Original-Cin Chat: Toxic Avenger's Jacob Tremblay on Comic-Con and On-Set Dance Moves

By John Kirk

The 1980s had its own comedy standards. Remakes of films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Revenge of the Nerds or Weird Science would challenge filmmakers today.

And then there was The Toxic Avenger.

A splatter film built on campy heroism and inappropriate humour tropes, it achieved cult status, and was the crown jewel of Troma Entertainment, producer of enthusiastic cheese like Class of Nuke 'Em High and Tromeo and Juliet.

And while it may not have the same recognition as some of its more mainstream ‘80s counterparts, The Toxic Avenger remains a fond memory for fans of black comedy.  Troma Entertainment and Legendary Films has resurrected and rebooted the franchise. And there may even be a new message in its reboot.

It opens in theatres Friday, August 29.

Jacob Tremblay

This version of The Toxic Avenger, armed with an impressive cast, namely Peter Dinklage in the title role as Winston Gooze, Kevin Bacon and Elijah Wood. Original-Cin sat down with young Canadian Actor, Jacob Tremblay (who played the role of Wade, Winston’s son), who discovered on-set that schlock films may have something to teach. Tremblay shared with us a sense of what it was like to be a part of bringing back this legacy franchise and working with accomplished cast members.

We asked Jacob how the role came about.

“Yeah, well I read the script and was really impressed because, as you know, this whole franchise is known for its crazy action and its violence! To see a character that had a heartfelt dynamic with Peter (Dinklage) really drew me in. There was a lot of weight to a character like that and I think that was really important to the film.”

Originally 14 when he got the role, we needed to know if he understood the nature of the film’s cult status and what resonated with him.

“I just loved how he (Wade) had all these crazy things going on around him with Toxie (Dinklage) and Kevin Bacon’s character. But at the end of the day, he’s just a normal kid, you know? He’s got his own quirks, but he’s just an interesting guy to play.”

Back in the ‘80s, this became a campy, cult-status film with a legacy that was not unlike the Rocky Horror Picture Show. We asked Jacob if he felt that he had contributed to the legacy in this remake.

“I do, yeah. I felt that connection the most when we were promoting the film at Comic-Con this year. I felt so grateful to be a part of it. The fans were so welcoming and kind and made me feel like a part of it all. It was great to see everyone so supportive and excited for the film.”

Fans can make or break a film’s success. We asked Jacob if there were any fan moments that stood out for him at Comic-Con.

“I had never gone before. It was a bucket list thing for me and it was a great experience to get asked all those questions! Someone in the audience asked a question in a Buffy the Elf costume, which Peter (who had been in Elf) really appreciated. That was funny to watch and a lot of fun!”

Speaking of Peter and the cast, we asked Jacob what it was like to work with actors like Peter, Kevin Bacon and Elijah Wood.

“I just had a great time with everyone. Seeing them at Comic-Con was a great reunion. I was made so comfortable on set. Taylour (Taylour Paige) and I had such a hard time holding our laughter – you could tell that there was a lot of heart that went into this film. Elijah – I really related to him because he was super young when he started acting. Being on set with him, we had a really good conversation about what that is like. It’s nice to talk to someone who has grown into acting, become such a talented and kind dude.”

It was a guiding moment for Tremblay. Elijah Wood is a very calming and relaxing presence to be around. 

“That’s the thing. I totally felt that way too. He’s such a generous and chill dude.”

Moving forward, we asked Tremblay, who’s had a great and exciting career (including a Critics Choice award and a Screen Actors Guild nomination for the incredibly dark Room) what it was about this film that he would take with him as his career advanced.

“Something about me is that I always love exploring new genres and changing it up a bit. I love comedies and action, and I love horror and drama. But it’s the heartfelt core of this film that I really love. If I have the chance to do an action film, it’ll be the core of this film that I’ll take with me in that role.”

The experience definitely left an impression on Jacob. So, we had to ask what his favourite moment of the film was.

He laughed. “It’s hard to get into it without giving away spoilers but I’ve mentioned this before so I think it’s safe to talk about. I have this intricate dance sequence in the film and felt very much like Napoleon Dynamite. We had a lot of fun choreographing and just letting loose with it!”

Jacob’s enthusiasm for the film and his role not only shows that the remake of this campy 80’s splatter-schlock has a new aspect that fans, die-hards and newcomers, can appreciate as The Toxic Avenger remake takes its place in the 21st century.

The Toxic Avenger opens August 29.