The new Toxic Avenger finally hits theaters this week after a few years’ delay, and while audiences are in for a wild ride with the movie’s hilariously gross tale of mutation and redemption, the movie does also tackle more serious themes. A big moment comes early on when Peter Dinklage’s character—Winston Gooze, before he becomes Toxie—learns his expensive health insurance won’t cover his life-or-death medical treatment. Now, the film is applying some real-world activism to that unfortunately relatable modern crisis.
As Bloody Disgusting reports on its blog, it’s teaming up with its parent company Cineverse, which is distributing The Toxic Avenger, to boost the non-profit Undue Medical Debt. The group states on its own site that its mission is “to strengthen communities by erasing financially burdensome medical debt.”
According to Bloody Disgusting, “Cineverse is relieving at least $5 million in medical debt across the country, where needed most, with our own donation, with ticket sales leading to unlimited additional donations.”
The decision to help with medical debt relief came as the Cineverse marketing team was planning the film’s last push before it opens this week.
“We spent hours brainstorming how to close out the campaign and, while sending Toxie to the moon was appealing, no idea came close to combating unexpected medical debt for families,” said Cineverse’s Lauren McCarthy told Bloody Disgusting. “The Toxic Avenger had his entire life upended by crushing medical costs so, as Toxie says, ‘Sometimes you have to do something.’”
The Toxic Avenger—featuring on-screen heroics as well as, now, off-screen heroics too—opens August 29. Go see it in theaters and you’ll be helping others while getting your eyeballs filled with splattery delights.
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