Nearly 50 years after the original Attack of the Killer Tomatoes became a cult favorite, the killer produce are heading back to the big screen. The fifth film in the franchise, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence, has announced an August theatrical release, while also confirming that its first trailer will debut during a panel at this month’s San Diego Comic-Con.
The new sequel will begin rolling out in select U.S. theatres on August 7, opening in cities including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and San Diego before expanding to additional locations later in the month. Ticket information is expected to be released soon.
Along with the release announcement, the filmmakers also unveiled the movie’s official poster ahead of Comic-Con.
The latest installment updates the franchise’s famously absurd premise by mixing genetically engineered vegetables with artificial intelligence. The official synopsis reads:
A young biotech prodigy develops a revolutionary genetically engineered vegetable designed to solve humanity’s problems. But when the experiment spirals out of control, it unleashes a new generation of killer tomatoes, setting the stage for another outrageous chapter in the long-running cult franchise.
The cast includes franchise veteran John Astin, reprising his role as Professor Gangreen, alongside David Koechner, Eric Roberts, Catherine Corcoran, Dan Bakkedahl, Myrna Velasco, Vernée Watson, Paul Bates, Zachary Roozen, Samantha Bailey, and Noor Razooky.
W. Finletter Films and Killer Tomatoes Entertainment partnered with Atomic Toybox Entertainment (Michael Polis) and IVC/Olas Media (Chad Peace, Juan Hernandez, and Anthony Aslofi) to oversee the production of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence, with Polis and Roger M. Mayer producing. J. Stephen Peace and Costa Dillon served as executive producers.
Fans attending San Diego Comic-Con will get an early look at the film during its official panel on Friday, July 24 at 7:15 p.m. in Room 6A. The event will feature the world premiere of the official trailer, exclusive footage, a Q&A with the filmmakers and cast, appearances by Norman the Killer Tomato, and giveaway items for attendees.
The panel will include producer Michael Polis, director David Ferino, original franchise creator Costa Dillon, and cast members Dan Bakkedahl, Myrna Velasco, Zachary Roozen, Samantha Bailey, and Noor Razooky.
Comic-Con attendees will also be able to visit the Atomic Toybox booth (#3917), where Attack of the Killer Tomatoes merchandise (including posters, plushies, apparel, skateboards, and other collectibles) will be available throughout the convention. Members of the cast and creative team will also participate in autograph signings on July 24 and 25.
Producer and original Attack of the Killer Tomatoes co-writer Steve Peace celebrated bringing the franchise back to where it all began:
“Attack of the Killer Tomatoes started in San Diego in 1978, and now it’s coming home. We made this one in the city that created it, and there’s no better stage for its return than the biggest pop culture weekend of the year.”
The original Attack of the Killer Tomatoes debuted in 1978 and became an unlikely cult phenomenon, spawning multiple sequels, an animated television series, a Nintendo video game, and even helping launch the early film career of George Clooney, who appeared in 1988’s Return of the Killer Tomatoes!
Organic Intelligence marks the franchise’s first new feature film in more than three decades and aims to blend the series’ trademark parody with modern satire.
Are you excited to see Attack of the Killer Tomatoes return to theatres, or is this one of those cult franchises that works best as a nostalgic classic? Let us know in the comments.
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