In 1984, Troma Entertainment released the gross horror comedy The Toxic Avenger, which became a cult classic and spawned countless films. Years later, Legendary Entertainment, known for megahits like The Dark Knight (2008,) has remade it, except the monster is no longer a hulking giant with a lazy (or, let’s say, “unproductive” eye); it’s Peter Dinklage.

But Do We Need Another Hollywood Remake?

This isn’t merely a remake; it’s a resurrection. With a bunch of high-profile celebrities – maybe as many as a Hollywood-saturated Wes Anderson film today. Behind it is Macon Blair (I Don’t Feel at Home in this World Anymore), who gives an updated twist on the 80s original while simultaneously keeping the gore and camp that fans crave. He knows that Troma fans are about as diehard as they come. 

Who are All the Celebrities?

It wouldn’t be a Troma film without countless celebrities, said no one ever before. The film is a departure from the usual B-movie fare. In the past, celebrities’ agents wouldn’t let them touch that toxic sludge – I mean low budget – within an inch of their bank accounts.

Therefore, it’s shocking that sporting the latex suit is Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones). He portrays the titular character Winston, who morphs into The Toxic Avenger. Although, Director Macon Blair says there’s technically a Portuguese woman in Peter’s latex suit: “So, Toxie is actually Luisa playing Peter with Peter’s voice playing Luisa.” According to Blair, Luisa Guerreiro is an actress who studied Peter’s acting as Toxie, including all the intricacies of his performance – gait, voice, etc. Then, she embodied his interpretation. Finally, Peter made adjustments based on Luisa’s characterization. It’s undeniably admirable that Luisa’s preparation encompasses the research of a Christian Bale role in a film this disgusting and outlandish. 

However, we’re not just talking about Peter Dinklage and a woman sharing the same seamstress; we’re talking about Elijah Wood, who plays the antagonist, Fritz Garbinger. Moreover, the actor’s appearance has garnered a lot of attention recently. Unfortunately, in our vapid society, people have been harping on about how Elijah’s not aging as gracefully as he should.