Katt Williams and Tiffany Haddish are hopping on board Toad, the psychedelic stoner comedy from director Adam Rifkin. The duo joins Craig Robinson, James Paxton, Oliver Wyman, James Franco, and in what’s being described as a wild, mind-bending ride.
Inspired by cult classics like Cheech and Chong’s Up in Smoke, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Toad follows Sam (James Paxton, Twisters) and Alex (Oliver Wyman, Feeling Randy), two hapless slackers tasked with delivering a mysterious box of psychedelic toads from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. But when the heat of the desert nearly does the toads in, the duo’s attempt to revive them takes an unexpected turn—accidentally exposing themselves to hallucinogens. What follows is a surreal, high-octane adventure filled with eccentric characters, dangerous run-ins, and, of course, a life-size, talking toad spirit-guide named Earl (Williams).
Robinson plays Charles, a charismatic yet menacing crime boss who entrusts Sam and Alex with the delivery. When they inevitably botch the job, Charles and his crew set out to recover the toads—escalating the chaos.
Director Rifkin is eager to bring Robinson’s comedic edge to the role, saying, “Craig Robinson is not only a comedy genius, but he’s also the nicest guy in the world. Which is why I’m all the more excited for him to play our villain. I can’t wait to see that adorable smile of his turn dark.”
Robinson added, “I love Adam Rifkin movies, and I love toads. The fact that the script is hilarious, and the cast is stellar didn’t hurt either.”
Laugh Factory President David Fuhrer, whose company is launching the Laugh Factory Presents film division with Toad, called Robinson “the perfect talent to bring this unforgettable villain to life.”
With production slated to begin in Atlanta in Q2 of 2025, Toad promises a visually bold and hilariously absurd trip featuring everything from a biker gang and a sex cult to a chainsaw-wielding lunatic and a deranged five-star French chef—all after the coveted toads.
The film is co-written by Rifkin and Piers Ashworth, with Vincent J. Guastini (World War Z) handling SFX creature creation and Augenblick Studios leading the in-camera effects. Toad will be produced by Brad Wyman (Monster), Michael P.J. Gerstein (Last Train to Fortune), and Mike Kolko, with Mark O’Sullivan (DLNQNT) serving as executive producer.
Worldwide sales for Toad are being handled by Architect, with the film launching ahead of Berlin’s EFM.
Prepare for a trippy, unpredictable ride—Toad is set to be the kind of unhinged comedy we haven’t seen in years.