Creator Seth Rogen talks about from being a huge fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise since he was a kid and about getting an opportunity to create the latest chapter in the franchise
Seth Rogen, a fervent Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) enthusiast since his childhood days, has now been granted a remarkable opportunity to shape the latest installment within the TMNT universe.
Scheduled for its Indian release on August 25, in both English and Hindi by Paramount Pictures , “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” directed by Jeff Rowe and with a compelling storyline crafted by Seth Rogen, unveils a narrative that revolves around the Turtle siblings’ endeavor to capture the affections of New Yorkers. After a prolonged period of seclusion from the human realm, they aspire to secure recognition as ordinary adolescents through valiant acts. With the aid of their newfound ally, April O’Neil, they confront an enigmatic criminal syndicate. However, their circumstances swiftly escalate as they find themselves entangled in a predicament involving a relentless onslaught of mutant adversaries.
For Seth Rogen, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles left an indelible impression at a tender age. He recounts, “The animated series came out in 1987, when I was five. The first movie came out in 1990, when I was eight. It was perfectly geared toward someone my age and I loved it. They were funny. They were referential. I started taking karate probably because of the Turtles. I was just kind of obsessed.”
Rogen’s affinity was not solitary. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been captivating audiences across generations for years. The saga of four sibling turtles – Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello – metamorphosed into witty mutants following their exposure to a mysterious neon ‘ooze.’ This concept has spurred an enduring comic book series, popular animated shows, an extensive toy range, numerous video games, and six cinematic renditions, collectively accumulating over $1.7 billion in global box office revenue.
However, not every ardent admirer is presented with the opportunity to craft the next chapter in the saga of their cherished characters. Yet, when Brian Robbins, President and CEO of Paramount and Nickelodeon, reached out to Rogen regarding the prospect of crafting a new TMNT film, Rogen was already armed with a clear vision.
He further adds, “It’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Of all those words, the teenage part was the most under-explored, and the most interesting to me.” And that is how Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem began.” Rogen saw in it a Turtles movie made with a genuine teen spirit – breaking all the rules, ripping up the playbook and doing everything on its own terms. A film made with the same anarchic panache that led to their creation 40 years ago.”
In addition to featuring Seth Rogen’s distinctive voice as Bebop, the film also showcases vocal performances by Jackie Chan, John Cena, Post Malone, Paul Rudd, Brady Noon, and Maya Rudolph.