Everything you need to know about the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles R-Rated live-action movie. We bring you the latest news and updates
Last updated: 31st August 2025
There’s not one person who hasn’t heard of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Your initiation began with either the comics or the late ‘80s animated series. We’ve all had some exposure to the crime fighting foursome, including our parents.
As superhero movies grow in popularity, so too have the radical pizza eating group; and in 2026, Paramount Pictures will introduce a new chapter of their New York City journey. Just as the original movie introduced the gang to a fresh set of viewers, so too could The Last Ronin.
Comic-book Adaptation
Next year, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s characters will see an adaptation of the much-loved IDW comic series ‘The Last Ronin,’ which follows the half-shell warriors in a dystopian world.
The Plot
The story is set in a futuristic and oppressive NYC ruled by Oroku Hiroto, the grandson of Shredder. The story differs from conventional arcs, in that the protagonist, Michelangelo, seeks revenge for the murder of his three brothers and father at the hands of his army.
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That means three of the turtles and Splinter are noticeably absent from the picture. At best, we can expect flashbacks.
The future NYC is governed under the laws of the Hiroto clan, maintained by cyborgs, AI using martial law and the restriction of free speech.
Is It Live-Action?
Yes, the film will be a live-action adaptation, and despite its unique story, there’s another surprise for fans. To remain faithful to the graphic novel, it will be an R-rated (18) movie.
This will come as a shock to those familiar with the 1980s TMNT animation, given most adaptations have been PG rated. But hardcore fans of the franchise will know that the comic-books are set in a darker, more violent world.
Will The Film Use CGI or Practical costumes?
Due to its gritty storytelling, there is speculation that production will make use of practical costumes rather than the less than well received CGI iteration from the ‘Bayverse.’
This makes more sense as it will cut production times, creating a more realistic world faithful to the source material.
Who Is Directing It?
At present, no director is attached and the project’s lead is none other than former head of DC Films, Walter Hamada (The Batman, Blue Beetle, The Suicide Squad). However, there are unconfirmed rumours that Saw director James Wan is in talks to take the helm. As part of a deal struck with Paramount and his own 18Hz production house, the screenplay will be written by Tyler Burton Smith (Child’s Play, Boy Kills World).
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The release date was scheduled for a late 2026 reveal, but this has now been scrubbed from media platforms. This leaves two possible scenarios: the production will be rushed, or a preferable outcome: a delay to the film’s release. As of May 2025, details about the production are still lacking, meaning we could face more delays, possibly until 2027.
Merchandise And Video Games Are Also On The Way
Doug Rosen, head of Paramount Global games division announced this time last year, that a third-person style videogame for The Last Ronin is in development.
There are already several iterations of action figures thanks to NECA Toys. Adapted from the graphic novel, their attention to detail and accuracy is great, and leaves the door open to more collectibles following the film’s release.
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