Under new Skydance management, Paramount is leveraging one of its most beloved cross-generational IPs, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, with a Turtle-powered spin.
On Thursday, Paramount announced sweeping plans to expand the TMNT franchise through several ventures, including a major toy licensing partnership with Mattel, picture books for middle schoolers, novels for adults, a digital series for preschoolers, and themed pizzerias opening later this year in Santa Monica, Monterrey, Mexico, and São Paulo, Brazil.
The series of announcements indicates that the Skydance-owned company’s strategy is to build on the success of its 40-year-old IP, recently revitalized through the new feature film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, in an unprecedented Disney-like fashion with products, experiences and new content focused on multiple age groups.
Set to debut on YouTube later this year, Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles is envisioned as a 30-episode CG-animated series comprised of four-minute installments depicting the childhoods of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo.
In June, “The Last Ronin,” a complete novelization of the best-selling “TMNT” graphic novel, will be released by publisher Abrams and author Eric Burnham. Targeted specifically at adult “TMNT” fans, “The Last Ronin” centers on the only surviving Turtle who returns to New York City with a singular mission. His goal is to kill Oroku Hiroto, the leader of the Foot Clan, to avenge his family.
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Splinter’s Dojo” is an intermediate illustrated novel to be released by Scholastic in September. According to the new book’s description, “‘Splinter’s Dojo’ takes the Turtles into the most extreme middle school class.”
Paramount’s new TMNT toy partnership with Mattel begins in 2027 with product releases including action figures, playsets and accessories, vehicles, games, collectibles and role-play items. In addition, Mattel will be producing toys for Paramount related to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2, which will be released in 2027, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, an untitled live-action/CG animation hybrid film, which will be released in 2028.
These partnerships mark Paramount’s latest licensing agreement for the half-shell heroes created by comics creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. More recently, the franchise has partnered with Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering card game and developed the VR game Empire City.
In addition to Paramount’s own series plans, Fathom Entertainment, Saga Arts and Warner Bros. Pictures will re-release Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze in theaters nationwide for a week from March 13th to 19th in celebration of its 35th anniversary.
“‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ is full of action, humor and heart, demonstrating relationships that resonate with generations of fans around the world,” said Josh Silverman, President of Global Products and Experiences at Paramount. “Continuing the Turtles’ adventures through products and experiences allows consumers to embark on their own journeys. Whether it’s watching a movie, wearing a costume, playing with an action figure or reading a book, ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ is a popular choice for most franchises. Our new products continue the growth of this incredible asset and show new ways for audiences around the world of all ages to relate to these stories and characters. ”
