Convention - SDCC 2023 : A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Panel

By Mulder, San Diego, Convention Center, 20 july 2023

Cowabunga! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles took center stage at San Diego Comic-Con 2023, leaving the sewers of New York City behind and bringing their mutant mayhem to the fans. The panel for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhe" was a highly-anticipated event, featuring director Jeff Rowe and original co-creator Kevin Eastman. The duo delighted a packed Hall H with exciting insights into the upcoming film, a sneak peek of over 20 minutes of thrilling footage, and a deeper exploration of the franchise's legacy.

The panel opened with a bang as fans were treated to a special preview of the animated film. The footage showcased the Turtles in action, blending their iconic personalities with a fresh and stylized animation approach. The opening scene humorously defied expectations, as the Turtles geared up for what seemed like a high-stakes mission, only to reveal that their mission was a comical grocery shopping endeavor.

Transitioning from lighthearted moments, the film delved into the Turtles' longing for acceptance in the human world. This emotional depth was juxtaposed with their comedic antics, culminating in a rooftop target practice session and an encounter with the vivacious April O'Neil.

Director Jeff Rowe, known for his work on Gravity Falls and The Mitchells vs. The Machines, explained his creative vision for the film. Rowe emphasized the teenage aspect of the Turtles, both in their character voices and in the animation style. The animation drew inspiration from the original Playmates Toys, reflecting a gritty and unconventional look that harkened back to the franchise's early days.

Co-creator Kevin Eastman graced the stage, expressing his genuine pride in the film and the creative team's efforts. The affectionate exchange between Rowe and Eastman underscored the passion and dedication that went into bringing the Turtles to a new generation of fans.

One of the most exciting moments came with a special announcement from Kevin Eastman. Nickelodeon and Paramount secured the rights to air the original 1980s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series, promising a nostalgic treat for longtime fans and a chance for new audiences to experience the Turtles' earliest adventures.

The footage unveiled a riveting narrative, intertwining the Turtles' journey of self-discovery with the emergence of a formidable antagonist, Superfly. As the Turtles grappled with their mutant identities and the challenges of acceptance, Superfly's ominous presence introduced a layer of mystery and danger that would shape their destiny.

Superfly's revelation as a creation of the enigmatic Baxter Stockman, and his rallying of a mutant crew, including iconic characters like Bebop, Rocksteady, Leatherhead, and more, set the stage for an epic clash between mutants. The Turtles found themselves torn between defending humanity and embracing their own mutant heritage.

The panel left fans buzzing with excitement and anticipation for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, a film that promises to capture the essence of the beloved franchise while charting new territory with its compelling story and unique animation style. As the Turtles prepare to leap onto the big screen once again on August 2, 2023, fans can't wait to join Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael on a mutant-filled adventure like never before. 

You can discover the official photos of this panel in our Flickr page

Synopsis : 
After years away from the human world, the Turtle Brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic deeds. Their new friend April O'Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they find themselves in over their heads when an army of mutants deploys against them.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Directed by Jeff Rowe
Screenplay by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Jeff Rowe, Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit
Story by Brendan O'Brien, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Jeff Rowe
Based on Characters by Peter Laird, Kevin Eastman
Produced by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver
Starring (US) : Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Hannibal Buress, Rose Byrne, Nicolas Cantu, John Cena, Jackie Chan, Ice Cube, Natasia Demetriou, Ayo Edebiri, Giancarlo Esposito, Post Malone, Brady Noon, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Maya Rudolph
Starring (FR) : Jean-Stan du Pac, Kylian Trouillard, Aloïs Agaësse-Mahieu, Arthur Raynal, Gérard Darmon, Jaynelia Coadou, Sofiane Zermani, Audrey Lamy, Monsieur Poulpe, Marc-Antoine Le Bret, Jérôme Niel, Alison Wheeler
Edited by Greg Levitan
Music by Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Production companies, Nickelodeon Movies, Point Grey Pictures
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release dates : June 12, 2023 (Annecy), August 2, 2023 (United States), August 9 2023 (France)
Running time :100 minutes

Video : Jeremy Wilson / Mulderville
Photos : Copyright Getty Images for Paramount Pictures