By Chad W. Shreeves

For decades the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has long been considered one of the biggest children’s entertainment brands, netting in billions in toy sales and their various film and TV versions. Now, Paramount is looking to court those adults who grew up with them.

As reported earlier today in The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount has begun developing a new film in the franchise based on the comic hit The Last Ronin. This comic, which featured a dystopian future where Splinter and all the turtles are killed off, features a lone turtle fighting back for revenge. It’s being described as a live action feature with a gritty, R rated feel.

It’s a very far departure for any of the franchise’s titles, which tend to stick to the PG ratings to appeal to children. Even the two critically panned Michael Bay-produced films barely managed to get to the PG-13 ratings. It will be a question on how Paramount can successfully market it to avoid confused parents rushing their kids out of the film.

If this sounds familiar, it’s also because a video game based on The Last Ronin storyline is also reportedly in the works. The graphic novel has gone on to be one of the highest rated and best selling Ninja Turtles books in years.

Former DC Films Chief Walter Hamada will be producing the film for Paramount under his 18hz films banner. Prior to his tenure at the doomed DC, he was well beloved for sheparding New Line and their highly successful horror franchises such as IT and The Conjuring universe films.

Tyler Burton Smith, who penned the script for this month’s Boy Kills World, has been brought on to write. He also wrote the 2019 reboot for Child’s Play.

The sequel to last year’s Mutant Mayhem, a well reviewed entry that audiences and critics adored, is still on the way. It is on track for a 2026 release date.

As of now, no director or actors have signed on for the project. No release date was given as the film seems to be in early development.

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