Well, it’s been a crazy long time coming, but the hotly anticipated remake of Troma classic The Toxic Avenger is finally hitting our screens. And probably leaving a slimy stain. In a good way.
How to watch The Toxic Avenger in New Zealand
The Toxic Avenger is screening in New Zealand cinemas from August 28, 2025.
What is The Toxic Avenger about?
Hark to the tale of Winston Gooze, a put-upon janitor desperate to repair his fraying relationship with his young son, Wade. But ol’ Winston has more pressing problems to deal with after he suffers a toxic accident and is transformed—nay, mutated!—into the green and gruesome protector of the downtrodden, the Toxic Avenger!
Toxie has his hands full, too, as he battles to protect the town of St. Roma’s Village from the evil Garbinger brothers, whose BTH corporation is poisoning the good townspeople. Luckily, he has a radioactive mop and a propensity for extreme violence on his side.
Director Macon Blair (I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore) has changed up a few things, but the essential elements of the original film seem to be intact: riotous lowbrow comedy, insane gore, cheesy effects, a budget measured in goodwill and favours owed, and a soppy, sentimental streak.
The cast of The Toxic Avenger
Peter Dinklage is Winston Gooze and the voice of the Toxic Avenger, with Luisa Guerreiro in the costume; Jacob Tremblay is Wade Gooze, his son; Taylour Paige is reporter J.J. Doherty; Kevin Bacon is Bob Garbinger; Elijah Wood is Fritz Garbinger; with Sarah Niles, Julia Davis, Julian Kostov, David Yow, Macon Blair, Rebecca O’Mara, Jonny Coyne, and Jane Levy in support.
The Toxic Avenger trailer
Why we’re excited about The Toxic Avenger
If you’re a long time fan of Troma’s particular brand of cheerful schlock, this is already in your diary. A surprising number of people dig Toxie—don’t forget that he had his own toy line and Saturday morning cartoon for a while there. Not sure if I’d take the kids to this one, though.
