If you’re unfamiliar with the name Phil Tippett, you’re certainly familiar with his work. He’s worked on “Star Wars” films, “Jurassic Park,” “RoboCop,” “Willow,” “Starship Troopers,” Rian Johnson’s “Poker Face,” and even the “Twilight” sequels. He recently released his magnum opus, “Mad God,” a film that took him nearly 30 years to complete. Tippett is a master of his craft, and his VFX/Animation Studio carries that legacy with a great deal of reverence. Some of the studio’s recent projects include “The Book of Boba Fett,” “The Mandalorian,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” for Marvel, “Locke and Key” on Netflix, and “The Orville” for Hulu. I’m gonna tell on myself here and admit that the reveal that Tippett Studios’ announcement for “The Toxic Avenger” happened well over a year ago, but if it’s news to me, it’s probably news to some of you out there as well.
There’s no confirmation on whether or not Phil Tippett himself worked on the film, but if there’s no way he’s about to let anything come out of his studio with his name on it unless the work is at the caliber of his name and reputation. I was already excited about the film as I firmly believe Macon Blair to be one of the best genre creatives currently working today (please watch his directorial debut “I Don’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore” and Jeremy Saulnier’s “Blue Ruin,” of which he stars), but knowing that Tippett Studios is behind the VFX has only piqued my excitement even more.
“The Toxic Avenger” will premiere at Fantastic Fest on September 21, 2023.