Lloyd Kaufman creator of the iconic Toxic Avenger joins us at Fantastic Fest 2023 to usher in Macon Blair’s reimagining. We take a moment to discuss the power of fans, after all these years, and what projects he’s most excited about.
This interview has been edited for length.
LLOYD KAUFMAN: Greetings from Troma-ville! I’m Lloyd Kaufman, President of Film & Entertainment and creator of THE TOXIC AVENGER – now being interpreted by Macon Blair!
BUT WHY THO: It’s a perfect film to open such a rowdy genre film fest. I know everyone is really excited to see it. Some time has passed since the first TOXIC AVENGER came out, many think of it as a midnight movie. What are you hoping that today’s audiences get out of this TOXIC AVENGER that may hearken back to the first film?
LLOYD KAUFMAN: Well, there have been four TOXIC AVENGER movies since the first came out – as well a cartoon series and a Broadway musical. But Macon Blair’s version is something totally new. It’s not just another remake, because he’s coming at it as a much younger film nerd and film expert. So, I’m looking forward to the reactions of the fans. I’m excited for this to be in front of a real audience!
BUT WHY THO: It’s a rowdy crowd, for sure. The 80s boasted a wide array of some amazing cult films. It was a wild time in cinema. What’s another film from that time that you’d like to take a crack at today?
LLOYD KAUFMAN: Today? Well, I’m working on my version of Crime and Punishment. And we just finished one called #ShakespeareShitstorm, which was my interpretation of The Tempest. I honestly think it’s my best movie. Certainly, the most entertaining. I play my own sister!
BUT WHY THO: So you run the gamut from high-brow to low-brow.
LLOYD KAUFMAN: I mean, I went to Yale University. I think a big thing that keeps our films from sometimes reaching people is that they can’t see through the sex and violence. When, actually, there is tremendous satire. But, it has been 50 years and we’re here for these thousands of fans.
The Toxic Avenger held its World Premiere at Fantastic Fest 2023 in Austin, TX. The official release date for the film is still unknown.
