TMNT Film Series Future Uncertain After Sequel Cancelation

The future of a particular TMNT film series remains uncertain.

Mutant Mayhem is the only TMNT film series currently in play, with its big-screen follow-up scheduled to release in theaters on September 17, 2027.

However, it was initially set for release later this year. While pushbacks happen all the time, between that delay and some recent cancelations, the upcoming sequel might be in trouble.

The Turtles battling giant Superfly in New York in 'Mutant Mayhem' — Credit: Nickelodeon Movies / Paramount Pictures

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — Canceled

Last year, Paramount announced it had canceled Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mutant Mayhem‘s 2D animated companion series, after two seasons.

Reasons for its cancelation remain unclear, but historically, TMNT cartoons have enjoyed longer shelf lives: the 1987 series was a pop culture phenomenon that lasted nine years; the 2003 reboot series ran until 2009; and the 3D animated series from 2012 ran for five years.

Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.) reaching out for help during the car crash in 'Mutant Mayhem' — Credit: Paramount Animation / Nickelodeon Movies

Related: Brutal ‘Ninja Turtles’ Actioner Geared Towards Adults Gets First Trailer

TMNT: The Last Ronin — Canceled

Following that news, Paramount dropped an even bigger bombshell (no pun intended): it had also shelved the highly anticipated film adaptation of The Last Ronin comic book series.

At the same time the studio revealed it had canceled the R-rated project in favor of a family-friendly, CG/live-action reboot similar to the Sonic the Hedgehog films.

IDW Publishing's 'TMNT: The Last Ronin' — Credit: Inside the Magic

Untitled TMNT Reboot in the Works

The untitled project has since been given the release date of November 17, 2028.

It will be produced by Neal H. Moritz, known for his work on Paramount’s successful Fast & Furious and Sonic the Hedgehog franchises.

Sonic the Hedgehog cheering in a truck — Credit: Paramount Pictures

Will Paramount Cancel Mutant Mayhem 2?

But what does this mean for Mutant Mayhem 2? While the film is still scheduled for release, there’s every chance, especially looking at all these recent TMNT project cancelations, that the sequel could also be shelved.

With that said, the first film was a critically acclaimed box-office hit in 2023, grossing $180.5 million worldwide against its $70 million budget.

The Mutant Mayhem short film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey, was also released over Christmas last year alongside Paramount’s The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, another positive sign the studio probably has no intention whatsoever of side-lining the second film.

Also, Jeff Rowe, the director of Mutant Mayhem and the 2027 sequel, said in a recent interview with io9 that he doesn’t think the 2028 reboot will negatively impact his film.

“No one’s called me and told me anything yet,” he said.

“It seems like we’re moving into a world where maybe multiple things can coexist. And, you know, there was a time when there were live-action Spider-Man movies being made at the same time as Spider-Verse. I love these characters and welcome as many takes on the franchise as people are willing to put out there.”

For now, two TMNT movies remain locked in: Mutant Mayhem 2 in September 2027 and the untitled live-action reboot in November 2028.

What do you think about the current state of TMNT in film? Are you disappointed The Last Ronin was canceled? Or are you excited we’re getting another family-friendly reboot? Share your thoughts with us down below!