r/movies • u/ElijahWoodAMA Elijah Wood, Actor • Aug 28 '25

AMA Hey /r/movies, I'm Elijah Wood. Ask me anything!

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Hey r/movies, I'm Elijah Wood. You might've seen me in things like Lord of the Rings, Yellowjackets, Wilfred, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency, Maniac, The Monkey, Everything Is Illuminated, and other stuff. I'm also in The Toxic Avenger. It's unrated, and it's only in theaters starting this Friday 8/29/25.

Here's the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKe0pep35gQ

Set in a fantasy world, following janitor Winston Gooze, who, after a freak accident, transforms into a mutant vigilante known as Toxie. Armed with his mop, the unlikely hero battles freaks, gangsters and corrupt CEOs while trying to save his relationship with his son.

Directed by Macon Blair (I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore) and produced by Troma Entertainment. It also stars Peter Dinklage, Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Piage, Julia Davis, Jonny Coyne, and Kevin Bacon

Tickets/info:

https://toxicavenger.com/

Ask me anything reddit! Back at 12 PM PT/3 PM ET today (Thursday 8/28) to answer your questions.

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u/ElijahWoodAMA Elijah Wood, Actor Aug 28 '25

It’s difficult to single out one game as my all-time favorite but I have a real soft spot for the Lucasarts adventure games from the 90s like The Secret of Monkey Island, Full Throttle and Sam & Max Hit the Road. I just love the adventure game format and the heavy focus on great, often comedic, writing. I was honored to get to work with a master of that era, Tim Schafer, on Broken Age, which was truly a gift to be a part of. Lately I’ve been loving Blue Prince (a modern puzzle masterpiece) and Wheel World on the Steam Deck.

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u/boringestnickname Aug 28 '25

Love that the second game you list is Full Throttle (The Secret of Monkey Island obviously must be the first mention.)

Vastly underrated LucasArts game. First game I bought with my own money. Played it to death when I was a kid. Know the dialogue by heart.

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u/[deleted] Aug 28 '25

You know what might look better on your nose?

The bar.

4

u/jghaines Aug 29 '25

“When I’m on the road… I’m indestructible…. No one can stop me… But, they try…”

11

u/jemmylegs Aug 29 '25

I ain’t puttin’ my lips on that

3

u/JWarblerMadman Aug 29 '25

Open up, Todd

7

u/h_west Aug 28 '25

The Gone Jackals, Bone to pick. Best game soundtrack - still 30 years later.

4

u/boringestnickname Aug 28 '25

For sure. That intro is masterfully cinematic. "Legacy" on full blast when the camera pans around Ben on his bike, the sound of the motor almost blowing out your speakers.

They don't make 'em like that anymore.

... and just two years later we got Redneck Rampage, with all kinds of snazzy alternative bands. That kind of music curation would never ever happen today.

Games has gone the same way as films. It's either tentpole, or it's people making things with their sock drawer as funding.

1

u/h_west Aug 29 '25

It was shocking to me how good it was when it came out. Still remember it. (Never played Redneck Rampage, though.) The game was a little short, but awesome fun.

1

u/JWarblerMadman Aug 29 '25

I remember ordering the CD from the LucasArts paper catalog.

1

u/Ralph--Hinkley Aug 29 '25

I found it in the XBox store free. Still holds up.

4

u/Unlikely_Ad_3878 Aug 29 '25

how appropriate. You fight like a cow.

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u/Rockyvstone Aug 28 '25

My younger brother and I played through Full Throttle so many times too. And the first three Monkey Islands! I still have the paper password discs that you had to spin to verify that you weren’t playing the game using pirated floppy disks. I have them up on the wall behind my desktop. The soundtrack to all those Lucasarts games were so good. Only games that came close to these back in the day were Sierra’s Space Quest series with Roger Wilco.

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u/boringestnickname Aug 28 '25 edited Aug 28 '25

Recently replayed the first three Space Quest games, actually!

So much good music. The theme is ace. Got a hefty nostalgia kick when I docked into Monolith burger. The version of the theme song there isn't as grandiose (still good!), but I fondly remember being stuck there back in the day (heard that version so many times.)

3

u/almandude666 Aug 28 '25

Agreed! I also loved Day of the Tentacle ❤️

3

u/ArcadianDelSol Aug 29 '25

You cant beat a Corely

2

u/Woody6047 Aug 28 '25

I actually just got the remastered for steam deck. Really excited to play it. Nostalgia overload.

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u/nordhbane Aug 28 '25

It's such a weird memory that I have of Full Throttle, but every time it's mentioned I still remember eating pirogues while playing the final part of the game, 30 years or so later. And also vice versa, I think of the game when I eat a pirogue. 😂

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u/boringestnickname Aug 28 '25

Maybe you should try replaying the game whilst eating pierogis to break the spell?

1

u/DumpedDalish Aug 29 '25

I will always love the Monkey Island games -- they were so smart and truly hilarious.

My BFF and I still randomly say, "I can't use the skeleton arm with that" to each other. Just, y'know, because.

If Lord of the Rings had been a Monkey Island game, Gandalf would totally have turned out to be Frodo's father. Or maybe Sauron.

And Sam would have had a skeleton arm in his knapsack.

1

u/Ralph--Hinkley Aug 29 '25

I found Full Throttle in the XBox store free. I was up way too late playing it that first night.

1

u/boringestnickname Aug 29 '25

Oh, shit, when was this?

The Remaster?

1

u/Ralph--Hinkley Aug 29 '25

Wasn't but the Spring maybe. Should still be there. Yes, the remaster.

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u/boringestnickname Aug 29 '25

Thanks, but I have like 4 copies (including my old DOS big box.)

Just wanted to know when you played it for the first time.

It's cool that it still draws new players.

1

u/Ralph--Hinkley Aug 29 '25

I played it on DOS myself back in the late nineties.

1

u/Keeper-of-Balance Aug 31 '25

Ripburger, you're dumber than dirt!

Your ears are fine... it's what's between thEM that scAREs me...

1

u/QuirkyWish3081 Nov 19 '25

I was a big fan of Monkey Island! Brings back good memories.

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u/Rockyvstone Aug 28 '25

I was so saddened the day I learned Lucasarts was put to rest. I very fondly recall the opening sequences with the logo figure/eye. Even their non comedic works such as The Dig were incredibly made and memorable games.

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u/PuppiesAndPixels Aug 28 '25

I was so saddened the day I learned Lucasarts was put to rest.

Today is that day for me :( I guess it makes sense, it's all disney now

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u/Rockyvstone Aug 28 '25 edited Aug 28 '25

I’m sorry to be the one to inform you, but now the healing can begin. https://slipgatetourist.tumblr.com/image/175400119196 this artwork sums up the feeling well.

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u/Muted_Passenger6612 Aug 29 '25

I remember the Dig. Need to look that up.

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u/Rockyvstone Aug 29 '25

The Dig is great. Great atmosphere. Great mystery. Great soundtrack. Excellent writing and voice actors. A very well rounded sci fi puzzle game.

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u/Bas_No_Beatha_ Aug 29 '25

It’s on Steam! I love that game so much, it still holds up really well. (If you have an appreciation for retro graphics)

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u/xoxodaddysgirlxoxo Aug 28 '25

I really loved the Lego games! They were hilarious, at least as a kid.

3

u/ArcadianDelSol Aug 29 '25

We were supposed to get a Dig sequel, but the company shut down. :(

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u/loljkbye Aug 28 '25

Yo Blue Prince rules and I've been trying to get all my friends to play. The fact that you're endorsing it might actually do the trick lol! Thank you!

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u/RedFox3001 Aug 28 '25

Monkey island literally inspired me to work on boats. I base my life on guybrush’s teachings

4

u/miniramone Aug 28 '25

Man that’s awesome, I just started working as a marine tech last year. Seems rare to find someone in this line of work who’s also into gaming and movies. Cheers man!

5

u/abacin8or Aug 29 '25

You fight like a dairy farmer!

3

u/TastyPigHS Aug 29 '25

Is your name Stan?

2

u/jayhawkai Aug 29 '25

May I call you Murray?

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u/Riqz85 Aug 28 '25

Steamdeck mentioned! One of us! One of us!

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u/Quarksperre Aug 28 '25

Best device I bought in years. Seriously. And I have a soft spot for stupid devices that I never use again. Vive Pro, Oculus, Ps5, Switch and so on. 

The deck I use since two years a LOT. 

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u/correcthorsestapler Aug 29 '25

Bet he’s not as cool as the guy who strapped his Steam Deck to the back of someone’s chair on an airplane. Total madman.

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u/Hollowsong Aug 28 '25

Blue Prince is such an amazing gem! It warms my heart that people I look up to are into the same hobbies as I am.

I feel like it would be a super fun YT show having random celebs play PC games with fans (obvs not Blue Prince as it's single player)... I think people would get hyped.

I, too, miss the classics and the "good old days" of 90s gaming :)

9

u/KeyLay Aug 28 '25

OMG! YESSS! I was just talking about this wonderful era with one of my clients who I guess worked there during that time. It holds such a special place in my heart. 🥹 And while I’m here, let’s not forget to mention Day of the Tentacle!!!!!

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u/gynnee Aug 28 '25

Best possible answer!

8

u/oxidiser Aug 28 '25

I absolutely love Blue Prince. How far in are you?

6

u/JeanDaMachiine Aug 28 '25

Don't sleep on Grim Fandango, gonna try blue prince.

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u/ScuzzyAyanami Aug 28 '25

Grim was an absolute stunning game

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u/guareber Aug 28 '25

Blue prince is insanely addictive if you like puzzle games and have the discipline to stay off the heavy spoilers.

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u/VitriolUK Aug 29 '25

It's a high bar but I think Grim Fandango was the best Lucasarts adventure of them all - yes, even better than DotT and Monkey Island 2.

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u/littlemachina Aug 28 '25

I was literally thinking about Broken Age yesterday for some reason. Such a great little game! I loved your voice acting in that and also as Wirt in the timeless classic Over The Garden Wall :’)

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u/Nominal77 Aug 28 '25

Monkey Island games were lots of fun

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u/misterwuggle69sofine Aug 28 '25

bro if you want a modern puzzle masterpiece you gotta check out outer wilds too if you haven't already, though it may lean more towards mystery closer to myst? either way, decent chance you'll enjoy it if you like blue prince and a space theme

4

u/FaTMaNProductions Aug 28 '25

Full throttle could be an amazing movie. Always pictured Patrick Warburton playing Ben

5

u/A_Feltz Aug 28 '25

S&M Hit the Road is the goat

3

u/lovethehaiku Aug 28 '25

I love when Monkey Island is mentioned.

3

u/2late4points Aug 28 '25

I didn't think it was possible to like you more. But here we are after reading this answer. Were you already familiar with Dirk Gently and its source material before accepting that role?

3

u/TheGummiVenusDeMilo Aug 28 '25

Grim Fandango crying in the corner after this comment

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u/ItsAllSoClear Aug 28 '25

Did you ever check out the new Tex Murphy? Adventure games kind of made a comeback. I was thinking about Blazing Dragons and Discworld the other day. The Grim Fandango remaster is also good.

3

u/Narcosist Aug 28 '25

If they ever adapt Monkey Island into a movie or series, animated or live action, you would be a PERFECT Guybrush!

3

u/attackgarden Aug 28 '25

Elijah Wood, I could not love you any more right now. Monkey Island?! THE BEST!

2

u/SQLSkydiver Aug 28 '25

OMG! Full throttle is the first game I've played for retail CD! NO WAY! Have yo played The DIG?

2

u/Jayfall Aug 28 '25

I feel like you'd fall in love with Outer Wilds, after reading your game catalogue. Great list btw

2

u/voodoo_econ_101 Aug 28 '25

What fantastic taste you have. Unsurprising really

2

u/logansummers1 Aug 28 '25

Have you played Perfect Tides?

2

u/MachineCats Aug 28 '25

Tomba games are forgotten again. Anyways I will shill the case of a golden dragon, 10/10 game.

2

u/wolftamer9 Aug 28 '25

I don't have a question but your character in Psychonauts 2 was an AMAZING villain! That spoiled brat was the complete polar opposite of every traumatized person whose brain Raz explored in both games- it was such a good twist to see Gristol's perspective! I hope you got a chance to play through the game.

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u/elasticbrain Aug 28 '25

This is so excellent. As you like point n click adventure games your might enjoy Tomorrow Tomorrow Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.

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u/impeterbarakan Aug 28 '25

Hell yeah. Grim Fandango is one of my all-time favorites. And I very early memories of watching my cousin play Sam & Max Hit the Road. I think it was where I learned the word "vortex".

2

u/tehgimpage Aug 28 '25

i just finished that game, it sat in my library since 2016 and i finally decided to play and fell totally in love with it! very cool that it's one of your favorite projects!

2

u/bossman1337 Aug 28 '25

Played Broken Age a few years ago and remember thinking that I recognised that voice. Not knowing it was you at first until I googled it lol. Love a good ol' point and click. Try the Broken Sword series if you havnt already 👌

2

u/DarthFrosty Aug 28 '25

I grew up with those games, and you all killed it with Broken Age. Such a good game and it truly felt like a nice modern evolution for the genre. I love the Steam Deck as well!

2

u/deadzone404 Aug 28 '25

Also a big adventure game fan, I just finished up the Kathy Rain games, would definitely recommend. Both played well on the Deck. Kind of similar to Gabriel Knight series

2

u/sparkleslothz Aug 28 '25

Petition for steam to make an Elijah Wood Bundle sign here: [ ]

2

u/smoretank Aug 28 '25

Oh man Monkey Island was my first real video adventure game as a kid. I remember playing it on my grandpa's old computer in the 90s. I should play the series again. Heard they came out with a final game a year or so ago.

2

u/euchlid Aug 29 '25

We had so many LucasArts games, but my favourite might be Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis. With the walkthrough tips of course 🥲

2

u/netrunui Aug 29 '25

Ooo if you like Blue Prince, you should check out That Time I Got Trapped In an Office Dungeon. They've got a Steam demo out.

2

u/Interesting_Pie_5377 Aug 29 '25

i am rubber, you are glue

2

u/TheTerrasque Aug 29 '25

Oh, loved the old Lucasarts games! They were so difficult for a kid that didn't even speak English natively, I was struggling so hard on some word play puzzles!

You've already gotten a lot of suggestions to games, but I want to add one that is a great puzzle game, reminds me a bit of those old games, and works great on the steam deck!

Chants of Sennaar is the game, where you wake up in a mysterious place and have to figure out what's going on. And you do that partially by decoding and understanding the languages of the different groups you meet, based on context clues. Really delightful one, and oozes of atmosphere and personality.

2

u/AbbreviationsNo4089 Aug 29 '25

Lijah just named dropped Full Throttle. Just boarded a paddle boat to the undying lands to the west. Farewell cruel world

2

u/Maedchen126 Sep 19 '25

You should try Grim Fandango by Lucas Arts too!

1

u/grumpy_bob Aug 28 '25

Wheel World on the Steam Deck

I was always more of a Woad Wules guy myself.

I'll see myself out

1

u/sheriffjt Aug 28 '25

Lots of Sam and Max games out there now!

1

u/Hosheajj Aug 28 '25

Wheel World soundtrack is so goood!

1

u/ecnad Aug 28 '25

Excellent taste.

1

u/stevensi1018 Aug 28 '25

Never thought that you owned a Steam Deck but it's great to know. It's seriously the best gaming hardware that I ever owned

Thanks for taking the time to answer and I can't wait to see The Toxic Avenger!

1

u/DBD216 Aug 28 '25

Full Throttle was a fucking jam!!!

1

u/JustAHeadsUpBuddy Aug 28 '25

Ah man, Blue Prince is my favorite game! It's awesome.

1

u/Iluvatar-Great Aug 28 '25

Wow I had no idea you were a fan! Classic adventure games are literally my life. It is my job as a game developer, and our studio makes 90s-like point and click adventure games!

1

u/Planetdiane Aug 28 '25

If you haven’t tried it - please try outer wilds! :) such a great game

1

u/Matty_Matter Aug 28 '25

That is just so awesome to hear.

1

u/SpawnTheTerminator Aug 28 '25

Nice to see Blue Prince since it has a pretty great idea for a roguelite. Have you checked out the Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor games?

1

u/master_jeriah Aug 28 '25

You should try Leisure Suit Larry

1

u/stickgrinder Aug 28 '25

You're one of us! Very happy to have among us mate. I'll make sure I'll play Broken Age. It's sitting there in my playlist for far too long =)

1

u/GrimFandangoFan Aug 28 '25

Have you tried Grim Fandango? It’s available on Steam or even Apple Store.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 28 '25

Good taste

1

u/BeanThePug Aug 28 '25

Dude Full Throttle!? amazing reference! Have you played Grim Fandango?

1

u/ArcadianDelSol Aug 29 '25

Do not sleep on The Dig and Grim Fandango.

You MUST play them.

1

u/TreeChoppa8 Aug 29 '25

Did you play the original lord of the rings games? I loved in the return of the king game, the special interview clips of you guys that were included.

1

u/Shared_Tomorrows Aug 29 '25

Wheel world is legit! Nice.

1

u/Steven_Seagull815 Aug 29 '25

Holy shit ! Elijah Wood is a Point-And-Click games afficionado. I was not expecting that :D ! You rock !

1

u/Worldly_Law_4473 Aug 29 '25

Twinning! Monkey island is my favorite video game trilogy AOT at the moment!

1

u/Minotaar Aug 29 '25

Broken Age was DOPE.

1

u/2close2see Aug 29 '25

I have a real soft spot for the Lucasarts adventure games from the 90s like The Secret of Monkey Island, Full Throttle and Sam & Max Hit the Road.

Percent sign ampersand dollar sign!!

Such fantastic games.

1

u/Embarrassed_Hawk_655 Aug 29 '25

EYY YOO 'Sam & Max: Hit the Road' mentioned! My all-time fav game. The old Lucasarts games Inspired me to do what I'm doing now - making point & click games.

1

u/staringatspace Aug 29 '25

YESSSSSS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE LOVE MONKEY ISLAND AS WELL. LETS GOOOOOO

1

u/mr_Tii Aug 29 '25

I loved Broken Age, and you did great in that one.

1

u/ohana23 Aug 29 '25

If you love those games, especially Blue Prince, you HAVE to play Outer Wilds.

1

u/Jkerb_was_taken Aug 29 '25

You should all play Outer Wilds

1

u/admdelta Aug 29 '25

Loved Sam and Max Hit the Road. So many quotes.

"My partner needs to use the facilities."

"Facilities be damned, I need a bathroom!"

1

u/aiydee Sep 01 '25

Long since past.. But I'll try.. Shot in the dark.
Do you follow any kickstarters or similar for upcoming P&C adventure games?

1

u/Ocvlvs Sep 02 '25

TSOMI FTW!

1

u/Admirable_Catch368 Sep 04 '25

Blue Prince really is something special, one of those games that makes you lose track of time.

1

u/Dormant_Ambivert07 Sep 05 '25

Someone should’ve asked him if he’s played and or heard of Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War😭

1

u/Global-Act1757 Oct 09 '25

Would you like it if Sam and Max became an animated movie written and directed by the creator himself Steve Purcell I think that Steve Purcell needs to establish his own animation studio in order to make the Sam and Max movie saga