The Toxic Avenger (2025) is a black comedy superhero film that combines chaotic action, over-the-top violence, and dark humor in the most unexpected ways. Directed by Macon Blair, it’s a fresh reboot of the 1984 cult classic, bringing a bizarre but thrilling story back to life. The lead role is played by Peter Dinklage, with Elijah Wood, Taylour Paige, and Kevin Bacon rounding out the strong cast.
The film had its first showing at Fantastic Fest on September 21, 2023, and it’s now gearing up for an official theatrical release on August 29, 2025. If you’re curious about where this twisted superhero tale was brought to life, you’re in the right place. On NetFilming, we’re diving into all the key filming locations and production details.
Where Was The Toxic Avenger Filmed?
The 2023 remake of The Toxic Avenger was filmed primarily in Sofia, Bulgaria, a growing hub for international film productions. Unlike the original 1984 film, which used locations across New Jersey and New York, this reboot relied on Bulgaria’s versatile landscapes and state-of-the-art studios to create its wild, fictional world. Sofia’s affordability, skilled crews, and modern facilities made it an ideal choice for capturing the film’s unique blend of gritty action and over-the-top comedy.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Most of the movie was shot in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. This city has become a go-to filming destination for international productions, thanks to its world-class film studios, experienced crews, and affordable production costs.
A large portion of the film was shot at Nu Boyana Film Studios, one of Europe’s top film production facilities. The studio offers a huge range of resources, including sound stages, editing suites, and custom-built sets. It allowed the filmmakers to create the gritty, mutated world of Tromaville without needing to rely on expensive U.S. locations.
Trivia: Nu Boyana Studios has hosted many blockbuster films like The Expendables, Rambo: Last Blood, and Hitman’s Bodyguard. It’s known for transforming Sofia into almost any location in the world, from war zones to cityscapes.
Indoor & Custom Sets
Even though The Toxic Avenger takes place in a fictional universe, most scenes were filmed on indoor sets or specially constructed backdrops. According to director Macon Blair, this gave the crew complete control over lighting, atmosphere, and tone. He also revealed that they were inspired by old Universal monster films when designing some of the sets, especially the villain’s lab and Toxie’s hideout.
Trivia: Bulgaria’s diverse architecture has made it a stand-in for cities like New York, Paris, and even ancient Rome in movies such as 300: Rise of an Empire and London Has Fallen.
What Makes The Toxic Avenger (2025) Special?
This remake stays true to the Troma franchise’s roots, delivering a mix of outrageous humor, graphic violence, and a heartfelt underdog story. Peter Dinklage’s casting as Toxie brings a fresh take on the character, blending intensity with charm. The film’s unrated status (previously noted as R for strong violence, gore, and language) ensures it doesn’t hold back on the wild energy fans expect. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original or new to the Toxic Avenger’s world, this reboot is shaping up to be a must-see for its bold visuals and star-studded cast.
Production Timeline
The filming of The Toxic Avenger (2025) was a compact yet efficient process, taking place over the summer of 2021. Below is a clear breakdown of the key production dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Pre-production started | Early 2021 |
| Filming began | June 21, 2021 |
| Filming wrapped | August 14, 2021 |
| First premiere (festival) | September 21, 2023 |
| U.S. theatrical release | August 29, 2025 |
The Toxic Avenger Behind The Scenes
Director Macon Blair approached the project with deep respect for the original 1984 cult film while giving it a fresh look and feel for today’s audiences. Behind the scenes, the team focused heavily on practical effects, stunt coordination, and dark humor, staying true to the gritty, absurd world fans love.
Blair described the tone as “sincere but also insane,” adding,
“We wanted to capture that chaotic, handmade vibe of the original while still pushing the visuals to another level. It’s gross, it’s violent, but it’s got heart.”
Actor Peter Dinklage, who plays Toxie, admitted the role was unlike anything he’d done before:
“It was outrageous and challenging, but also a lot of fun. There’s something liberating about playing a hero who’s this grotesque yet lovable.”
Special care was taken in designing the mutated costume and the villain’s lair. Much of it was inspired by old-school monster movies and 1980s B-movie flair. The film’s makeup and visual effects departments worked hand-in-hand to keep things tactile and over-the-top without losing the quirky charm.
Producer Lloyd Kaufman, co-founder of Troma Entertainment, also praised the direction:
“Macon has made something new, but still very Toxic. It’s exactly what this generation needs.”
The Toxic Avenger Official Trailer
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