Whatever happened to that Toxic Avenger movie starring Peter Dinklage, Elijah Wood, and Kevin Bacon? Well, apparently it’s been shelved because it’s deemed “unreleasable.”
Also in what may or not be related news, a comic book relaunch is underway with original creator Lloyd Kaufman involved which is based on the original Toxic Avenger movies and properties, not the Dinklage version.
What happened with the Peter Dinklage The Toxic Avenger movie?
Last year saw The Toxic Avenger announced and a trailer even released from writer/director Macon Blair. There were first-look images and interviews, and the flick was even shown at various horror film festivals in September.
So what happened?
Update: Peter Dinklage spoke with ComicBook.com and said he hopes it gets released:
“No, I’m not a producer on it. I don’t know,” Dinklage replied when asked if he knew anything about The Toxic Avenger‘s release date. “I do want it to get out there into the world because it was a really big hit at Fantastic Fest in Austin, and Macon Blair, the writer/director who is also in The Thicket … He’s incredible. He’s one of my favorite people and favorite artists. So hopefully it will have its day in the toxic sun.”
Original article continues:
Well, there hasn’t been mention of the film in a while so the World of Reel asked a producer buddy about it.
The Toxic Avenger is “unreleasable.”
The producer filled in the site that The Toxic Avenger movie is “unreleasable.” The producer says the movie has no commercial prospects because it’s “too out there” for a theatrical release. If it ever does get picked up, the producer believes it will go straight to VOD/steaming.
The movie does have 24 reviews posted and a 92% Rotten Tomatoes Score, but the producer goes on to say, “If it had great reviews then maybe the forecast would be a little rosier, but there isn’t much potential. It’s too niche.”
The producer suggests, “Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see it on Tubi a few years from now.”
Not safe enough to market
Filmmaker and producer Adam Masnyk backed up the claim on X in June.
“This is factual,” Masnyk replied to another X user who said, “I read somewhere distributors considered it wasn’t safe enough to market, so no one has picked it up. At this point it honestly feels like it’s on its way to become lost media or like having some unceremonious dump on Tubi in a few years.”
Masnyk added, “This is what we (I work in movie product licensing) were officially told as well regarding it… To be honest, I only have heard good (first hand ) things from those who have seen it, so it’s been a mystery to everyone why it hasn’t been moving.”
What is the comic book relaunch about?
Via The Wrap, just announced on Tuesday is The Toxic Avenger comic book from political cartoonist Matt Bors of the Nib, a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, and artist Fred Harper.
The info mentions the new comic builds on the character who spawned five films and the 1990s cartoon.
“In this new Toxic Avenger comic we are pulling from the movies as well as the 1991 cartoon and toy line, The Toxic Crusaders, to tell an updated story for our polluted times,” Bors said. “Tromaville is the site of a mysterious train spill of toxic waste, which mutates the teenagers who come in contact with it. The town is placed under a harsh quarantine and our titular hero, the bullied nerd Melvin Junko, is the only citizen stupid and/or brave enough to fight back.”
Bors revealed he pitched creator Lloyd Kaufman the new comic last year at Comic-Con. Lloyd Kaufman is fully onboard.
“If there was ever a superhuman hero for these toxic, miserable times, Toxie is the one,” Kaufman said to The Wrap. “Toxie and the Troma Team can’t wait ‘til you read — no, experience — the art and stories that the Toxic Avenger comic book will explode in your brain, your soul, and your heart. Above all, remember — Toxie loves you and so do I.”
The article mentions about the Dinklage movie: “A 2023 film reboot of the franchise, starring Peter Dinklage, screened at festivals last year but has yet to see a wider release.”
The comic gets released on Oct. 9 from Ahoy Comics.
