Unexpected casting possibility of the day: Arnold Schwarzenegger in the reboot of **The Toxic Avenger? Well, according to Variety, he’s in talks for *a *lead role in the film, even if it’s not the lead. While Schwarzenegger may end up co-starring, he won’t actually be playing the mutant main role.
Director/co-writer Steve Pink (he crafted the script with Daniel C. Mitchell for Elysium Films) is developing the tale of Melvin, a socially and, to some degree, mentally challenged caretaker at a health spa who is ignored by women, sneered at by co-workers and generally finds life tough. His naïveté sees him thrown into a vat of toxic waste by leering criminal types. But he emerges as a muscular warrior who, despite his melty appearance, is a hit with the ladies and uses his newfound powers for good.
While the original was a flop on release, it went on to be a cult sensation, and the producers – which include Akiva Goldsman – will be hoping to channel some of that schlock appeal. Yet can something as distinctive as a Troma film make it as a more mainstream comedy? If Schwarzenegger boards this one, we may be one step closer to finding out…
The former Governator most recently appeared in The Last Stand. He has Escape Pla****n set for release on 27 September and David Ayer’s Ten due to arrive next year.