Director Jeff Rowe of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem has addressed concerns about the newly announced live-action TMNT reboot affecting his upcoming sequel. In a recent interview, Rowe expressed confidence that the projects can coexist without interference. The sequel remains on track for a 2027 release despite the franchise's shifting directions.
Background on the TMNT Reboot
Following the merger of Paramount and Skydance, the studio has confirmed plans for a new live-action/CGI hybrid Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, aiming to revitalize the franchise in a style similar to the Sonic the Hedgehog movies. This development has sidelined the previously announced adaptation of the mature IDW comic series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin. The reboot's announcement has raised questions about its potential overlap with existing TMNT projects, including the animated sequel to 2023's Mutant Mayhem.
Rowe's Perspective on Coexistence
In an interview with io9, Jeff Rowe stated he has not been informed of any changes to his sequel. "No one’s called me and told me anything yet," Rowe said. He drew parallels to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's live-action Spider-Man films running alongside Sony's animated Spider-Verse series, suggesting multiple interpretations of the characters can thrive. "It seems like we’re moving into a world where maybe multiple things can coexist... I love these characters and welcome as many takes on the franchise as people are willing to put out there."
Sequel and Tie-In Updates
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2, delayed in May from October 9, 2026, to September 17, 2027, will focus on a villain-forward story featuring Shredder. Rowe described Shredder as "an iconic, classic, loved character... like the Joker," emphasizing his role in combating the Turtles after a tease in the first film's end-credits stinger involving Cynthia Utrom.
The tie-in Paramount+ series Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will conclude after its second season, originally planned for four but adjusted due to the film's delay. Despite Mutant Mayhem's modest box office, merchandise sales were strong, leading to the short film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey, playing in theaters December 19 before The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. Rowe noted animation on the sequel is progressing, with full animation expected by mid-2026.
