Latest news with #LloydKaufman
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
‘Citizen Toxie' Is Troma at Its Filthy, Disgusting, Overtly Offensive Best
Troma boss Lloyd Kaufman has been out in force talking up Macon Blair's The Toxic Avenger, a spirited reimagining of the studio's 1984 cult classic set to irradiate a whole new generation when it hits theaters this month. But when io9 got a chance to talk to Kaufman at the recent San Diego Comic-Con, we had to ask: after watching Blair's film, which other film in the vast Troma archives should a newly minted fan turn to next? 'The fourth Toxic Avenger movie, Citizen Toxie,' Kaufman said without hesitation. 'It deals with abortion, it deals with school shootings, [the environment]—it deals with everything that an American can be proud of right now. It was made in 2000, it's 25 years old, [and] all those things are still worse than ever.' A few minutes later, he doubled down on Citizen Toxie, saying that after Blair's new film, 'It's the best one. I like that one the best.' Kaufman directed and co-wrote the film—full title, Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV—which begins with a suspiciously familiar-sounding narrator (Kaufman pal Stan Lee) recapping the original film, apologizing for the two 'rotten' movies that came after, and relaying a firm assurance, backed up by on-screen text, that 'This is the Real Sequel.' With that taken care of, we plunge right into an onslaught of equal-opportunity offensiveness. If something makes you recoil, retch, or both, just hang tight because something much more repulsive and awful is about to happen 30 seconds later. Troma's whole approach is to target the lowest-hanging fruit possible, all while making fun of everyone and everything and taking a blowtorch to anything resembling political correctness. There is a plot propelling all the rapid-fire gags knowingly slathered in bad taste. The film starts at the 'Tromaville School for the Very Special' on 'take a Mexican to lunch day' as a gang of gun-toting adult babies bursts in and starts slaughtering students. It's an excuse for an ungodly array of poop jokes, lurid groping, gratuitous nudity, outrageous gore, exaggerated performances… and more, all of which continues throughout the movie. Keeping in mind that provoking a visceral reaction is the whole point, you can decide right away if you can stomach the rest. However, if you decide to stick around, you'll see an actually pretty clever setup emerge: when the school blows up, Toxie (who's rushed in to rescue everyone) and two of the 'very special' students end up in a mirror universe. It's 'Amortville' rather than 'Tromaville,' and if that's too high-concept, some guy you might have heard of named James Gunn stops by to do a Stephen Hawking imitation (his character is named 'Flem Hocking') and spew out a bunch of pseudo-physics explanations. While Toxie's blundering around a somehow worse version of his own reality, 'Noxie'—short for the Noxious Offender—appears in Tromaville in his place. Chaos ensues, the local Nazis rejoice, and Citizen Toxie makes good on its title by giving Noxie his own black and white newsreel that unfurls like a far more debauched Citizen Kane. We also get amusing character variations in each universe, including several hapless Troma 'superheroes.' All the while, the evil Noxie causes as much destruction as he can and Toxie frantically tries to make his way home—a task that takes a nudge from The Wizard of Oz to accomplish. Eventually, the two face off using mops that sound curiously like Star Wars lightsabers. But you may be exhausted long before the ending, which features a Kaufman cameo (after a movie stuffed with them; aside from Lee and Gunn, there's Eli Roth, Motorhead's Lemmy, porn star Ron Jeremy, Corey Feldman, and probably more). And even if you are vibing with the jokes, Citizen Toxie may still cause actual offense. For me, the racist dragging scene—which replicates an actual hate crime that viewers in 2000 would surely have recalled—pushes things too far, even if in this context the intended murder victim's head survives and becomes a charismatic addition to the supporting cast. There's admittedly not a lot of depth going on here, and certainly zero nuance. But beneath all the gallons of bodily fluids, there's a certain free-spirited chaos that guides Troma's approach. The studio's not trying to 'own' any sensitive viewers or rebel against wokeness, concepts which didn't even exist back in 2000. Above all else, it's aiming to entertain, taking the grossest route possible to achieve that goal. And while Citizen Toxie is full of disgusting jokes and stereotypes, its misshapen hero is genuinely trying to be a good guy. That's something that carries over into the new Toxie Avenger, which updates Troma's more, uh, antiquated qualities in the best ways possible, resulting in a film that's more clever than crass (but still crass when it needs to be). Both films also share some key takeaways: don't be an asshole. Stand up for what you believe in and fight for those who can't. And embrace whatever makes you weird and different—like being a Troma fan, for instance. Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV is streaming free on Prime Video and is also available on Troma's own streamer, Troma Now. The Toxic Avenger hits theaters August 29. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cineverse Thrills Fans at San Diego Comic-Con with New Footage from The Toxic Avenger and Silent Night, Deadly Night Ahead of Non-Rated Theatrical Releases
Tickets Now on Sale for August 29 Release of The Toxic Avenger Which Left a Radioactive Impression on Hall H with a Panel Featuring Writer & Director Macon Blair, Troma Co-Founder Lloyd Kaufman, Peter Dinklage, Elijah Wood, Jacob Tremblay and Taylour Paige Cineverse Motion Pictures Group Releases First Teaser from Silent Night Deadly Night, Coming to Theaters on December 12, 2025 LOS ANGELES, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS), a next-generation entertainment studio, left San Diego Comic-Con radioactive following Thursday's Hall H panel with the creators and stars of The Toxic Avenger, during which it revealed an exclusive first-look clip from the unrated horror/comedy, set for a wide theatrical release on August 29, 2025. Cineverse also announced that tickets are now on sale at The film made its Hall H debut with writer & director Macon Blair (I Don't Feel At Home in This World Anymore, writer for Marvel Comics/Dark Horse Comics), iconic Troma co-founder Lloyd Kaufman, and an all-star cast including Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings franchise), Jacob Tremblay (Room, Wonder), and Taylour Paige (Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Zola). Fans and cast alike were delighted by a surprise video from Kevin Bacon (Footloose, Hollow Man), who also stars in the film but was unable to attend in person. Also on Thursday, July 24, Fans enjoyed all-day screenings of the film at the Digital Gym Cinema – complete with exclusive swag and surprise introductions from cast and filmmakers. Cast then attended the Comic-Con Premiere Screening of the film (Photo credit: Brett Butterstein) and afterparty at Gaslamplighter Cocktail Bar). WATCH THE NEW CLIP FROM THE TOXIC AVENGER HERE: DOWNLOAD GETTY PHOTOS HERE Additionally at Comic-Con, during a "Bold Voices of Contemporary Horror" panel, Cineverse debuted the first teaser from the returning, iconic slasher franchise, Silent Night, Deadly Night, coming to theaters December 12, 2025. Written and Directed by Mike P. Nelson, it stars Rohan Campbell (Halloween Ends) and Ruby Modine (Shameless). Following the panel, a first-look at a new image from the production was released (download): Photo taken by Heather Beckstead. "Both of these films are love letters to fans of franchises that have been loyal and passionate from the beginning," said Cineverse Chief Motion Pictures Officer Yolanda Macias. "If the reactions – from fans, creators, cast, and press alike – to Comic-Con are any indication, excitement for these releases is growing quickly, reaching new audiences as we inch closer to The Toxic Avenger's Labor Day weekend and Silent Night, Deadly Night's Holiday release." See below for more information on each title. THE TOXIC AVENGER (Premieres August 29, 2025)Run Time: 102 minutes | Rating: Not Rated WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY: Macon Blair BASED ON: Lloyd Kaufman's "THE TOXIC AVENGER" CAST: Peter Dinklage, Kevin Bacon, Elijah Wood, Taylour Paige, Jacob Tremblay, Jane Levy EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew Pfeffer, Jay Ashenfelter, Macon Blair PRODUCERS: Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Lloyd Kaufman, Michael Herz GENRE: Action, Horror, Comedy SYNOPSIS: When a downtrodden janitor, Winston Gooze, is exposed to a catastrophic toxic accident, he's transformed into a new kind of hero: The Toxic Avenger. Now, Toxie must rise from outcast to savior, taking on ruthless corporate overlords and corrupt forces who threaten his son, his friends, and his community. In a world where greed runs rampant… justice is best served radioactive. THE TOXIC AVENGER is distributed by Cineverse, produced by Legendary Entertainment. OFFICIAL RED BAND TRAILER: PUBLICITY MATERIALS TOXIE ON SOCIAL: Instagram X Facebook TikTok BlueSky SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT (Premieres December 12, 2025)Currently In Post-Production | Rating: Not Rated WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY: Mike P. Nelson CAST: Rohan Campbell, Ruby Modine, Mark Acheson, David Lawrence Brown, David Tomlinson EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Yolanda Macias, Erick Opeka, Steven Schneider, Jed Benedict, Brad Miska, Brandon Hill, Anthony Masi, Victor Zimmerman, Sarah Eilts, Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylour, Grady Craig PRODUCERS: Scott Schneid, Dennis Whitehead, Jamie R. Thompson, Erik Bernard, Jeremy Torrie, Tanya Brunel GENRE: Horror SYNOPSIS: A reimagining of the controversial 1984 cult horror classic – When Billy witnesses his parents' grisly murder on Christmas Eve at the hands of Santa, it ignites a lifelong mission to spread holiday fear. Every Christmas, he dons the jolly red suit and delivers a blood-soaked massacre to feed his twisted sense of justice. This Christmas Eve, Billy wants to know: "Have you been naughty?" SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT is distributed by Cineverse in North America, and will open in theatres across STUDIOCANAL territories 12 December 2025 - the UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Benelux and Poland. SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT was acquired by STUDIOCANAL's in house genre label Sixth Dimension. SNDN ON SOCIAL: Instagram X Facebook TikTok About Cineverse Motion Pictures Group Cineverse super-serves passionate audiences by distributing content across all windows and platforms, from theatrical to digital to physical. Following the breakout box office success of Terrifier 3, upcoming releases include the franchise expansions of The Toxic Avenger (August 29, 2025) and Silent Night, Deadly Night (December 12, 2025). Coming in 2026 include its first kids and family theatrical release, Air Bud Returns, as well as Return to Silent Hill (January 23, 2026) and Wolf Creek: Legacy, with more to be announced soon. About Cineverse Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS) is a next-generation entertainment studio that empowers creators and entertains fans with a wide breadth of content through the power of technology. It has developed a new blueprint for delivering entertainment experiences to passionate audiences and results for its partners with unprecedented efficiency, and distributes more than 71,000 premium films, series, and podcasts. Cineverse connects fans with bold, authentic, independent stories. Properties include the highest-grossing non-rated film in U.S. history; dozens of streaming fandom channels; a premier podcast network; top horror destination Bloody Disgusting; and more. Powering visionary storytelling with cutting-edge innovation, Cineverse's proprietary streaming tools and AI technology drive revenue and reach to redefine the next era of entertainment. For more information, visit CONTACTS For Media, The Lippin Group for Cineversecineverse@ For Investors, Julie Milsteadinvestorrelations@ For The Toxic AvengerKatrina Wan / Katrina@ / 323-240-9996Judy Merrick / Judy@ / 323-422-1768Rachel Torvik / Rachel@ / 240-687-1329 For Silent Night, Deadly Nightsilentnightdeadlynight_pr@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cineverse Corp. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Geek Tyrant
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Troma Unleashes Trailer for MR. MELVIN – The Original TOXIC AVENGER Sequel We Were Supposed to Get — GeekTyrant
Troma Entertainment is doing what only Troma can do, resurrecting cinematic chaos from the radioactive ashes of the past. They've just dropped a trailer for Mr. Melvin, a newly reconstructed cut that fuses The Toxic Avenger Part II and Part III into the single, two-hour gonzo epic it was originally meant to be. If you're a longtime Troma fan, you probably already know that Parts II and III weren't supposed to be separate films. Back in the late '80s, Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz shot a massive sequel meant to continue Melvin Junko's journey as Tromaville's mop-wielding mutant hero. But thanks to a bloated runtime and the MPAA's less-than-Tromatic sensibilities, the film got chopped in two. Now, 36 years later, that original vision is finally coming to life with Mr. Melvin. Kaufman told Bloody Disgusting: 'I always dreamed of reconstructing The Toxic Avenger Part II and III into the single epic we originally intended before the MPAA sliced it up like week-old sashimi. I'm extremely delighted this is finally happening before I croak, and it's even given me a reason not to blow my f*cking brains out! It's a very happy ending, and I'm proud to say Michael and I are leaving our mop in toxeriffic hands.' The restoration/resurrection was spearheaded by Andrew L. Miller (Kaufman's assistant) and Adam Peltier (The Power of Positive Murder), who discovered the original script and painstakingly stitched together footage from both films into a cohesive whole. Toxie actor Ron Fazio even returned to record new voiceover for the project, bringing fresh life to the mutated vigilante. Miller said: 'Honestly, it looks fantastic. The story makes way more sense, and in my opinion it's a much better film than the other two individually. We're going to be premiering the Mr. Melvin cut at Troma-Thon this year at The Mahoning Drive-In... the way it should be!' Peltier sees Mr. Melvin as more than just an edit, it's a reframing of what Troma's been doing all along. 'This isn't a restoration. It's a resurrection. We're taking Parts II and III and making them whole—one film, one story, told the way it was originally intended. After this, you won't want to watch them any other way.' While the film will still be packed with all the gonzo gore and anti-corporate satire you'd expect from Troma, there's something more happening beneath the surface sludge. 'It's as much about Toxie trying to figure out his place in the world once there's no more crime to fight as it is about Lloyd grappling with what to do after creating a surprise cult hit. 'Both of them—Toxie and Lloyd—are facing the same question: do I sell out to the corporate overlords, or do I keep fighting the good fight?' Mr. Melvin will premiere July 18–19 at Troma-Thon 2025 at the Mahoning Drive-In Theater in Lehighton, PA—because of course it would. This is Troma. This is cinema, mutated and reborn.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cineverse's Highly Anticipated Film The Toxic Avenger Oozes Into Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con
Featuring Writer & Director Macon Blair, Troma Co-Founder Lloyd Kaufman, alongside stars Peter Dinklage, Elijah Wood, Jacob Tremblay and Taylour Paige LOS ANGELES, July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS), a next-generation entertainment studio, has announced today an unforgettable panel taking place on Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 5:30PM – 6:30PM at San Diego Comic-Con in support of The Toxic Avenger. Before it hits theaters on August 29, 2025, writer & director Macon Blair (I Don't Feel At Home in This World Anymore, writer for Marvel Comics/Dark Horse Comics), iconic Troma co-founder Lloyd Kaufman, and an all-star cast including Peter Dinklage ("Game of Thrones"), Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings franchise), Jacob Tremblay (Room, Wonder), and Taylour Paige (Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Zola) will come together for a toxic takeover. Get ready for mayhem, mutants, and mop justice! Taking place in Hall H, the panel will feature exclusive clips from the film, limited-edition swag for attendees and behind-the-scenes chaos with the cast and creators. Based on Lloyd Kaufman's original 1984 horror/comedy, when a downtrodden janitor, Winston Gooze, is exposed to a catastrophic toxic accident, he's transformed into a new kind of hero: The Toxic Avenger. Now, Toxie must rise from outcast to savior, taking on ruthless corporate overlords and corrupt forces who threaten his son, his friends, and his community. In a world where greed runs rampant… justice is best served radioactive. The Toxic Avenger is distributed by Cineverse, produced by Legendary Entertainment. About Cineverse Motion Pictures Group Cineverse super-serves passionate audiences by distributing content across all windows and platforms, from theatrical to digital to physical. Following the breakout box office success of Terrifier 3, upcoming releases include the franchise expansions of The Toxic Avenger (August 29, 2025), Silent Night, Deadly Night (December 12, 2025), Return to Silent Hill (January 23, 2026), and Wolf Creek: Legacy (2026) as well as 2025 releases Escape from the 21st Century, Lesbian Space Princess, and The Things You Kill. About Cineverse Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS) is a next-generation entertainment studio that empowers creators and entertains fans with a wide breadth of content through the power of technology. It has developed a new blueprint for delivering entertainment experiences to passionate audiences and results for its partners with unprecedented efficiency, and distributes more than 71,000 premium films, series, and podcasts. Cineverse connects fans with bold, authentic, independent stories. Properties include the highest-grossing unrated film in U.S. history; dozens of streaming fandom channels; a premier podcast network; top horror destination Bloody Disgusting; and more. Powering visionary storytelling with cutting-edge innovation, Cineverse's proprietary streaming tools and AI technology drive revenue and reach to redefine the next era of entertainment. For more information, visit Press Contact:For MediaThe Lippin Group, cineverse@ For InvestorsJulie Milstead, investorrelations@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cineverse Corp. Sign in to access your portfolio
Geek Vibes Nation
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
GVN Exclusive: Cover & Pages From Ahoy Comics' Toxie Team-Up #2 By Stuart Moore & Ryan Kelly
The Toxic Avenger When Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman first released their 1984 film The Toxic Avenger, it was received with mixed reviews. However, over time, their story about a picked-on nerd who becomes a mutated superhero after falling into a drum of toxic waste evolved into a cult classic and a media franchise. From film to television, to animated shows, video games, and even a musical. The Toxic Avenger – Ahoy Style So, it came as no surprise when the talented and humor-laden creators at Ahoy Comics brought the character to their pages in 2024, under the creative guidance of Matt Bors and Fred Harper. Now, Ahoy is teaming up 'Toxie' with some of its fan-favorite AHOY titles in what can only be described as classic Ahoy. The characters include Jesus Christ (from Russell and Pace's controversial work, 'SECOND COMING'), Acid Chimp (from Russell, Bryce Ingman, and Peter Krause's absurdly hilarious comic, 'MY BAD'), Dragonflyman and Stinger (from Tom Peyer and Jamal Igle's multiversal saga, 'THE WRONG EARTH'), as well as Swamp Cop and Schitt (from Bors and Ben Clarkson's satirical hit, 'JUSTICE WARRIORS'). Exclusive Page Reveal For Issue# 2, Toxie teams up with the Jersey Devil (from the creature-packed anthology 'PROJECT: CRYPTID'). Now, thanks to the team at Ahoy Comics, Creators Stuart Moore and Ryan Kelly, and artist Rob Steen, we are proud to offer these exclusive cover and page reveals, along with an exclusive trading card by Rob Steen (included with Cover C by Fred Harper – not shown…there has to be SOME surprises). TOXIE TEAM-UP #2 (W) Stuart Moore (A) Ryan Kelly Cover A: Fred Harper Cover B: Ryan Kelly Cover C: Fred Harper Bagged with Exclusive Trading Card by Rob Steen Continuing the Toxic Avenger's tour of what we laughingly call the AHOY Universe! Following his meeting with Jesus Christ, the Avenger returns to his roots for an epic brawl with the Jersey Devil in—where else?—a sinister diner. Script by the Garden State's own Stuart Moore (Captain America for Dummies) with art by midwestern interloper Ryan Kelly (Local, Dead Boy Detectives) and cover by master Toxie artist Fred Harper! July 16, 2025 Diamond/Lunar FOC: June 16, 2025 Cover A: $3.99 Cover B: $3.99 1:3 unlock Cover C: $4.99 open order
