Live-Action ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Movie Adapting Dark Fan-Favorite Story Still in the Works Sources Confirm
Paramount Pictures is keeping the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise busy, with not just an animated sequel on the way, but also a live-action film based on one of the most popular and darkest stories in the Turtles’ history.
During their recent announcements about upcoming projects, Paramount confirmed that a sequel to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is already set for release on September 17, 2027. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg are returning as producers, and Jeff Rowe, Kyler Spears, and Yashar Kassai will direct. But for many fans, the bigger news is the live-action film that’s in the works, which appears to be an adaptation of The Last Ronin.
The Last Ronin is a five-issue comic book series published by IDW Publishing between 2020 and 2022. Written by Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz, from a story by Eastman and Peter Laird, it tells the tale of the last surviving Ninja Turtle in a bleak future.
In this world, his brothers have all been killed, and he sets out to avenge them by targeting the grandson of their longtime enemy, the Shredder. The story is separate from the main TMNT comic continuity and exists in its own universe, called the “Roninverse.” It was originally based on an outline Eastman and Laird came up with back in 1987, which was later updated with Waltz.
The comic was a massive success, winning praise for its darker tone, strong character work, and unique art style. It was followed by The Last Ronin – Lost Years and The Last Ronin II – Re-Evolution in 2023 and 2024. A video game is also in development, making it clear the story has become a fan favorite.
The live-action adaptation was officially announced by Paramount in April 2024. Walter Hamada, former head of DC Films, is producing the movie through his company 18hz. Known for his work on horror hits like The Conjuring and It, Hamada is bringing his experience with dark storytelling to the project. The film will be written by Tyler Burton Smith and will be rated R, staying true to the brutal tone of the comic.
Now Deadline reported that the movie is still in development, although they did not refer to it as the Last Ronin adaptation.
Last year, rumors started to swirl that James Wan was a top choice to direct. Wan, famous for creating horror franchises like Saw, The Conjuring, and Insidious, has the kind of background that could make him an ideal fit for the gritty, intense world of The Last Ronin.
No release date has been announced yet, but with the comic’s success and the talent involved, fans are keeping a close eye on this one. The Last Ronin might just become one of the most exciting live-action TMNT projects ever made.
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