New Turtles Movie Format Not Yet Decided

Posted by Josh Radde (josh@filmschoolrejects.com) on September 10, 2008

TMNT: Leo

Of the two creators of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, one (Kevin Eastman) has come out and said it will be a live-action film like the first three films, prompting the other (Peter Laird) to say “not so fast.” Laird sat down with MTV recently to discuss the next film, which is still very much in the early phase of development.

In regards to the prospect of live-action Turtles:

“As it stands now, there is no intention of doing another live-action film like the first three, with actors and stuntmen in actual Turtle suits, contrary to what was said by Kevin. We have pretty much decided that the next “TMNT” movie should be what we’ve been calling a “hybrid” — that is to say, live-action humans and sets combined with very realistic CGI Turtles (and possibly some other CGI characters).”

About the appearance of Shredder:

“Given that we have yet to settle on a story for this new hybrid movie, I don’t really know which characters will appear in it. It would be fun to do something with the Shredder, but I am also excited about the possibility of creating some new characters for the movie.”

Laird also said that with the “hybrid” of CG and real-life characters he would be interested to see if Sarah Michelle Gellar and Chris Evans would be interested in coming back as April and Casey Jones, respectively. Laird also did mention that he has “tremendous respect” for Steve Barron, the original live-action director, and may ask him to come back on in favor of Peter Munroe who wrote and directed 2007’s TMNT.

It would be interesting to see another film. I’ll admit that I was less than satisfied with TMNT. The entire movie seemed like video game cut scenes and was neither funny nor very exciting. Tonally, it was all over the place, and it didn’t take advantage (like the 3rd film) of the large rogue’s gallery of villains to choose from. Laird has said he wants this film to fit in with the continuity of the films, but that would effectively make the next film TMNT 5. As much as I’d like to see the movie happen, the hybrid thing could either be cool or it could come off like The Phantom Menace.

We’ll see if Laird and Eastman can get together and actually decide what type of film they want to make. Until then, all we can do is pray that they don’t think “Hey, let’s go back to Ancient Japan again.”

Would you want a CGI, live-action, or “hybrid” mix for the next Turtles installment?

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Jones Johnson

Hybrid seems like a fine idea, as long as the CG parts (which are obviously the most important) look real enough. Not cartoony like the CG versions of Spider-man in the first SM film.

Splinter should be live action. Just cuz. Sorry, that was NOT a funny =/

Will C

I think the Hybrid format could work, many other movies use a mix of the two and do quite well. They just really have to make sure the CGI is good and not cartoony or anything.

HempKnight757

I agree CGI most look good or it will not work. Why just Splinter? I think Shredder should be real. Adding new characters kinda sounds sketchy, but if they have good depth it could work (we will see). As far as live-action or CGI mix I am hyped if it lives up to the old ones & not just another horrible remake or rebot.

Jeb

The thing about CGI is that it really doesn't look at good or as "real" as we think it does. Suppose this movie does get made. 5 or 10 years down the road, it will seem just like the past 3 star wars movies. Looks totally fake and cheesey, just like video game cutscenes...

CGI works great when it's used for cartoony things, or to impose inorganic objects onto the screen.
As far as real life is concerned, however. It's only barely "passable" when used for those distant panoramic shots of things, like in lord of the rings. Totally unconvincing when things are up close and personal.
I only think that using it for a hybrid movie such as Turtles may work is the dark setting it takes place in.
A lot can be covered up by a lack of light.

Richard

I think the men in suits worked fine except for the lip sync - they could cgi that perhaps.

Brad

Personally i think that the first two films were a master piece, while i didnt mind the 3rd film i felt it began to look a bit to much like puppets, the costumes in the 1st two films were on the right track. I believe that live action is the best way to go and i think Peter and Kevin know it there just dont wanna ruin the reputation it currently has, TMNT was to cartoonish where as the 1st two films no matter what age everyone could enjoy. Obviously the sense of humour would have to be spiced up a bit in a new live action film. Perhaps not needing to introduce different characters just stick to the basics, some how bring back shredder into it, remember in the second film how the large canister of ooze is knocked out of shredders hand the professor picks it up and disappears never to be heard of again perhaps theres an angle there. there is multiple directions it could go but i feel the best way is live action.

New Turtles Movie Format Not Yet Decided

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