Never underestimate a cult classic. Attack of the Killer Tomatoes is making its triumphant return with a fifth installment titled Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence, directed by filmmaker David Ferino.
The new film pits the eternal power of nature against the evolving threat of artificial intelligence. In a world increasingly dominated by tech, the tomato menace is back with a twist — they’re organically intelligent.
A Legacy of Camp and Chaos
The original Attack of the Killer Tomatoes premiered in 1978, made on a modest $100,000 budget. Directed by John DeBello and based on an idea by Costa Dillon, it followed mutated tomatoes terrorizing the planet as a group of scientists struggled to save humanity. The franchise went on to spawn three sequels and an animated TV series on Fox.
Now, with Organic Intelligence, the absurd horror-comedy legacy continues.
Star-Studded Cast of Comedic Power
This latest entry boasts a cast filled with cult-favorite and comedic talent.
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David Koechner (Anchorman) plays the President’s Press Secretary.
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John Astin reprises his iconic role as Professor Gangreen from the earlier films and animated series.
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Dan Bakkedahl (Veep) stars as Wilbur Finletter, the ever-present tomato warrior.
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Daniel Roebuck (The Munsters, The Fugitive) plays a guilt-ridden admiral.
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Catherine Corcoran (Terrifier) becomes the tomatoes’ first modern victim.
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Paul Bates (Coming to America) joins as a quirky disguise expert.
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Vernee Watson (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) adds depth as a savvy tech specialist.
Also featuring:
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Oscar nominee Eric Roberts,
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Myrna Velasco (Star Wars: Resistance),
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Noor Razooky (The Old Man),
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Zachary Roozen as “Chad” — originally played by Anthony Starke opposite George Clooney in Return of the Killer Tomatoes.
New characters include Samantha Bailey as Kate Patel, CEO of VegIntel and inventor of “MyTomato,” a solution to AI’s shortcomings. Joshua Poon plays “The Influencer,” ensuring the world witnesses every slimy moment.
Production and Distribution
The film is produced by W. Finletter Films and Killer Tomatoes Entertainment, in partnership with Atomic Toybox Entertainment and IVC/Olas Media. Anchor Bay Entertainment, known for genre hits like Abruptio, will handle distribution. A limited theatrical release is scheduled for Halloween, aiming to captivate audiences looking for fresh horror-comedy with nostalgic flair.
Notably, the movie was filmed entirely in California — Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Diego — further cementing its cinematic roots.
A Self-Aware Comeback
“This time, they’re not just back. They’re organically intelligent,” said co-creator Costa Dillon.
“We’re proud to be bringing back a franchise with this much cultural DNA,” added Anchor Bay CEO Thomas Zambeck.
With satirical undertones and a modern twist on a beloved franchise, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence is poised to reinvent the cult series for a new generation of horror-comedy lovers. For fans of classic foreign series, this revival strikes a perfect blend of nostalgia and absurdity.
