Peter Dinklage in the lead role and helmed by little-known (and, quite frankly, unpredictable) team, this reboot looks well on its way to winning over both old fans and new audiences when it crashes into theatres this August.
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Sources: X