Anticipation ran high for the panel discussion of “The Poisonous Avenger” at San Diego Comic-Con, a gruesome yet hilarious horror-comedy featuring the story of janitor-turned-superhero Winston Gooze, portrayed by Peter Dinklage. Dinklage’s character endures a grotesque transformation due to toxic waste, setting the stage for an adventurous ride filled with dark humor. During the panel, which featured the star-studded cast including Elijah Wood, Taylour Paige, Jacob Tremblay, writer-director Macon Blair, and producer Lloyd Kaufman, the audience expected a barrage of expletives, and they weren’t disappointed. Even before the cast began their discussion, a video from co-star Kevin Bacon jokingly apologized for his absence and urged fans to catch what he described as a “hilarious, punk, fun, bloody ride” in theaters.

In a playful tune, Bacon sang, “Stayin’ at home gonna make you blue / You need the movies and the movies need you.” His lyrics continued to encourage fans to hit the cinema, specifically promoting “Poisonous Avenger” with the catchy line, “Down to the theater, try your luck / ‘Poisonous Avenger,’ show the fuck up.” This spirited performance resonated with the audience and set a lively tone for the panel discussion that followed.

Due to the family-friendly nature of Comic-Con, Bacon’s colorful language was bleeped, and graphic violence from the movie’s trailer was also censored during its premiere at the panel. The final scene showcased the transformation of Winston into the Poisonous Avenger, which also included some explicit language that was muted. However, what truly stood out during the event was the heartfelt focus from the cast and crew, highlighting their dedication to telling a “very sweet” story while expressing their genuine admiration for the original 1984 Poisonous Avenger film.

The original film, produced by the independent studio Troma Entertainment co-founded by Kaufman in 1973, faced significant challenges, including pressure from the MPAA to cut 20 minutes from its runtime. Despite these setbacks, Kaufman revealed that audiences eventually had access to the director’s cut featuring the complete head-crushing scenes that had gained a cult following thanks to its graphic gore and offbeat humor. This loyal fan base led to the creation of four sequels, an animated series, a video game, and even a musical adaptation, showcasing the film’s lasting impact on pop culture.

After several attempts to reboot the franchise in the 2010s with larger budgets, Legendary Entertainment acquired the rights and brought Kaufman back on board as a producer. The film entered production in 2021, premiering at Fantastic Fest in 2023. However, the extreme violence and the film’s inclination towards a dangerously provocative style made it challenging to secure distribution. In January, Cineverse, known for distributing the horror sensation “Terrifier 3,” stepped in to distribute the film, which will be released unrated on August 29.

The panelists expressed their excitement to discuss a project that had once faced the threat of disappearing altogether. Director Macon Blair emphasized his goal of capturing the “spirit” of the original film while avoiding a direct remake. He aimed to maintain the expected “goopy goodness” of the violent scenes while also incorporating the “warm-hearted” essence that characterized the original Poisonous Avenger.

After a symbolic passing of the mop from Toxie, Kaufman commended Blair for creating a film that exceeded their original attempts. “It’s everything we tried and didn’t quite get there,” he noted appreciatively, highlighting the evolution of the film from its roots to its contemporary retelling.

Peter Dinklage shared his nostalgic connection with the original film, recalling how he watched it on Betamax at a friend’s house. “There was always an older brother,” he reminisced, “and their parents weren’t around.” His admiration for Macon Blair as a filmmaker, coupled with a desire to create a compelling narrative about environmental devastation, solidified his commitment to the project.

“This just felt so good and necessary,” Dinklage emphasized, recognizing the film’s relevance in today’s world.

Elijah Wood, a dedicated fan of the horror genre who portrays one of the film’s villains, expressed his enthusiasm about how this new iteration of “Poisonous Avenger” is brimming with creativity and playful elements. He highlighted the emotional weight of the “father-son” story between Dinklage and Jacob Tremblay, underscoring its significance to the film’s overall appeal.

Dinklage also acknowledged the unique collaborative effort involved in his performance, noting that “over 70% of my performance” was actually delivered by actress Luisa Guerreiro, who donned the full-body suit and makeup after Winston’s transformation into the Poisonous Avenger. Dinklage recorded the dialogue in post-production, explaining, “That was a real exercise in trust, in relinquishing something that was important to me.” He praised Guerreiro for studying his movements for four weeks during filming, stating, “She does a better me than I do of me.”

Not every moment of the panel was entirely serious, however. Blair revealed that one of the most challenging scenes to film involved a character ending up headfirst in a car’s engine block—a scenario that required meticulous planning due to his commitment to practical effects. This scene involved “a lot of moving parts and pumping fluids,” showcasing the film’s dedication to authenticity.

As the panel drew to a close, the director was asked about any changes made from the 2023 version to the upcoming theatrical release.

“We added really just one VFX shot,” he stated thoughtfully. “I believe this is an all-ages crowd. It involves a description of a body part and that’s going to be added for theatrical release. I think you will notice it.”