Too Gory to Handle? THE TOXIC AVENGER Triggers Walkouts as It's Not for the Faint of Heart
If you thought the new The Toxic Avenger was going to ease fans into the gore with some cheeky homage to the original, think again. Macon Blair’s reboot of the 1984 cult horror classic is reportedly sending some audience members running for the exits, proving it’s absolutely not for the squeamish.
Multiple reports have surfaced of walkouts during early screenings, with viewers seemingly shocked by the intense, unapologetic gore. Over on X, @Danbremner1996 posted, “Most walkouts I’ve ever had with a screening at the Odeon Scream Unseen of The Toxic Avenger.”
Redditor u/PotatoPixie90210 backed up the carnage count, saying, “Four people left once the title card came up. Then another four after about 10/15 minutes. Stopped counting after another few people got up to go as well.” They ultimately bailed around the 40-minute mark, adding, “Just god awful.”
Despite those walkouts, the blood-soaked chaos might not be turning people off because it’s bad, in fact, quite the opposite. While a handful of viewers clearly didn’t vibe with it, others are praising the movie for staying true to its schlocky, splatter-filled roots.
The movie currently sits at an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 34 critics, a strong indicator that this reimagining knows exactly what it is and doesn’t shy away from it.
Blair’s version leans heavily into the grotesque aesthetic that made the original The Toxic Avenger a cult hit. This isn’t your average horror flick, it’s a full-on splatterfest with a wicked sense of humor, a bit of heart, and a whole lot of slime.
The reboot stars Peter Dinklage as Winston Gooze, who transforms into the titular hero. He’s joined by Kevin Bacon as the villainous Bob Garbinger, Elijah Wood as the twisted Fritz Garbinger, and Jacob Tremblay as Wade Gooze. Dinklage voices the mutant superhero while Luisa Guerreiro brings him to life in the practical suit.
While The Toxic Avenger first premiered at Fantastic Fest back in 2023, it’s finally hitting US theaters on August 29, 2025. Based on what we’re hearing, fans of the original and lovers of gruesome, over-the-top horror are in for a wild ride. But if you’ve got a weak stomach, you might want to sit this one out.