The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise is set to take a darker turn with an upcoming R-rated live-action adaptation titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin. Paramount Pictures is spearheading this project, which will bring to life a popular storyline from IDW comics known for its violence and high body count. The script for this gritty feature is being penned by Tyler Burton Smith, co-writer of the upcoming action film Boy Kills World, with the aim of targeting an adult audience.
Former head of DC Films, Walter Hamada, is on board as the producer through his 18hz production company, as part of a deal with Paramount Pictures. Hamada, known for his work on successful horror franchises like The Conjuring and It, is bringing his expertise to this new venture.
The Last Ronin storyline, created by Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz, deviates from the traditional Ninja Turtles narrative, plunging into a dystopian future where the Turtles and Splinter are brutally killed, leaving one Turtle to seek vengeance. The mystery of which Turtle survives adds an intriguing element to the plot.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles originated as a black and white indie comic in 1984, drawing inspiration from popular X-Men comics of the time. The franchise's evolution into a kid-friendly phenomenon began with a lucrative toy deal and an animated series in the late '80s.
The first live-action Ninja Turtles movie in 1990 embraced darker themes while maintaining a child-friendly appeal, grossing over $200 million globally. Subsequent sequels aligned more closely with the animated series, catering to a younger audience.
Paramount Pictures acquired the rights in 2009, leading to live-action films produced by Michael Bay and animated releases like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which garnered critical acclaim and box office success. A sequel to the animated film is currently in development, showcasing the enduring popularity of the Ninja Turtles brand.
