TMNT Goes Back To Its Roots

TMNT Goes Back To Its Roots

Instead of staying with the successful CGI format, TMNT is going back to live action.

News
By jman1977 - Apr 23, 2009 07:04 AM EST
Source: http://movies.ign.com

IGN is reporting that the studio that owns the TMNT property, Mirage Group, is putting the live action project on the fast track for development. Rumor is it will be a origins story of our favorite pizza eating, sewer skate boarding, foot battling turtles.

The good news is that Galen Walker, who produced the 2007 CGI big screen TMNT is onboard, at least they are keeping one element of success from the CGI TMNT film. Galen also produced 300. Mix the two elements together and you've got a live action hit.

Galen states: "The original dozen comics created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman are some of the best source material one could hope for."
Which is true, regarding all comics of the last 50 or so years. The CGI film I don't know just had that professional feel to it. It was how we wanted to see our turtle heroes on the big screen. A live action film would rock but only if it was done right. Hopefully the studio hits a home run. If this live action movie fails TMNT needs to go back to a CGI format.

Galen added further details stating that the film will remain true to the spirit of the original comics, and may use sinister sounding "face replacement technology", which allow's the turtles to be much more expressive and real.

The movie is scheduled for a 2011 release. This will be the fourth live-action film to star our pizza eating Heroes in a Half Shell, with their first movie hitting theaters all the way back in 1990.

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VenomIsOnMyRibs
VenomIsOnMyRibs - 4/23/2009, 8:08 AM
Awesome! loved the original live action movies when I was a kid. Should be really crazy with all the new technology thats come out since then. I'll be seeing this when it arrives.
WisconsinCharm
WisconsinCharm - 4/23/2009, 8:08 AM
I think the only one i really enjoyed was the first one. I can go back even now, watch it and keep it on without shutting it off. I doubt this new movie will be half as successful as the others. But who knows.
LastSon1027
LastSon1027 - 4/23/2009, 8:15 AM
HELLS YEAH SON! HELLS YEAH! I love those turtles!
Supermike
Supermike - 4/23/2009, 8:18 AM
Not a good idea they should stick to what made them popular
ItsNotASchooner
ItsNotASchooner - 4/23/2009, 8:20 AM
I am always ok with more Turtles. I had one of the original graphic novels when I was a kid and it kicked tons of ass. Very dark and mean. Also, they all wore red bandanas. It'd be nice if they make reference to that at some point.
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 4/23/2009, 8:21 AM
I liked the first movie..although its been years since i saw it. And i enjoyed the cgi one too. But why another [frick]ing reboot? We have to sit through the mutation, Splinter, Shredder, Meeting April Oneil, all that shit again! Man there are so many great stories in those comics..lets have Rat King or Leatherhead or even bring in the sci fi stuff
dizzle716
dizzle716 - 4/23/2009, 8:26 AM
@Supermike: So you're saying it should be an animated cartoon? Because that's what made them popular. And after that, was the live action movie, so is that what you're talking about?

I enjoyed the live action (as cheesy as it was). I am looking forward to this. Hopefully they don't follow the recent trend and try to make it a darker film. Keep with what works, keep it mostly light hearted, with a ton of action and some great stunts and fighting.
ThisFan
ThisFan - 4/23/2009, 8:27 AM
hell yes is right tmnt was good but live action is where its at
loganaspatch
loganaspatch - 4/23/2009, 8:27 AM
wow there rebooting the turtles:( well its proof i am officialy old :*(

i was in middle school when the first one came out
Stumblin
Stumblin - 4/23/2009, 8:39 AM
Loganaspatch, I was in elementary when it came out, so don't feel too bad.

I'm tired of this reboot crap. Not everything needs it. I really enjoyed the CGI movie, and hoped they'd stick with it. Like Rorschach01 said, I don't want to sit through another origin explanation about how they became who they are and meeting their allies and all.
skylarscar
skylarscar - 4/23/2009, 8:43 AM
I loved the first film, not so much the second and third. The first one had that dark feeling the comics had while still making it family friendly for the most part. The original comics were actually very violent and wouldn't be suggested for children. I also hope they make the turtles more like actual ninjas instead of just kinda showing up and fighting and not sneaking around. Some of those cartoon characters were pretty rad though, Beebop and Rocksteady FTW!
Pumchavas28
Pumchavas28 - 4/23/2009, 8:44 AM
@stumblin.. If it was a cartoon in the 80's & early 90's... It's going to get a Movie...

Lets see... What's left???

Duck Tales
Smurfs
Thundercats <--- Heard it might be in the works
Tales Spin
He-Man

Off Top of my head... I'm sure there are many, many more...
coqui1983
coqui1983 - 4/23/2009, 8:45 AM
@ everyone calling it a reboot (Rorschach01, loganaspatch, and Stumblin) it doesn't say anything about a reboot, it says its an "origins story" aka prequal kinda like wolverine. Also I think its about time they went back to live action, I for one couldn't stand the CGI I thought it was an insult 2 my childhood memories I loved the original live action movies.
Pumchavas28
Pumchavas28 - 4/23/2009, 8:50 AM
Coqui1983... The same thing could be said about the 2nd & 3rd movies...

Those 2 were awful... The 1st was "Radical" ;)
SGA
SGA - 4/23/2009, 8:51 AM
@ coqui. I hate when people say something different from what they remember, it somehow becomes a personal insult. It was different, so what. It was succesful. It had great character development, especially for a children's movie. Great action. One couldn't ask for more.

I grew up watching the original TMNT movies. I had bedsheets and everything. I was about 3 or 4 when I saw the first one, and I've loved them ever since. When I heard about the CG film, I was thrilled.

As much as I loved the CG movie. I would love to see them in live action again. With all the technology we have today, we could expect some of the best animatronics mixed w/ a few CG elements probably ever.

I'm stoked ^_^
Smolo
Smolo - 4/23/2009, 8:51 AM
@Superdud

Comics?
skylarscar
skylarscar - 4/23/2009, 8:53 AM
@ Rorschach01 and Stumblin, I know what you mean about not wanting to see the origin story again, but personally it would be nice to see a truly faithful interpretation of the comics with today's technology to avoid some of the awkward moments of the first film, like seeing splinter's puppeteer or the actor's faces when the ninja turtles opened their mouths too wide. That being said I'm sure the translation to film would not be as direct as I'd like, the franchise is nearly entirely youth directed and people like me who want to see them as something more than zany dorks who run in the front door instead of sneaking in undetected are stuck just having to enjoy whatever we're given.
coqui1983
coqui1983 - 4/23/2009, 8:59 AM
@SGA "I hate when people say something different from what they remember, it somehow becomes a personal insult." Huh? Lol can u pls clearify?
DarkAvengers
DarkAvengers - 4/23/2009, 9:03 AM
I was in 2nd grade when the first film came out. That was a pretty dark movie for its time.
SGA
SGA - 4/23/2009, 9:07 AM
What I mean is. When people don't like a new version of a movie, such as the CGI TMNT, just because it's different then what they remember, and they take it as a personal insult from the company...like you did. It really bugs the crap out of me.

I understand a love for movies, and the original material, but just because it's different is no reason to hate it.

That's just narrow minded.

There are things more important in life than a studio making a movie that is based on the same material, but is different than you remember. Especially when the new movie becomes a hit for a new generation to enjoy it too.
Spock
Spock - 4/23/2009, 9:15 AM
They should continue with the story line they all ready established, not go back and do a redo. Look out going Down.
SpiderBat209
SpiderBat209 - 4/23/2009, 9:22 AM
I LOVED the original 1990 film (didn't care for 2&3), LOVED the CGI film, and HELLA loved the B&W comics from back in the day! All Red Bandanas! HELL YEAH! I wanna see some kick @$$ live-action Martial Arts Fights! (PLEASE NO WIRE MATRIX-CROUCHING TIGER STUFF! IT'S NOT NECESSARY!)

I hope they go Dark "PG-13ish" for the Martial Arts Violence to be EXTREME! I'm ready to see my Turtle Homies lay the BEAT DOWN on some Foot Ninjas, again! STREET FIGHT! NO HOLDS BARRED! woot woot! :)
shibazz
shibazz - 4/23/2009, 9:25 AM
Cant wait for the "April O'niel " thread!!! I loved the "Old Man River " books! My first thought of April is Jessica Biel.
Jetsaholic
Jetsaholic - 4/23/2009, 9:28 AM
You know, I got that movie, the CGI version, for christmas, but I don't think I've seen it yet. I'll have to go and watch it now...
coqui1983
coqui1983 - 4/23/2009, 9:32 AM
@SGA its called an opinion (might wanna look it up) and no where did I say that the reason I didn't like it was because that's not what I "remember" I just simply didn't like the look or feel/tone of the movie that's it, it could've been a cartoon for all I care. So if my OPINION "bugs the crap out of u" then I'm sry but like I said that's MY personal opinion and also never did I say "hate" so pls don't put words in my mouth
soup3161
soup3161 - 4/23/2009, 9:38 AM
The CGI one sucked. What was up with the bad guys? Monsters? Really? For a movie franchise that proved that it could work in a real universe so well, that movie ruined everything. I didn't even mind the "going back in time" element in the third live-action movie. At least they weren't going into space and fighting aliens.

An origins movie is exactly what the turtles need to make up for that CGI travesty.

And why were they more like frogs than turtles? Anyone?
SGA
SGA - 4/23/2009, 9:38 AM

I can understand you having an opinion, but man, people these days are so drastic.

and you said you don't like it because it's what you don't remember when you said "I for one couldn't stand the CGI I thought it was an insult 2 my childhood memories"

and I'm not putting words in your mouth...it's called inference.
soup3161
soup3161 - 4/23/2009, 9:41 AM
I would say it was on par with Star Wars: Clone Wars. An insult to the real thing. A cheap knock-off that should have been for television and not for the big screen.
coqui1983
coqui1983 - 4/23/2009, 9:43 AM
@bobbyjones6969 I agree with u, finally someone who sees what I see
Talontd
Talontd - 4/23/2009, 9:46 AM
@SHIBAZZ - Good call!!! Biel would make a great April O'Neil!!!

I can't wait for a darker reboot of TMNT!!! That's how it was supposed to be. I loved (still love) the old live-action movies, but they weren't as dark as the comics.....this is great news!
coqui1983
coqui1983 - 4/23/2009, 9:49 AM
Quick question! Did everyone else get the muchies for pizza at the beggining of the first turtles movie? Or was that just me? Lol
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 4/23/2009, 10:12 AM
Cool Dude!!!! Cowabunga! : D ... Good news though don't need a ORIGINS??? Just carry it on!!! Make it as good or even a little darker than the original, an you got a winner!!!! CASEY JONES was my favorite thing about TMNT!!! Hope the new ones just as good, hell, i hope JONES is it it lol! Man couple of years time = CASEY JONES Spin off movie!!! Heh heh, i really don't know why they hav'nt already done one???? As for the CGI movie, it was alright but wasn't all that at all, infact is was a lil lame, damn it took me 3 times to just watch it all the way through! No, you can't beat LIVE ACTION! ; ) Me too @ COQUI1983 @ Lol.
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 4/23/2009, 10:23 AM
Trust me coqui1983 its a reboot. The Turtles origins are that they fall into ooze and mutate, get trained by Splinter and become ninjas. We have seen it already! They should just begin this one with them already knowing April and Casey Jones and all that..and just have Shredder team up with Rat King or Something. I wont mind if they take it a different direction and have it darker like the original comics..but if its the same old shit weve seen before then whats the point? The cgi movie already got todays kids interested (i think, or did it kinda bomb?), either way kids know who the Turtles are..so give us something we havnt seen!
ManThing
ManThing - 4/23/2009, 10:25 AM
lmao.... TMNT's "origins" are in a very good comic about Ninjas who also happened to be mutated turtles. It had loads of highly violent martial arts action, terrific art, and great stories.

The tv show and movies were nothing like them at all.
CRUSH
CRUSH - 4/23/2009, 10:31 AM
This just put a smile on my face.
coqui1983
coqui1983 - 4/23/2009, 10:42 AM
@Rorschach01 your right we did see it but that was just a flash back tho, wasn't really part of the movie, now I'm not saying it aint a reboot (still could be) but from what Is said in the article it seems like its just a prequal kinda like they did with star wars.
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