We’ve been hearing about a remake of the 1984 cult classic The Toxic Avenger for a number of years now. But while the project has had troubles getting into production, it is still in the works. And now comes word that a new director has been hired to make the movie.

It’s being reported that Conrad Vernon has signed on to helm the remake, his first live-action gig. Vernon recently co-directed the R-rated animated comedy Sausage Party starring and co-written by Seth Rogen. Before that he directed the not at all R-rated animated features Shrek 2, Monsters vs. Aliens, and Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted. Vernon has also done a bunch of voice acting, including multiple roles in Sausage Party, Mason in the Madagascar movies and shorts, and most notably, Gingerbread Man in the Shrek movies and shorts.

The new take on The Toxic Avenger will be a re-imagining of the ’84 original made by Troma Films. What exactly this means is not quite clear. The b-movie original followed a wimpy teenager falling into a drum of toxic waste, disfiguring him badly but also giving him superhuman strength, and it was rated R and very much aimed at adults. A few years back, it was said that this new movie would be toned down for a wider PG-13 audience. Whether that’s still the plan or if they’ve since decided to throw that out the window and go all-out with a more faithful adult-aimed remake remains to be seen.

Working on the screenplay for the movie is Mike Arnold (Archer) and Chris Poole, re-writing a script penned by D.C. Mitchell and Hot Tub Time Machine director Steve Pink, who was also attached to direct the project back in 2010.

Over the years different actors have been rumored and reported to be attached to the Toxic Avenger remake as well, including John Travolta and Arnold Schwarzenegger—both for supporting roles. It’s not known if they or anyone else are currently attached to star.

[Source: Heat Vision]