Expansion of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Franchise

Paramount Skydance has announced the upcoming release of a new CG-animated series titled *Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles*, aimed specifically at preschool audiences. Set to debut on YouTube later this year, the series will consist of 30 episodes, each lasting approximately four minutes. This new installment will showcase Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo during their childhood, focusing on their early adventures as ninjas-in-training. This strategic move aligns with a broader trend in children's media, where companies like Disney have successfully targeted preschool demographics with franchises such as *Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures* and *Spidey and his Amazing Friends*.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Getting New Animated Series That Continues a Major Trend

In addition to the animated series, Paramount has outlined several initiatives to expand the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brand. This includes the release of *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splinter’s Dojo*, an illustrated novel aimed at middle school readers, scheduled for September. Furthermore, an adult novel adaptation of the graphic novel *The Last Ronin* is set to be released in June. Paramount has also entered a multi-year partnership with Mattel for TMNT-themed toys and plans to open TMNT-themed pizzerias in Santa Monica, California; Monterrey, Mexico; and São Paulo, Brazil.

The WrapTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Getting New Animated Series That Continues a Major Trend

Since its inception in 1984 by creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has evolved into a global phenomenon, encompassing comic books, animated series, films, and a wide array of consumer products. The franchise has generated billions in retail sales and has had a significant cultural impact, resonating with multiple generations of fans. Josh Silverman, Paramount's president of global products and experiences, emphasized the franchise's enduring appeal, stating, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is full of action, humor and heart, and showcases relationships that have resonated with generations of fans worldwide.”

The WrapTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Getting New Animated Series That Continues a Major Trend

Despite the excitement surrounding the new series and related projects, the franchise has faced challenges. The previous animated series, *Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles*, was canceled following the merger of Paramount Skydance, despite having been renewed prior to the merger. Additionally, an R-rated film adaptation of *The Last Ronin* was recently scrapped, and there has been no recent update on a long-anticipated video game adaptation of the same title.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Getting New Animated Series That Continues a Major Trend

As the franchise continues to expand, upcoming projects include the *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splinter’s Dojo* novel and the *Last Ronin* adaptation. The strategic focus on preschool content through *Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles* reflects a broader industry trend and aims to engage younger audiences with the beloved characters.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Getting New Animated Series That Continues a Major TrendThe Wrap

• “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is full of action, humor and heart, and showcases relationships that have resonated with generations of fans worldwide.” — Josh Silverman, President of Global Products and Experiences, Paramount Skydance.

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