Mutant superhero Toxie is going mainstream.


Legendary has acquired the film rights to Toxic Avenger, the cult classic from indie schlock producing house Troma Entertainment, with the goal of relaunching the property as a full-throated franchise.


Troma founders Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz, who directed the original 1984 movie, will produce the new movie project.


The original film told the story of a mild-mannered young man named Melvin who becomes a disfigured radioactive hulking mess after falling into a vat of toxic waste. He uses his newfound form to brutally fight bad guys. The movie went on to become Troma's biggest success, launching several sequels and even a children's cartoon. The character is also Troma's mascot.


Alex Garcia and Jay Ashenfelter will oversee for Legendary.


No writer or filmmaker is currently attached.