"The Toxic Avenger" follows the journey of Winston Gooze, an overlooked and downtrodden janitor whose life takes a dramatic turn after a catastrophic toxic accident. Once invisible and powerless in society's eyes, Winston emerges as an extraordinary hero born from the toxic waste that once threatened to destroy him. This transformation endows him with incredible superhuman strength and a distinctive glowing mop, turning what was once a symbol of menial labor into a powerful weapon.
As The Toxic Avenger, Winston embraces his new identity and extraordinary abilities, carving a path to justice in a world riddled with corruption and environmental decay. His mission becomes a personal crusade to protect those he loves, especially his son, who finds himself caught in the crossfire of a sinister plot. Winston's resolve strengthens as he confronts overwhelming odds, determined to shield his family from the dangers unleashed by the pollution that altered his fate.
The central antagonist is a ruthless and power-hungry tyrant who seeks to exploit toxic superpowers to expand his toxic empire and tighten his grip over a poisoned world. Racing against time, the Toxic Avenger must navigate treacherous challenges and confront formidable enemies to thwart this villain's nefarious plans. This gripping tale blends action, emotion, and environmental themes, showcasing a hero's evolution and the fight to reclaim a world on the brink of ruin.
Critics' Reviews
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The tone here is endlessly goofy, heightened and self-aware, with every inch of the film packed with Easter eggs nodding to the 1984 film, and lots of fun details — from the literal place names (‘Depressing Outskirts’, ‘Yonder Spooky Woods’) to the throwaway gags (a reference to syphilis instead of Sisyphus) and cartoonish costume design. Writer-director Macon Blair conjures a hellish, off-kilter vision of America; one that’s drowning in inequality, soundtracked by ‘monster-core’ rap metal and pushing back against corporate negligence. Bizarre as it sounds, think Deadpool meets Dark Waters, and you’re kinda halfway there.
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Blair’s reboot then departs from Troma’s original, starting with a stock backstory for Winston. St. Roma’s protector has brain damage, bad insurance, no wife, and a sulking pre-teen boy (Jacob Tremblay). Then he pisses off Bob Garbinger and gets thrown into a vat of chemicals, which transforms him into a green-skinned mutant, voiced by Dinklage and physically performed by Luisa Gurreiro. After that, Winston’s monster hero takes on Bob and his Killer Nutz, ripping them apart with gory zeal. It’s too bad that this part of the movie doesn’t feel more like the product of a filmmaker who started making grisly DIY action-comedies with his neighbor Jeremy Saulnier, who shares Blair’s taste for cartoonish violence, practical effects, and nose-tweaking humor.
Main Cast of The Toxic Avenger
Peter Dinklage
Winston Gooze / The Toxic Avenger/ Toxie (Voice)
In the 2023 remake of 'The Toxic Avenger,' Peter Dinklage plays the lead role of Melvin Ferd, a misfit janitor who transforms into a toxic-powered superhero after a hazardous waste accident. This role marks a departure from Dinklage's widely recognized work, such as Tyrion Lannister in '
Game of Thrones,' by placing him in a genre-comedy sci-fi action setting that emphasizes physical comedy and superhero tropes. His performance stands out due to the blend of his characteristic sharp wit with a more overtly comedic and campy tone, showcasing his versatility beyond dramatic roles. It highlights his ability to anchor a film that combines satire, action, and humor, expanding his repertoire into leading roles in genre cinema.
Jacob Tremblay
Wade
In 'The Toxic Avenger,' Jacob Tremblay delivers a compelling performance as Wade, blending innocence with resilience to bring depth to the character's transformative journey. Compared to his earlier roles, such as Auggie in '
Wonder,' where he portrayed vulnerability and heartwarming determination, Tremblay's portrayal in 'The Toxic Avenger' showcases his versatility by embracing a darker, more complex narrative. A fascinating trivia fact is that Tremblay underwent extensive physical training to authentically perform the action sequences required for Wade, demonstrating his dedication to embodying the character fully.
Crew of The Toxic Avenger
Full backstage crew list →