More than three decades after it first debuted, The Toxic Avenger is set to return to the silver screen after its feature film rights have been acquired by Legendary Films. For those that may not remember, this cult-classic franchise originally hit screens in 1984 and enjoyed a run that included three sequel films, an eleven issue Marvel comic series, a cartoon series, and even a stage musical production.
The franchise was based on a 98 lbs janitor who came into contact with toxic waste, mutating him into a repulsive creature with enhanced size and strength. Billed as the “first superhero from New Jersey”, The Toxic Avenger was a brawling do-gooder based in the fictional town of Tromaville.
The team responsible for Toxie’s return will be Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz of Troma Entertainment, who will serve as producers. Alex Garcia and Jay Ashenfelter will oversee for Legendary.
After 44 years of filmmaking, Troma Entertainment, Inc. is the longest running independent movie studio in North America. The Toxic Avenger marks the first return to Tromaville, New Jersey by Troma Entertainment since reacquiring film rights in 2010.
The potential remake has been shopped around to various studios like New Line Cinemas and was once offered to fan-favorite writer and director, Kevin Smith. It has been rumored that Arnold Schwarzenegger was offered the role back in 2013, with no indication of whether he actually considered playing the mutated muscle-bound hero.
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Here’s Every Hero Who Appears In The ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Trailer
Today, Marvel Studios released the first official trailer for Avengers: Endgame and revealed which heroes will likely be on hand for the re-match against Thanos.
Avengers: Infinity War united nearly every hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the showdown with Thanos and after a decade of films that proved to be an extensive roster. However, the Marvel Studios epic concluded with Thanos succeeding in his mission to acquire the Infinity Stones and use their power to erase half of the universe’s population, with many of the aforementioned heroes being included among the casualties. Fortunately, the original Avengers teammates survived Thanos’ decimation and it appears they will be joined by a few the new heroes who debuted since the group initially formed when they head into the second showdown with Thanos.
Iron ManAfter being spared by Thanos, Tony Stark can be seen adrift in space with limited supplies and oxygen. Although Nebula appears to be with him, the unlikely companions seem to be lost with little chance of being rescued, though it is hard to imagine that Stark will spend most of what could be his final adventure away from the action.
Captain America
The First Avenger will unsurprisingly return for the conclusion of the first decade of Marvel Studios stories and he is determined to undo Thanos’ decimation. Of course, many fans are concerned that reversing the decimation could come at a great cost for Captain America considering Chris Evans’ contract expired with Avengers: Endgame.
Black Widow
Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a Black Widow, returns for Avengers: Endgame and it appears she’s been assessing the consequences of Thanos’ actions. Standing by Captain America’s side as they head to attempt to reverse the decimation, Black Widow seems confident that their plan cannot fail.
Thor
Although Thor nearly defeated Thanos by stabbing through the chest with Stormbreaker, The Mad Titan had enough energy left to use the Infinity Stones to heal himself while erasing 50% of the population in the universe. Now, a contemplative Thor can be seen in the Avengers: Endgame trailer and one can’t fault him for reflecting on the fact that victory was almost in his grasp.
Nebula
Nebula and Rocket Raccoon were the only Guardians of the Galaxy characters to survive Thanos’ wrath, with former being left alone on Titan with Tony Stark. With the film expected to conclude Thanos’ and Nebula having more reason than most to see the Mad Titan brought to justice, fans are hoping she will have an extensive role Avengers: Endgame.
Ronin
The new trailer also confirmed that Hawkeye will assume the Ronin mantle when he returns and the death of family is the likely reason for his new identity. It appears Natasha will attempt to recruit her old friend when they embark on a mission to defeat Thanos, but whether or not Hawkeye agreed to join them remains to be seen.
Ant-Man
After the mid-credits scene for Ant-Man and the Wasp, many were theorizing that the Avengers would have to rescue Scott Lang from the Quantum Realm and subsequently use the alternate dimension to travel back in time to defeat Thanos. While it appears Scott Lang managed to escape on his own, he may have brought the van containing the way to the Quantum Realm to the Avengers’ front door.
Bruce Banner
While the Hulk was absent from the first Avengers: Endgame trailer, Bruce Banner managed to make a brief appearance. The brilliant scientist could be seen assessing the list of casualties of Thanos’ decimation and it has clearly taken an emotional toll.