The Toxic Avenger Returns: A Look Back At An Undying Franchise

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In the modern culture of remakes and sequels to long-dead franchises, no one should be shocked to see an old name make a return to relevance. Despite the expectation, there are still a few projects that come out of nowhere and force fans to look back over decades of history to see a possible future.

Recently, news emerged about the still upcoming Toxic Avenger reboot that reignited excitement amongst much of its fanbase. The film has some big-name stars, an interesting director, and the original creators on staff, but the new most exciting detail is that the film has received a firm R-Rating.

This Low-Budget Cult Horror Trilogy Still Holds Up

The Toxic Avenger was released in 1984 by the infamous independent production company Troma Entertainment. The film was directed by Troma's founders, Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz, and remains one of the most important pieces of the franchise's 48-year legacy. Upon initial release, the film was completely unpopular and roundly ignored. The turning point came after a long and gradually beloved midnight movie campaign that lasted well into late 1985. The good people at Troma previously made their living on immature adult comedies, but The Toxic Avenger marked the moment at which the studio began its campaign of silly horror.

Though most of their films are small and disposable, Troma's impact as a studio remains significant. James Gunn's first project was Tromeo & Juliet, and he credits Kaufman as a mentor. J.J. Abrams' first job in the film industry also comes from Troma; he scored Don Dohler's 1982 film Nightbeast. Without The Toxic Avenger, the world could have been deprived of works like Peacemaker or The Force Awakens.

The Toxic Avenger is a simple superhero origin story. It follows