After gestating in development for nearly six years,The Toxic Avengerremake is finally moving forward with a new director.Conrad Vernon, who co-directed the hit R-rated animated comedySausage Party, has signed on to direct.Mike Arnold(Archer) andChris Poole(The Grackle) have come aboard to rewrite the script for thislong-awaited remake, which was first written by the project’s original director,Steve PinkandD.C. Franklin.
Deadlinesays this new version is a more grounded and mainstream approach toThe Toxic Avenger, which first hit theaters in 1984 from directorLloyd Kaufman. The story followed a New Jersey teenager named Melvin, a nerdy janitor who falls into a vat of hazardous waste, which transforms him intoThe Toxic Avenger. Here’s whatConrad Vernonhad to say in a statement about joining this project.
“The opportunity to re-imagine a favoritecult-classicfrom my high school years is an honor. Toxie is an underground icon. My favorite kind.”
This remake first came together in 2010, whenSteve Pinkwas set to direct, and throughout the years, there have been a few big names circling the project.John Travoltawas reportedly eyeing the reboot in 2012, and we reported in 2013 thatArnold Schwarzeneggerhad signed on, but in 2014,Lloyd Kaufmanconfirmed that he dropped out. That was the last we had heard about the remake, until now, but we don’t know if a production schedule has been set, or if a release date is in place. Here’s what producerRichard Sapersteinfrom Storyscape Entertainment had to say in a statement.
“Conrad Vernonis a subversive comedic genius. He is the perfect director to bring this iconoclastic franchise back to life.”
The Toxic Avengerremake will be produced by Storyscape’sRichard Sapersteinalong with Weed Road’sAkiva GoldsmanandCharlie Corwin. OriginalToxic AvengerdirectorLloyd Kaufmanwill serve as an executive producer with his Troma Films partnerMichael Herz, Storyscape’sBob CooperandAlex Schwartz, andGreg Lessansof Weed Road. Also slated to executive producer areShara Kay,Armen Aghaeian,Steve Kessler,Holly Kobzina,Dave Mendez,Edward Mokhtarian,Geno Tazioli,Steve PinkandMike Wilkins. The originalToxic Avengerspawned sequels such asThe Toxic Avenger Part II,The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of ToxieandCitizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV.
