The Toxic Avenger – Movie Review (3/5)

THE TOXIC AVENGER is a deliciously gory reboot of the iconic splatter body horror. Really, this franchise is a genre hybrid galore of comedy, sci-fi, horror, and action. Read our full The Toxic Avenger movie review here!

THE TOXIC AVENGER is a reboot of the cult franchise that began with the 1984 Troma film. There are so many nods to the original – including a cameo from filmmaker Lloyd Kaufman – which should please fans of the original.

Also, people who are new to the world of this B-movie-inspired style can enjoy it. It’s all about practical effects and tongue-in-cheek stories, characters, actors, and props. Dark comedy combined with splatter, monsters, and body horror. It’s wild and a lot of fun.

Continue reading our The Toxic Avenger movie review below. Find it in theaters from August 29, 2025.

A very different kind of Superhero

When The Toxic Avenger begins, Winston Gooze (Peter Dinklage) is just an average Joe working as a janitor. However, his life is about to change in wild ways. First, he gets some very bad news from the doctor. Then, a shocking turn of events will turn him into a superhero.

Or, well, when you see him, he does come across as more of a mutant vigilante, but when a “normal” person suddenly has superpowers, then calling them a superhero is still correct.

I mean, Peter Parker got bitten by a spider and became Spider-Man. Well, Winston takes a deep dive into toxic waste and becomes a fluorescent mutant that looks more like the Hunchback of Notre Dame (or Deadpool), but he still uses his powers for good.

I mean, he certainly fights back against the gangsters and corrupt CEOs, who are the villains of The Toxic Avenger world. All while armed simply with his toxic mop and trying to save his relationship with his stepson (Jacob Tremblay).

Supporting cast having a blast

Helping Winston is another person trying to fight the bad guys. Her name is J.J. (Taylour Paige), and she’s trying to fight them “the right way” (finding proof of their misdeeds), which is not working.

Among the bad guys, we also have a wonderful supporting cast of actors. Each one has a haircut worse than the previous. Especially Kevin Bacon (MaXXXine) and Elijah Wood (The Monkey).

Okay, Elijah Wood wins worst hair… and could go on to do Rocky Horror Picture Show without changing a single thing.

You can also look forward to seeing Julia Davis (The Regime) as the devoted assistant of Kevin Bacon’s evil CEO character, and David Yow as a “wise” hobo. And look out for the director of this new version, Macon Blair, and the director of the original, Lloyd Kaufman.

A tribute to Troma

If you’re not into the crazy world of horror-comedy, body horror, splatter horror,  and monster movies made with a distinct B-movie vibe, then don’t expect The Toxic Avenger to be your cup of tea.

Personally, I love genre hybrids that use comedy and physical horror with lots of practical effects, so this is my jam. For this reboot of the iconic Troma franchise, the budget is surely bigger than for the original, but it’s still a tribute to the original.

This also means you’ll catch lots and lots of nods and tributes to other Troma productions. For fans of these movies, it’s an added bonus, while it takes nothing away from people who are new to this style.

Whatever you do, just don’t take anything too seriously. This is meant to be fun entertainment with some important messages that are hammered in, but instead of it being ham-fisted or forced storytelling, it’s part of the overall vibe.

Watch 2025 The Toxic Avenger in theaters

The Toxic Avenger in this 2025 version (which is really from 2023) is written by Macon Blair (I Don’t Feel At Home in This World Anymore), Lloyd Kaufman (Mother’s Day), and Joe Ritter (The Toxic Avenger 1984).

This reboot of the franchise was directed by Macon Blair.

The Toxic Avenger is, of course, still produced by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz of Troma Entertainment, along with producers Alex Garcia (Godzilla MonsterVerse) and Mary Parent (Dune, Godzilla vs. Kong) of Legendary Pictures.

Also, I simply must give a huge shout-out to body actor Luisa Guerreiro (Baldur’s Gate III). She’s the one inside that green costume throughout the movie. Peter Dinklage is the voice, and she’s copying his mannerisms, so the character is very much them both!

If the trailer looks like something you just would not like, then don’t expect to love this movie. However, if you think it looks entertaining and fun, then you don’t want to miss out on this. It is perfect to watch in theaters with a fun-loving audience.

After its world premiere at Fantastic Fest back in 2023 (as the opening film), it has been a struggle to find distributors because this movie is so wild and over-the-top. However, we all know there’s an audience for this, and now you all will finally have the chance to watch it. Enjoy!

The Toxic Avenger is in theaters in the US, UK, and Ireland on August 29, 2025. It will be out on digital on September 30.

Details

Director: Macon Blair
Writers: Macon Blair, Lloyd Kaufman, Joe Ritter
Cast: Peter Dinklage, Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Paige, Kevin Bacon, Elijah Wood, Julia Davis, Luisa Guerreiro