'Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles' Series Announced

 

There's a long tradition of shows featuring younger versions of beloved characters. Think Muppet Babies, Baby Looney Tunes and heck, even Young Sheldon. The latest franchise to get such a spin-off is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles is a CG-animated series aimed at a preschool audience. Set to launch on YouTube later this year, the 30-episode series will focus on the childhood years of the Ninja Turtles.

This is the latest in a series of short-form content from the franchise, that has previously included The Summer Shorts, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 and the recently cancelled Tales Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

This was announced as part of Paramount's sweeping plans for the franchise, which include a major toy licensing deal with Mattel, an illustrated novel for middle-schoolers, an adult novel and themed pizzerias opening in Santa Monica, Monterrey, Mexico and Sao Paulo, Brazil later this year. 

In June, a full novelisation of the successful TMNT graphic novel The Last Ronin is set to be released. Adapted by Erik Burnham and published by Abrams, the novel tells the story of the last remaining turtle who returns to New York City to avenge his brothers by slaying the head of The Foot Clan. The comic is famously dark and gritty, so hopefully the novel will do a good job of capturing the tone.

Launching in September is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splinter's Dojo, an illustrated middle-grade novel from Scholastic. According to the synopsis, it takes the turtles to "the most radical middle-school around."

Paramount's partnership with Mattel will start in 2027. It will see the release of action figures, playsets, accessories, vehicles, role-playing items, collectables, and more products. Additionally, Mattel will release products tied in with 2027's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2 and with the untitled live-action/animation hybrid feature due out in 2028.

Outside of the Paramount deal, Fathom Entertainment, Saga Arts and Warner Bros. Pictures will re-release Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret Of The Ooze, in cinemas across the US for one week only, to celebrate its 35th Anniversary.

“‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ is full of action, humour, and heart, and showcases relationships that have resonated with generations of fans worldwide,” Paramount president of global products and experiences Josh Silverman said. “Continuing the Turtles’ adventures through products and experiences enables consumers to embark on their own journey. Whether it’s watching a movie, wearing a costume, playing with action figures or reading a book, ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ has made an impact not only on people’s lives but on pop culture in ways that few franchises can claim. Our new offerings continue the growth of this incredible property and demonstrate new ways for global audiences of all ages to relate to these stories and characters.”

[source]