Live-Action TMNT Movie Could Bring Shredder Back

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on September 2, 2008

It should be no secret that I am a big fan of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies, all three. I may have mentioned that back when the animated TMNT flick hit theaters last year. And as a fan, I am in favor of any TMNT incarnation by default. That said, I am still a little weary of another live-action “reboot” of the franchise, as it is incredibly risky. It gets even more risky when you add in the comments that franchise co-creator Kevin Eastman left over on the Heavy Metal forum a few days ago. Responding to a post about rumors that Imagi Entertainment and Warner Bros. were looking to go back to live-action, he had this to say:

Yes, it is true. Although the CGI film did well enough to warrent a sequel, there has been much talk between Imagi and Warners to do a better “re-invention” (newest Hollywood buzzword) of the TMNT’s, in a live action film–like what was done with Batman. Back to basics, back to the origin and the intro of the Shredder, etc…there have been talks, trips to Northampton to talk to Mr Laird, and discussions with the original “first” TMNT film director Steve Barron to come back and do it right–but no official word yet…will keep you posted. Best, Kevin

Personally, I’m seeing this as a counter-productive move for Imagi and WB. Kevin Munroe’s CG-animated TMNT wasn’t perfect, but it was certainly a lot of fun. As a fan, I would have liked to see them go back to the origin of the turtles’ arch enemy Shredder in that film, but they chose to move forward. To go back now though, and switch back to live-action, just doesn’t seem logical. Why not press on with a sequel that includes a new storyline? Is there not an original or yet untapped idea in the TMNT canon? I find that hard to believe. What I do believe is that there seems to be a big money-grab for all things linked to the phrases “re-invention” or “re-envisioning,” and a lot of it seems to be coming from the halls of Warner Bros. They found success with rebooting Batman under the eye of Christopher Nolan, and now in the wake of The Dark Knight, now the second highest grossing film of all-time, we are seeing more and more properties get pulled out for a big-budget re-imagining. So far what we can see on the horizon doesn’t look bad — many of us are anxious to see how McG’s Terminator Salvation comes out — but we must be mindful of what lurks beyond the horizon. Where does this obsession with re-spooling old ideas end? And what sorts of cinematic shenanigans could it cause?

Also, as an aside, does anyone else remember Sam Rockwell’s part in the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 1990? Also, the voice of Donatello was provided by Corey Feldman. I guess those two tidbits balance each other out.

What do you think, should they go back to live-action with TMNT?


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  • let's just pray vanilla ice will not make a cameo in this film. GO NINJA , GO NINJA GO!
  • mudywaters
    Hell yeah! Sam Rockwell as the main thug in the first movie! I really like the first movie and the two sequels were okay (the second a lot better than the third). I like the first one cuz it was gritty (at least for TMNT). Hopefully, they get that same feel in the new one...I hope.
  • Chris
    As long as they ditch Robbie f-n' Rist as the voice of Michaelangelo, everything will be fine. I can't even watch the old movies with my nephews due to that d-bag's grating voice.
  • Alericc
    What most people don't realize is that the sanitized version of TMNT is not what the turtles orignally started out as. In the first series of books in the 80's the Turtles were hard core and didn't pull punches or shy away from violenece, hence the term NINJA's. Enemies died and the turtles actually bled.

    When they make a true version of those Turtles I will go and watch it but not till then.
  • I see only two options. 1) They use extensive CGI make up to create the look or 2) They douse actors in radioactive ooze hoping they turn into giant turtles, then train them in the art of ninjitsu. Option 2 seems cheaper, so that's got my vote.
  • Jeremy M
    They should use the Jim Henson company again!
  • I'm down with live action. The first movie and costumes actually hold up really well, I think. I'm down for more live action costumes without CGI. Or if the CGI looks great, who knows. I'm down with a bit of darkness too, the original Eastman and Laird comics were pretty aggressive, lots of blood and cutting.
  • Trace
    I'm totally down. I refuse to see the animated TMNT. I loved the movies as a kid, and the cartoons, too (akin to Batman), but the latest effort looked geared toward kids and young teens. The Batman reboot was perfect. That's the way Batman's supposed to be. I want to see my cursing turtles kicking ass like they did in the first flick - the way they're supposed to be. I'll never forget Raphaels' Jack Bauer moment: "DAAAAAAMN!"

    Also, where is the header illustration from? It is fricken awesome.
  • Aki
    oh please don't have them screw up the film, more CGI and no plastic suits. *shivers* I loved them back then but now...I would have to hide in my seat if they made more of the plastic suits, I mean c'mon I want to see fluid ninja action. Perhaps CGI turtles in a live action movie is the best for something like this, it worked for Star Wars and LOTR.
  • andries price
    yes i i will see tmnt movie the guy will play the shredder played by jet li did you remem ber jet li is on the mummy the tomb of the dragon emerpor he's cool so jet li is playing the shredder on the new teenage mutant ninja turtle movie this will be a best ninja turtle movie ever so i will see jet li as the shredder on tmnt movie in theatres 2011 see ya.
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