R-Rated TMNT Movie Based On The Last Ronin In The Works

Springboarding off the success of last summer's TMNT: Mutant Mayhem, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are hitting the screen again, and in live-action once more. This story isn't full of teenage antics but full-blown revenge as THR is reporting the production will be based on the best-selling comic book series The Last Ronin. The Last Ronin takes place in the far alternate future wherein the last remaining turtle, Michaelangelo, seeks to avenge his brothers' death by killing the Shredder's grandson.

Tyler Burton Smith, who co-wrote the upcoming R-rated action movie Boy Kills World and wrote the 2019's Child’s Play, is writing the script, while former head of DC Films Walter Hamada is producing through his 18hz production company. Hamada's 18hz banner is focused on making features in the horror genre, which he helped bring to prominence at Warner Bros with the Conjuring Universe. Hamada producing is part of a multi-film deal with Paramount.

The comic was teased back in December 2019 with just the title revealed and a mid-2020 release date. Teenage Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman later revealed the story was based on an old story outline written by himself and fellow co-creator Peter Laird back in 1987, before he updated it with writer Tom Waltz.

While Laird did not write the mini-series, he is credited with the story behind it along with Eastman and Waltz. Green Lantern and Batgirl artist Andy Kuhn was set to be the original artist for the series, before being replaced with brothers Esau and Isaac Escorza. Fan-favorite turtles artist Ben Bishop joined the project to illustrate the flashback sequences. The book spawned its universe aptly dubbed the Roninverse and released a sequel late last year.

The first Turtles live-action movie from New Line in 1990 became a box-office earning more than $200 million on a $13 million budget. The movie pulled inspiration from the comics rather than the kid-friendly and toned-down cartoon, which was more in line with the two following sequels.

A sequel to Mutant Mayhem was greenlit and is scheduled for release on October 9, 2026.