Kevin Eastman, the co-creator of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has confirmed the July rumors that a live action reboot of “the heroes in a half shell” are in the heavy talks phase at Imagi and Warner Bros.
Speaking to HeavyMetal.com, Eastman said…
Yes, it is true. Although the CGI film did well enough to warrent a sequel, there has been much talk between Imagi and Warners to do a better “re-invention” (newest Hollywood buzzword) of the TMNT’s, in a live action film–like what was done with Batman. Back to basics, back to the origin and the intro of the Shredder, etc…there have been talks, trips to Northampton to talk to Mr Laird, and discussions with the original “first” TMNT film director Steve Barron to come back and do it right–but no official word yet…will keep you posted. Best, Kevin
Irish director Steve Barron did a terrific job considering his resources with the original film and I always enjoyed how he grounded the series into reality and created one hell of a underworld atmosphere. It was funny too, laidback and highly watchable. Or at least that’s how I remember it in my head.
Since the original 1990 release, Barron has gone on on to direct the Dan Ackroyd comedy Coneheads, that really bad live action Pinocchio movie with Martin Landau and the very pedestrian Mike Bassett: England Manager.
I never did see that animated movie from last year but it made some good money, something this franchise has continually done time and time again. I’m happy to see it live action and for adults… hell I wanted that the first time around.
source – coming soon
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4 Comments
I think it’s kinda funny. First, they try making a live-action film, but no one would do it because it was too expensive. Then, they did it with animation and tried to get a tone closer to the comics kinda like the 1st film and not the 2nd or 3rd ones which some older fans didn’t see because it wasn’t in live-ation. Now, they want to do a live-action film that’s more closer to the comics than any of the other films. Probably because of how well TDK was.
In a way it’s kind of sad. More time and energy being wasted on this silly property. Back to basics? Lets kill a half hour explaining where the nuclear goo came from, groan. I agree there is an audience, but this retread will be at the expense of something fresh. The core audience for TMNT is always going to be 11 year old boys. I think I was 11 when I saw the first live action movie in the theatre. If you go too dark you lose your base. This isn’t Batman.
Well, there are going back to the basics if they are going to base it on the original comics which weren’t really for kids…
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/one/pg01.htm
I wouldn’t be surprised if TDK’s success was a factor in WB’s interest of maybe making a more serious/dark/intense TMNT film. Much like how they want to go as dark as their character are allowed for the DC based films.
this is the best news ever..
I am big Turtle fan anf i know many of my friends really looking forward too a new movie, and we have talked about since 1994 about a new tmnt movie.. and like the old movies remake them like they do with the batman, it could go very cool and nice..
im looking forward to it and hope it go through..
From a big Turtle fan..