In this edition of Horror Highlights, we have details on Cineverse's upcoming unrated theatrical release of The Toxic Avenger reimagining, the trailer for The Sand Castle, the trailer and release details for Bloat, and a casting update for Spoiling You.
THE TOXIC AVENGER Reimagining Theatrical Release Announced: "Cineverse, a next-generation entertainment studio, today announced the highly anticipated theatrical release of The Toxic Avenger, a daring and darkly comedic reimagining of the cult-classic franchise that first took the world by storm in the 1980s. Directed by Macon Blair (I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore) and starring Emmy and Golden Globe winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), this fresh take on the beloved anti-hero known as “Toxie” will premiere as an unrated wide release later this year. Cineverse acquired all U.S. and Canadian theatrical, home entertainment, and streaming rights through a deal with Legendary Entertainment.
In this bold new chapter of the classic midnight movie franchise created by Lloyd Kaufman and Troma Entertainment; a shocking accident transforms downtrodden janitor Winston Gooze (Dinklage) into a mutant vigilante. Armed with his signature mop, the unlikely hero battles freaks, gangsters and corrupt CEOs while trying to save his relationship with his son. The story channels the subversive gonzo energy of the original
Toxic Avenger while delivering a fresh, contemporary twist. The film features an all-star cast beyond Dinklage, including Kevin Bacon, Elijah Wood, Jacob Tremblay, Julia Davis, and Taylour Paige. Tackling themes of corporate greed and systemic social injustice, it is as outrageous and hilarious as it is relevant, with timely commentary drawn straight from today’s headlines.
Opening to critical acclaim at Fantastic Fest, The Toxic Avenger has been hailed as a riotous blend of social satire, inventive gore, and unexpected heart. With a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film reaffirms the enduring power of subversive cinema to captivate and challenge audiences.
“The Toxic Avenger isn’t just a great film; it’s an important one,” said Cineverse Chairman and CEO Chris McGurk. “Peter Dinklage’s transformative performance and Macon Blair’s fearless direction deliver a story that speaks to the anxieties of our time with outrageous humor and unflinching creativity. This is the kind of movie that major studios are averse to release because it dares to push boundaries, but Cineverse is rooted in championing bold, uncompromising storytelling. We believe audiences are ready – and eager – for films like this to take center stage.”
In reaction to the upcoming release, Lloyd Kaufman, President of Troma and creator of The Toxic Avenger commented, “Michael Herz, Toxie, and I have mopped our tears away! Macon Blair’s Fantoxic reimagining of Toxie’s life is even better than Troma’s! The Troma Fans will be ecstatic!”
Cineverse’s proven track record with unrated films, including last October’s box-office phenomenon Terrifier 3 – the highest-grossing non-rated film in U.S. history – underscores its ability to connect audiences with bold, authentic stories. The company’s horror division, Bloody Disgusting, has emerged as a champion for genre films with passionate fanbases, including the upcoming reimagining of Silent Night, Deadly Night set for release in late 2025.
“We are proud to be growing a reputation as the home for iconic franchises that have incredibly passionate fan bases who just want to see their favorite stories on the big screen,” added Cineverse Chief Content Officer Yolanda Macias. “This wouldn’t be possible without the support of indie film and bold filmmakers that come from visionaries like Mary Parent and Legendary who were determined to figure out a smart way to get this film
into theaters. We are grateful for their partnership and excited to bring this big budget remake of this story to everyone who, like us, can't wait to see Toxie back in theaters.”
"I'm beyond grateful to the team behind The Toxic Avenger who were so supportive and steady-handed as we searched for the perfect distribution partner for our film,” said Director Macon Blair. “It's so cool that folks will have the chance to see this in theaters, it's a fun rowdy movie you wanna see with a crowd. Mutant hero smashes bad guys with a mop: perfect entertainment for the whole family! Our goal was always to preserve the heart and spirit of the original Toxie (which was seared into my brain at a very young age) and try to make something that Troma fans would dig and at the same time do something with the character that feels fresh. Lloyd and Michael at Troma have been a blast to work with, absolutely everyone at Legendary are stars, and I can't wait to start working with the champs at Cinverse to bring this version of Toxie to fans new and old."
Macon Blair directed the film from a screenplay he wrote based on Lloyd Kaufman’s “The Toxic Avenger” (1984). The film is produced by Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz. The executive producers are Andrew Pfeffer, Jay Ashenfelter and Macon Blair with casting by Mark Bennett and Julie Harkin.
Blair’s collaborators behind the camera include Emmy Award winning director of photography, Dana Gonzalez; production designer Alexander Cameron; editors Brett W. Bachman and James Thomas; visual effects supervisor Chris Ritvo; costume designer Vanessa Porter; with music by Will Blair and Brooke Blair.
On behalf of Cineverse the deal was negotiated by Chief Legal Officer, Gary Loffredo, Chief Content Officer, Yolanda Macias and Executive Director, Acquisitions, Brandon Hill. CAA Media Finance brokered the deal on behalf of the filmmakers."
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THE SAND CASTLE Trailer: "In the mystery thriller, The Sand Castle, Yasmine (Nadine Labaki) and her husband Nabil (Ziad Bakri) find themselves stranded on an idyllic island with their two children, Adam (Zain Al Rafeea) and Jana (Riman Al Rafeea).
Cut off from the outside world and unable to signal for help, their hopes for rescue dwindle with each passing day. Beneath the surface of their struggle lies a secret that Yasmine and Nabil fight to keep from Jana, their youngest. But as time passes, the cracks in their façade grow deeper. As the family faces mounting tension and countless disappointments, the bonds holding them together are pushed to their breaking point.
Featuring a powerhouse cast led by Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea, and directed by Emmy-nominee Matty Brown, The Sand Castle is a gripping exploration of family, fear, and resilience in the face of the unimaginable.
The Sand Castle, is co-written by Matty Brown, Yasmina Kharaja and Hend Fakhroo and Produced by Houston King Films and Akward Productions in collaboration with Front Row Filmed Entertainment and Empire Entertainment.
Synopsis: A family of four finds themselves stuck on a picturesque island hiding a shocking reality. What starts as child's play and simple ways to pass the time begins to uncover dark secrets that they struggle to keep from the youngest, Jana. As events spiral out of control and the line between reality and fiction blurs, how will Jana and her family cope with the consequences and the tough choices they must face?
Starring: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, and Riman Al Rafeea
Directed by: Matty Brown
Written by: Matty Brown, Hend Fakhroo and Yassmina Karajah
Produced by: Front Row Filmed Entertainment, Empire Entertainment, Houston King Films and Akward Productions.
Release Date: January 24, 2025, only on Netflix"
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BLOAT Trailer & Release Details: From a producer of Searching and Unfriended, Ben McKenzie (“Gotham”) and Bojana Novakovic (Birds of Prey) star in this chilling tale of horror and suspense. After a near-death drowning accident, a young boy’s family is horrified to discover he has become possessed by a legendary demon from the depths of the lake. As the family races against time to save the boy’s soul, the evil monster inside the child tears the family apart as it seeks to destroy everyone in its path.
Directed & Written By: Pablo Absento
Starring: Ben McKenzie, Bojana Novakovic, Malcolm Fuller, Sawyer Jones, Kane Kosugi
In Theaters, On Demand and On Digital March 7"
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Laurence R. Harvey Joins the Cast of SPOILING YOU: "A first look at Laurence R. Harvey joining the cast of Megan Tremethick’s forthcoming uncanny horror project, SPOILING YOU, has been revealed. The accomplished actor—renowned for unsettling performances in The Human Centipede series—takes on the role of a devoted fanatic of ASMR performer Miss Mutter. This wild and unpredictable character unleashes chaos in the film’s chilling narrative. Tremethick (The Slave and The Sorcerer, The Reign of Queen Ginnarra), who also stars in the film, contributes both on screen and behind the camera to bring the story to life. The film is co-written by producer Lawrie Brewster, adding his distinctive storytelling expertise to the project.
SPOILING YOU fuses the creeping dread of J-horror with the hypnotic allure of ASMR as Miss Mutter’s devoted fans fall deeper under her spell. Tension escalates when one of her most fervent admirers, portrayed by Stephen Kerr, makes a daring leap from virtual obsession to an in-person encounter—triggering a chilling chain of events that tears at the boundary between desire and fear. An immersive ASMR-inspired soundscape ensures every spine-tingling whisper resonates deeply, drawing viewers into Miss Mutter’s sinister web. Created with support from the online community on Patreon—The British Horror Studio—this project reflects the shared enthusiasm of horror fans.
The film also features Nick Ford, Richard Pate, Alexander Zorn, Peter F. Mahoney, Zebadiah DeVane, and Dorian Todd. Slated for a 2025 release, SPOILING YOU promises an eerie and psychologically charged viewing experience, with Harvey’s portrayal at the heart of its disturbing revelations."
Raised on a steady diet of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps books and Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Derek has been fascinated with fear since he first saw ForeverWare being used on an episode of Eerie, Indiana.
When he’s not writing about horror as the Senior News Reporter for Daily Dead, Derek can be found daydreaming about the Santa Carla Boardwalk from The Lost Boys or reading Stephen King and Brian Keene novels.
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