What started out as an awesome reboot for one of the most beloved franchises in history has now turned into a huge fiasco that’s got fans up in arms and Michael Bay on the defensive. It has been known for sometime now that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would be getting the live-action reboot, supposedly like the old school man in suit style. While the latter part of that statement hasn’t been confirmed recently, only by producer Scott Mednick to me three years ago, things have changed a bit and Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes production company alongside Paramount have their hands all over it.
The first item of concern was the fact that Bay announced the new turtles “are from an alien race, and they are going to be tough, edgy, funny, and completely lovable.” Many fans like myself couldn’t believe the news and I’m sure others would have been had it spread to the general non-movie obsessed public. It was then that Bay put out the below response via his forums:
Fans need to take a breath, and chill. They have not read the script. Our team is working closely with one of the original creators of Ninja Turtles to help expand and give a more complex back story. Relax, we are including everything that made you become fans in the first place. We are just building a richer world.
That original creator is Kevin Eastman, who seems to fully back Bay and his team on the film. Comic Book Movie was able to get a statement from Eastman which you can read below.
Hey Guys, Sorry to have been away for so long–completely swamped with work–but it is some pretty exciting stuff. I had been invited to check out the TMNT film development by my friend Scott Mednick over the years, and a while back had a full look behind the curtain at what writers [Josh] Appelbaum and [Andre] Nemec, director [Jonathan] Liebesman, and producer Bay are doing–and trust me–it IS AWESOME. I’m officially on board, and will share more as I’m allowed… thanks all!
Two days prior to that, another co-creator of the Ninja Turtles, Peter Laird, stepped out of the woodwork and said that we should at least give them a chance. Via his blog, Laird gave a half hearted response to fans in which he was both sarcastic and genuine, stating the following:
A few people — who don’t seem to understand that I am no longer in control of the property — want me to stop this, somehow. Obviously, I can’t do that, even if I wanted to.
But I would actually encourage TMNT fans to swallow the “chill pill” Mr. Bay recently suggested they take, and wait and see what might come out of this seemingly ill-conceived plan. It’s possible that with enough truly creative brainpower applied to this idea, it might actually work. I’m not saying it’s probable, or even somewhat likely… but it IS possible.
He continues to say that the genius part of the idea is that the prospect for a legitimate way to have more turtles can now be realized. “If FOUR Ninja Turtles are good, then FIVE (or more) Ninja Turtles MUST be better!” Furthermore, “”if the TMNT are actually members of an alien race, there could be a whole PLANET of them! Joy.” While I see his point, and the fact that he and Eastman have worked on ways to bring more turtles into the universe, I have this uneasy feeling that if there are more turtles it will dilute what makes the original four awesome. Will they name other turtles after famous artists and sculptors? You can read more of what he has to say on the matter at his blog (link above).
Lastly, as of a few days ago, Paramount decided that it would be best for the franchise if the ‘Teenage Mutant’ part was dropped from name, officially titling the new movie Ninja Turtles. After thinking about this decision, I could go either way . While it’s one thing to deviate from the original source to help distinguish the property, it’s another thing entirely when the first half of the title actually represents the brand. On the other hand, most people call them Ninja Turtles anyway so it really wouldn’t matter. At least now they don’t have to worry about the alien factor being an issue with the name. As with Bay’s announcement about people needing to “chill,” he had this to say in response to the name change (again, via his forums):
Paramount marketing changed the name. They made the title simple. The characters you all remember are exactly the same, and yes they still act like teenagers. Everything you remember, why you liked the characters, is in the movie. This script is being developed by two very smart writers, with one of the original creators of Ninja Turtles. They care VERY MUCH about making this film for the fans. Everyone on this team cares about the fans. Just give them a chance. Jonathan the director, is a major fan of the whole franchise. HE’S NOT GOING TO LET YOU DOWN.
All I ask in response to all of this is that there better be a damn good theme song for it!
So that’s where we’re at with the Ninja Turtles reboot. As more information is released we’ll keep you posted via our turtle watch. How do you feel about all these changes happening so quickly? Should we relax if the creators are backing it up, sort of? Have your say in the comments below.
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