The Ultimate Guide to the Multiverse of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have become so iconic that each generation has their own representation of the popular franchise. Individuals of varying ages will have their own recollection of a specific TV show or movie when the mention of TMNT arises, as each viewer grew up with a distinct version. Whether it was the original cartoon, the later live-action films, or the more contemporary animated series, everyone has their own connection to these crime-fighting turtle brothers. It is possible that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, the latest movie featuring the beloved characters, will serve as someone's introduction to this immersive world.

As we witness the release of this latest TMNT installment, it is worth contemplating the numerous iterations and storylines that have unfolded over the years on both the small and big screens. The Turtles have been depicted through various animation styles and live-action adaptations, accompanied by different voices throughout their enduring history. This serves as an anthology highlighting the various depictions of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo that have been brought to life throughout the expansive timeline of TMNT.

Where Did The Ninja Turtles Come From?

How Many Versions of TMNT Are There?

The popular saga of crime-fighting anthropomorphic turtles proficient in ninjutsu, set in the bustling streets of New York City, originated as a comic book venture by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. Their intention was to cleverly satirize the prevalent conventions found in mainstream superhero comics during that period. The inaugural installment, released in 1984, soared to extraordinary success, prompting Eastman and Laird to subsequently license the characters for the production of action figures. To maximize the exposure of these action figures, an animated television series, known as the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles show, was developed and made its debut in 1987, ultimately entertaining viewers for almost a decade. While the comics harbored a moody and gritty atmosphere, the series adopted a more light-hearted approach, a delightful twist that endures as the Turtles' unique trademark style and sense of humor to this very day. Naturally, additional television shows, movies, and even video game adaptations emerged, and this extraordinary franchise has managed to maintain its fervor and vitality for nearly four decades.

After the original comics series and the first TV show that aired from 1987 to 1996, what followed? Capitalizing on the immense popularity of the original TMNT show, a 1990 live-action film titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was released. It garnered significant success and became known for its slightly campy nature and the use of puppet costumes for the Turtles. This movie's triumph led to the creation of two sequels: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1992) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3 (1993). In 1997, the TV show was rebooted with Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation, a live-action series that loosely continued where the movies left off. However, this show did not achieve the same level of success as its predecessors.

The release of the TV show Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 2003 marked the next adaptation of the TMNT franchise. This series served as a reboot of the original 1987 cartoon, but with a slightly less silly tone. Running until 2009, it maintained the overall tone and style of the original while featuring different animation. In 2007, TMNT, a CGI animated film, was released and has since gained a cult following. It is considered canon with the previous live-action movies and is cherished by many fans despite its flaws. Another reboot of the show occurred in 2012 with the series also titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. While not as cherished as the original cartoon, it is widely hailed as one of the best adaptations, boasting a solid storyline.

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What Is The Newest TMNT Movie About?

Michael Bay directed two live-action movies, namely Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016), as part of another attempt to bring the beloved franchise to life. However, these movies sparked controversy due to the CGI Turtles' design, which left many fans dissatisfied and even creeped out. Following these movies, Rise of the TMNT aired from 2018-2020, introducing a unique animation style that catered more towards younger audiences rather than the entire fanbase. And now, there's even a new TMNT entry that has recently hit theaters.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a new iteration that portrays the four brothers' pursuit of leading regular lives in NYC, seeking acceptance as ordinary teenagers after being secluded from the human world. Their path crosses with April O'Neil, a newfound companion, as they unite forces to track down a clandestine criminal organization. However, their mission becomes perilous when they confront an uprising army of mutants. This particular adaptation ventures into the "teenage" aspect of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, presenting the Turtles as authentic teenagers. This fresh approach distinguishes it from previous versions, which often depicted the characters as more mature individuals rather than youthful ones. The esteemed voice cast of Mutant Mayhem includes Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, and Brady Noon as the Turtles, along with Ayo Edibiri, Maya Rudolph, Jackie Chan, John Cena, and many more.