Fantastic Fest 2023, one of the most highly anticipated film festivals, is set to kick off with the world premiere of Legendary Pictures’ reboot of the 1984 Troma classic, “The Toxic Avenger.” This exciting event will showcase the talents of esteemed actor Peter Dinklage, who takes on the lead role in this reinvention.
“The Toxic Avenger” tells the story of Melvin, a mild-mannered man who undergoes a transformation after accidentally falling into a vat of toxic waste. Disfigured but endowed with superhuman strength, Melvin becomes the superhero known as Toxie, fighting against evil forces. Alongside Peter Dinklage, the film features a talented ensemble cast, including Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Paige, Elijah Wood, and Kevin Bacon.
Taking place at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, Texas, from September 21 to 28, Fantastic Fest also announced another highly anticipated world premiere – the thriller “Your Lucky Day.” This film serves as one of Angus Cloud’s final performances before his unfortunate passing. Directed by Dan Brown, “Your Lucky Day” follows a hostage situation in a small convenience store on Christmas Eve, triggered by a winning lottery ticket worth a staggering $156 million. As greed takes hold, the events quickly spiral out of control. The Fantastic Fest team plans to pay tribute to Angus Cloud’s talents and life during the festival.
“Your Lucky Day” boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Sterling Beaumon, Jessica Garza, and Jason O’Mara. The film promises to deliver suspense, intense performances, and an exploration of the darker facets of human nature.
To conclude the festival, Fantastic Fest will present the world premiere of “Totally Killer,” a slasher-comedy directed by Nahnatchka Khan. Produced by Prime Video and Blumhouse Television, this film stars the talented Kiernan Shipka as a time-traveling teenager determined to stop the infamous Sweet Sixteen Killer. Audiences can expect a delightful blend of humor and suspense in this thrilling genre mash-up.
Alongside these highly anticipated premieres, Fantastic Fest has a diverse lineup of films for attendees to enjoy. Neon’s noir thriller “Eileen,” directed by William Oldroyd, is an adaptation of Ottessa Moshfegh’s novel. Starring Thomasin McKenzie and Anne Hathaway, this film explores the psychological depths of its complex characters.
Fans of science fiction can look forward to “The Creator” from director Gareth Edwards. Produced by 20th Century Studios, this epic sci-fi film promises stunning visuals and an immersive story. Additionally, Paramount+ presents “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines,” a prequel to Stephen King’s iconic novel, “Pet Sematary.” This film delves into the dark and twisted roots of the story.
Bleeker Street’s “The Origin” takes audiences back to the Stone Age, delivering a thrilling and suspenseful experience. Meanwhile, director JT Mollner’s “Strange Darling” showcases the talents of Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner, with Giovanni Ribisi making his feature debut as a cinematographer.
Other notable world premieres include “Jackdaw,” an action film from Jamie Childs, the Spanish director Alex de la Iglesia’s HBO Europe production “30 Coins,” and Canadian director Nate Wilson’s “The All Golden,” which follows a bicycle courier who uncovers a sinister secret in her older boyfriend’s closet.
With such a diverse lineup, Fantastic Fest 2023 promises to be an unforgettable experience for film enthusiasts. Attendees can look forward to witnessing compelling performances, exploring thrilling narratives, and discovering fresh perspectives from this year’s world premieres.