In an interview with
Collider at the
Wrath Of The Titans press junket, director Jonathan Liebesman talked about his upcoming
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot. The other day, producer Michael Bay stated that the turtles will be
"From an alien race", causing a massive hubbub among the fans. Liebesman suggested that the "alien" aspect of the movie is actually straight from the series, while also confirming that he's working with co-creator Kevin Eastman on the concepts of the film. In addition, the director discussed the action vs. the story in the film, as well as hinting at using motion capture for the turtles. Liebesman also said that they’ll probably be shooting later this year (
"September, or something”) and they’re thinking about shooting in Canada.
On The "Alien" Aspect Of The Reboot...
“Look, it’s so funny—if everyone was such a die-hard fan, they would know that the TCRI canisters where the ooze comes from. That is alien ooze. Now I’m not saying what Michael said is exactly what the movie is, because we’re sitting in a room now figuring everything out. So we don’t know, but we are like Michael said: we’re expanding it, and the expansion will be true to the mythology. I promise you: fans will love it.”
On Working With Kevin Eastman...
“Whatever mythology we’re building on or expanding is coming from that guy, Kevin Eastman’s head, who created the Turtles in the first place. And so everything will tie in with the mythology; fans will be extremely excited with what we’re coming up with. A lot of it is stuff he’s wanted to do for a long time, but just hasn’t had the opportunity because now we have the budget and things on this film to expand it in the right way. And so, I’m happy that everyone is extremely passionate, and they will not be disappointed. It’s all coming from the best possible place for this franchise.”
On Whether Or Not The Turtles Will Be CGI'd...
“All I’ll say is that I love how they did [The Rise of the Planet of the Apes]. That was exceptional.”
On How Much Action Is In The Movie...
“We’re definitely into the action, but for me what’s more important than that is that it’s a story about brotherhood and friendship and responsibility. Right now, I’m with the characters because those are what attracted me to the movie. They’re the best characters I’ll have had a chance to deal with.”
The
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot hits theaters December 25th, 2013.