Tag: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Watch Leonardo’s Trailer For ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows’

by Derek Kraneveldt

I’ll be damned. This game looks to be coming together very nicely.

Viacom has unveiled a new character trailer for the upcoming downloadable title, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. The game is set to release for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC in August, and is based on the original Turtles comics, rather than any of the recent television adaptations.

The game looks much darker than any of the mediocre Turtles’ games from the past few years, and the gameplay looks very solid. Arguably, we haven’t had a great TMNT game since the Super Nintendo days, so Out of the Shadows could be a welcome change to that trend.

Take a look at Leondardo’s trailer below, and let us know if you’re looking forward to the game!

William Fichtner Confirms His ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Role!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Back in May, William Fichtner joined the Michael Bay produced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in an unspecified, yet ‘iconic’ role. Seeing as the turtles had already been cast, and Fichtner doesn’t really fit the Master Splinter look, it was assumed that the actor would be playing Shredder in the film.

In an interview with the Huffington Post, Fichtner has confirmed our speculation:

I play Shredder. It is cool. It’s one of those things that came along where I thought, “Really? Let me think about this for a minute.” [Laughs] Then I was like, “Yeah, OK, this sounds like a journey.” I’m very glad that it worked out, I’m really glad that I’m doing it.

Fichtner is a pretty phenomenal actor, and I’m really looking forward to seeing his Shredder portrayal. What do you think of the casting choice? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is set to hit theatres on June 6th, 2014.

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Source: Huffington Post

William Fichtner Joins ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Has Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles found its Shredder?

Deadline has learned that William Fichtner has joined the cast of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. His character has not been revealed, but Fichtner will play a “lead with iconic stature in the Turtles’ mythology”.

Now, the turtles themselves, as well as Splinter, have all already been cast. Will Arnett is playing April O’Neil’s (Megan Fox) camera man, meaning that the film doesn’t yet have a villain! I think that Fichtner looks a little old to be playing Casey Jones, so could he be stepping into Shredder’s shoes?

Nothing has been confirmed yet, but as soon as Fichtner’s character is officially revealed, we’ll let you know! Would you like to see William in the role?

Fichtner

Source: Deadline

First Photos Of Megan Fox As April O’Neil In ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Love it or hate it, a contemporary, hyper-stylized take on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is coming. Principal photography of the Jonathan Liebesman directed, Michael Bay produced picture is currently underway, and the first set photos of Megan Fox as April O’Neil have made their way online.

I don’t know if a single soul expected otherwise, but… she doesn’t really look like April O’Neil. Then again, does she really need to, starring in a reboot and all?

In any case, take a look at the first set photos of Megan Fox as April O’Neil below, and let us know what you think! Head over to TheDailyMail for plenty of other images, including some trampoline-jumping action (if you’re into that kind of thing).

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Source: TheDailyMail

Michael Bay Talks ‘Transformers 4’ And Confirms The New Ninja Turtles Won’t Be Aliens

by Shawn Madden

Michael Bay is currently doing the press rounds for Pain & Gain and during an interview with Moviefone also discussed two of his upcoming projects as well. A rumor spread a short while back that the upcoming Jonathan Liebesman directed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot, which Bay is producing, would see the four main characters re-invented as an alien race. During the interview Bay commented on the rumor and explained just what exactly is going to be alien in the film:

There was that quote saying that we’re making [the Ninja Turtles as] aliens. We’re not. It’s the ooze! It’s from the original source material. These are from the original writers, and I never went out to correct myself in the press. I do listen to the fans and I do want this to be authentic. I think they’re going to be really happy with this movie. When I see the digital stuff, the turtles look great. But I’m getting away from your question. Your question was…

Bay then switched gears to Transformers 4 and spoke about starting the franchise as well as protecting the brand:

See, I was not a fan of Transformers [at first]. Hasbro was talking about giving me a whole Transformers story, and I’m like, “If I can do this really real. If I can make them believable, I think I could have something here.” I’m not a Hollywood guy. My friends are normal guys. I’ve got this guy from Texas. He’s like, “Mike, that “Transformers” [movie] seems like a dumb idea.” And I’m like, “Yeah, I know, but just give it a second.” And then I showed him the shot of the Scorponoks jumping out of the sand with Tyrese [Gibson] running. He saw that image and he went, “I see what you’re doing.” You’ll always have haters, but the last movie? One-hundred-twenty million people saw that movie. There’s still a lot of fans of that franchise. And I’m a huge Transformers fan now, and I protect that brand.

On what Bay set out to do with the films and the fanboy backlash:

[The film] was also to make non-Transformer fans into Transformer fans. I think it was good coming from that perspective that it wasn’t a “fanboy” movie.

Bay then discussed “re-designing” the franchise for the next trilogy and keeping things fresh:

You know there are a couple of historians of Transformers. I would do my designs of the robots and they’re like, “What if you just add a little bit more ears to Optimus?” But they’re really hands off. We’ve redesigned them in “Transformers 4,” and there’s some really cool sh*t in it. I’m literally redesigning every character, top to bottom. There’s a reason why they’re redesigned, but it’s also to keep it new and fresh to me. I think the fans will appreciate some of this new stuff we have in the movie and some of the new characters.

On what made him want to return for the fourth film after saying the third was his last:

Yeah, and this is literally a true story. I went to the [Transformers] ride in Universal, and there’s a two-and-a-half-hour line, and you just see all these kids — it’s the most popular ride they’ve had since Jurassic Park — and I’m like… It’s hard to let go of your franchise. You don’t want someone to f*ck it up. So I at least wanted to set it up on some good footing. Because you’re going to get a different kind of director [who is] not going to want to follow in my footsteps. Directors feel very territorial. So they’re going to go to a more inexperienced director. It’s just the way Hollywood works. And I’m thinking, “God, so I’ll redesign it, set it up… Someone’s gonna f*ck this up. This is way too big of a thing.” And I’m looking at all these kids and I’m like, “F*ck, I gotta do one more.” And then I brought Mark [Wahlberg] into it. So now we’ve got a movie star, we’ve got full redesigns. At least it’ll be on good footing.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is set to hit theaters set to hit theaters June 6th, 2014 with Transformers 4 set to follow on June 14, 2014.

Source: Moviefone

Paramount Confirms ‘Ninja Turtles’ Title Changed To ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’

by Shawn Madden

Michael Bay and Jonathan Liebesman’s upcoming reboot of the franchise has already received plenty of criticisms from the online community. These initially came about from the leaking of a not-so-great script for the film (which I can confirm from a source close to production is definitely not the script that is being used) and a not-so-popular title for the film.

Well, the script for the film has been rewritten by Snow White And The Huntsman scribe Evan Daugherty and the title has been officially changed to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. A logo for the film was revealed by Paramount Pictures during their CinemaCon presentation which confirmed the title change. The upcoming film is currently in production and stars Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Danny Woodburn, Alan Ritchson, Pete Ploszek, Jeremy Howard and Noel Fisher.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is set to hit theaters June 6th, 2014.

Source: TMNT Lair

Danny Woodburn Cast As Master Splinter In Paramount’s ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’

by Shawn Madden

We’ve learned a majority of the cast for the upcoming Jonathan Liebesman directed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot already. However, the cast of the film continues to grow and it has been revealed that Danny Woodburn, who you may know best from his appearances as Mickey Abbott on Seinfeld and in Watchmen, has joined the film’s cast as Master Splinter. Woodburn will join the rest of the cast and play the mentor and teacher of the four turtles in the upcoming Michael Bay produced live action/motion capture film.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is set to hit theaters June 6th, 2014.

Source: Deadline

Leonardo, Donatello And Michaelangelo Cast In Paramount’s ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’

by Shawn Madden

Just last week we learned that actor Alan Ritchson had been cast in Paramount’s upcoming  reboot of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. The film, which will be produced by Michael Bay (Transformers) and directed by Jonathan Liebesman (Wrath Of The Titans), has now cast the remaining turtles as well.
  
Ellis
 
 

Pete Ploszek (Parks And Recreation) has been cast as Leonardo, Jeremy Howard (Galaxy Quest) as Donatello, and Noel Fisher (Battle: Los Angeles) as Michaelangelo. These three will join Ritchson and Megan Fox in the upcoming film, which is also looking to cast it’s Shredder very soon as well. Too bad Ken Watanbe is currently busy with Legendary’s Godzilla at the moment. Unlike the original films, this new one will bring the turtles to life via motion capture rather than body suits. Production is set to begin on the film next month, so expect to learn the remainder of the cast very soon.

 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is set to hit theaters June 6th, 2014.

 

Source: Deadline

Alan Ritchson Cast As Raphael In Paramount’s ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’

by Shawn Madden

Casting is currently on Paramount and Platinum Dunes upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Not long ago we had learned that Megan Fox has joined the cast of the Jonathon Liebesman directed live-action/CGI reboot of the franchise as April O’Neil and now they’ve begun casting the film’s turtles. Alan Ritchson, who will be appearing in the upcoming The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, has been cast as the film’s Raphael.

 

Unlike the original film series, which saw actors in bulky suits, we’ll see the turtles brought to life via motion capture technology. Filming is set to begin next month, so we should expect to hear about the rest of the cast very soon.

 

TMNT Raphael SE no holes

 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is set to hit theaters June 6th, 2014

 

Source: Deadline

Check Out The US Announce Trailer For ‘TMNT: Out Of The Shadows’

by Shane O'Hare

Just the other day we posted up the newest trailer for the upcoming TMNT game “Out of The Shadows”.

 

WELL! Today we at Geekscape just got a you another Turtle Treat! We have ourselves the US AKA American trailer for the upcoming  downloadable title from Activision. Take a peak with me below!

 

 

 

You can grab TMNT: Out of The Shadows on PSN and XBLA this summer!

Activision Announces ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows’

by Derek Kraneveldt

It sure has been a long time since I’ve played a good TMNT game. With Activision’s announcement today however, I’m hoping that changes in just a few months!

 

Activision today revealed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. It’s a new downloadable brawler that will hit PS3, Xbox, and Steam this Summer (no Wii U? Lame!). Featuring four-player online co-op and hyper-realistic styling, could Out of the Shadows end the terrible TMNT game rut we’ve been in for the last few years?

 

Watch the announcement trailer for the game below, and let us know what you think!

 

Of course, it’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, so we’ll keep you posted as we learn more about the title.

Source: DigitalSpy

Michael Bay & Jonathon Liebesman’s ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Gets New Release Date

by Shawn Madden

We haven’t been getting much news regarding the Michael Bay produced and Jonathon Liebesman directed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot, minus learning that Megan Fox will be playing April O’Neil in the film and that filming will begin in April. Paramount Pictures have announced that the semi-controversial reboot has been pushed back three weeks after the original release date of May 16th, 2014.

 

The film will now be hitting theaters June 6th, 2014. This isn’t a major delay by any means and probably to avoid competition with Sony’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Legendary’s Godzilla (which was set to open the same weekend). Filming on the project is set to begin very soon and we should begin learning even more regarding the cast over the next month or two.

 

Source: Deadline

Megan Fox Joins The Cast Of Michael Bay’s ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’

by Shawn Madden

Director Michael Bay and actress Megan Fox had a very major falling out a few years back, which led to the actress being replaced in Transformers: Dark Of The Moon. Well, it looks like Michael Bay and Megan Fox have put their differences aside. The director has revealed that Fox will be joining the cast of Jonathon Liebesman’s upcoming Teenage Mutant  Ninja Turtles as the film’s April O’Neil. The actress beat out the likes of Jane Levy, Anna Kendrick and Elizabeth Olsen for the role.

 

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TMNT: we are bringing Megan Fox back into the family!

Michael Bay

 

It’s still unclear if the film will be titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or simply Ninja Turtles at the moment. The film is set to begin filming in a few months, so we should expect to start hearing even more casting details regarding the project very soon.

 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (or Ninja Turtles?) is set hit theaters on May 16th, 2014.

 

Source: Michael Bay

Watch Ernie Reyes Jr.’s Sizzle Reel For The New ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’

by Shawn Madden

Does the name sound unfamiliar? Well, Ernie Reyes Jr. performed stunts for Donatello as well as playing the role of Keno in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: The Secret Of The Ooze. Since then Reyes has gone on to do stunt work for Avatar, Act Or Valor and a number of other films. Now, Keno wants to return to the franchise and has released a sizzle reel to let Michael Bay know that he’d love to come on and choreograph the martial arts for Jonathon Liebesman’s next film in the franchise. Check it out below.

 

 

Source: NinjaPizza

The Top Geekscape Episodes Of 2012!

by Jonathan

As 2012 came to a close, so did the 6th year of recording the Geekscape podcast. And this week we launch a new version of the weekly Geekscape podcast with our friends at The Toadhop Network! I love recording every episode of Geekscape, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life for so many reasons.

But I also understand that there are hundreds of episodes… so where should you start if you just want to hear a few for catch up? I’m so glad you asked.

Here’s my list of my favorite Geekscape episodes of the past year:

#8 – Geekscape 241: Matt Mogk of the Zombie Research Society

Ideally, Geekscape has the opportunity from time to time to educate as much as it entertains… and this conversation was actually educational to the point of terrifying! Matt Mogk, who I’ve known for a few years, finally came on Geekscape to talk about the science and real world implications of zombies. Could they happen? And what would happen if they did? This episode will absolutely make you think twice about our obsession with the undead!

#7 – Geekscape 265: Marc Zicree! Step Aboard “Space Command”!

One of the greatest things about Geekscape, if not THE greatest, is the chance to make new friends with every episode. And Marc Zicree, who I met during this episode of Geekscape, has turned out to be a great one. In this episode, we talk about his new sci-fi transmedia project Space Command, as well as his long history working in Science Fiction television. It really was an inspiring conversation and one that has led to a solid friendship.

#6 – The Geekscape Podcast – “The Dark Knight Rises” Full Review and Breakdown!

You can’t do a list of the best Geekscape episodes without an appearance from Ian Kerner… and no episode this year got more feedback than Ian and I’s review and breakdown of ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. This is Geekscape at its very best: taking a geek subject and ripping right through to the nitty gritty!

#5 – Geekscape 247: Joey Greco

For some reason, this one didn’t register with the audience as much as I thought it would. But I don’t know if I’d have done it differently or could have asked for a better guest. Joey Greco, the host of Cheaters, on Geekscape answering every single question I threw at him. What else do you savages want? I loved this episode and I KNOW I’m not the only one who watches Cheaters!

#4 – Geekscape 261: The Suburban Legends

I love the musical episodes of Geekscape. I love talking with bands about their music, finding out what makes them tick as geeks and the various things they are into. And I love few bands as much as I love my longtime friends in The Suburban Legends. It’s always fun hanging out with these guys and having them on Geekscape to play some songs and talk about Sci Fi TV was no exception!

#3 – Geekscape 258: Chris Hardwick

I give Chris Hardwick a lot of credit for this episode. I had an agenda going in to humanize Chris right off the bat by talking to him about some of the harder times in his life and he didn’t shy away from any topic of conversation. I know that some Geekscapists are still skeptical of the Nerdist himself, thinking that he’s insincere in his Geekdom or pandering to our audience, but this episode went a long way in convincing me that Chris is just another well meaning geek done well, and isn’t that what we all wish for each other?

#2 – Geekscape 260: TMNT Co-Creator Kevin Eastman

This one meant a lot to me. If you’d have told me at the age of 10 that I’d have the co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in my living room and would have a chance to talk to him for over an hour about the history of the Turtles I’d never have believed you. But it happened… and it was awesome. Thank you, Kevin, for making one of my childhood dreams come true and hanging out with me for a while!

#1 – Geekscape 251: Jamal Joseph – Author of ‘Panther Baby’

This is one of my favorite conversations in the six years of podcasting. Jamal is one of my longtime teachers and his book ‘Panther Baby’ was one of the most engaging books I’ve ever read. I loved sitting down with him to talk about his life in the Black Panthers and how it ultimately led to his life in film. If there’s an episode I’m proudest of, this might be it. Absolutely worth a listen.

Geekscape 270: TV, Comic And Book Writer Gavin Hignight!

by Jonathan

Gavin Hignight has written for cartoons like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Iron Man: Armored Adventures and more! In comics, he’s released his own Manga supernatural biker gang book “Motor City”. On this episode of Geekscape, Gavin joins me to talk about his semi-autobiographical book “The Freak Table“, about growing up in Middle School and High School as a complete outsider and member of a counter culture movement about to go mainstream. Sound familiar? Yeah… there’s probably a lot that will resonate with us on this episode of Geekscape!

Subscribe to the show on iTunes!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:04 — 28.2MB)

Kevin Eastman Explains The Delay On Michael Bay’s Ninja Turtles Movie

by Shawn Madden

Not too long ago it was announced that we would be would be getting a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. Fans were excited until they saw Michael Bay’s name attached to it. However, since day one co-creator Kevin Eastman has been telling us not to worry about it, stating how much he was loving it and that he was on board. He even did an hour long Geekscape in which he allayed our fears.

Last June it was announced that the movie would be pushed back until May of 2014 thus leaving many wondering what was going on with it. Well, Eastman has given a bit of an update as to the reasoning behind the decision.

“Essentially they pushed it back for two reasons: One is the director, Jonathan Liebesman, wanted to make sure he could do the effects to the level he wants them at, and the fight scenes to the way they should be. Also, their release date is almost exactly on the 30th anniversary. May 5, 1984 is when the first Turtles comic came out. May 16, 2014, is almost exactly 30 years after. So basically it’s an anniversary movie now.”

“I tal”ked to [producer] Scott Mednick yesterday, and he’s seen the most recent 50 [script] pages and said it’s as good as the last version — they’ve really knocked it out of the park,” Eastman said. “I’ve seen a chunk of it, and it’s going to be a great movie, despite what everybody thinks.”

And apparently Eastman is busy working closely with Liebesman, Mednick and writers Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec.

“Doing sketches, drawings and character designs, bouncing stuff around with the writers, talking with the director and the producers — I’m actively involved.”

Source: CBR

Toys”R”Us Announces Ten Comic-Con Exclusives Including TMNT, MLP and Adventure Time!

by Jonathan

SDCC 2012 is right around the corner! And what do we all love the most about Comic-Con? Well, THE EXCLUSIVES of course! We aren’t happy just lighting our hard earned money on fire! No! We need PROOF that we’re willing to spend it on things we should have given up decades ago!

And today Toys”R”Us has announced their SDCC line-up of exclusive toys, including ones from the Ninja Turtles, Adventure Time, My Little Pony, X-Factor and Predator franchises! Check ’em out!

Offered in partnership with Entertainment Earth® at Booth #2343, customers will find official San Diego Comic-Con merchandise based on Adventure Time™, Mad Magazine®, MY LITTLE PONY, Predator, Regular Show™ and Winx Club®.

So which ones are you gonna b-line for when the doors open up?

Comic-Con International Show Exclusives

Toys“R”Us Exclusive San Diego Comic-Con Adventure Time™ Finn and Fionna figure set from Jazwares®, Inc.

Finn and Fionna are off on a new adventure, and this time they’re taking on Comic-Con International in San Diego! These two-inch versions of the fan-favorite characters come with miniature Comic-Con “Talent” badges, granting access to the show. Afterwards, Finn and Fionna can travel home with Comic-Con goers for $15.

Toys“R”Us Exclusive San Diego Comic-Con Just Us League Of Stupid Heroes™ Batman® and Robin® Two-Pack from DC Direct

Just in time for MAD® Magazine’s 60th anniversary, comes Alfred E. Neuman’s unique take on Batman and Robin. Striking fear into the hearts of criminals everywhere – or at least the ones that scare easily – evildoers everywhere won’t know how to handle MAD’s version of the Dynamic Duo. These Caped Crusaders can strike mirth in the heart of collector’s homes for $50.

Toys“R”Us Exclusive San Diego Comic-Con Classic Masked Predator Cloaked Action Figure from NECA

Stalking out of the classic 1987 film, this version of the Classic Masked Predator, cast in translucent plastic, is nearly invisible in his stealth form. Standing at 8-inches tall, collectors can bring this Predator on new hunts with 20 points of articulation, extendable wrist blades and a removable backpack. The Predator can stealthily travel to any location for $20.

Toys“R”Us Exclusive San Diego Comic-Con Regular Show™ Mordecai action figure from Jazwares®, Inc.


Decked out to rock with his favorite back in a “Fist Pump” t-shirt, Mordecai is taking a well deserved break from his “hard work” as a park groundskeeper. Fans can take Mordecai home and flip through his exclusive sketch book, filled with behind the scenes drawings from the creative team behind “Regular Show” for $15.

Toys“R”Us Exclusive San Diego Comic-Con WINX Club® Princess Bloom doll  from JAKKS® Pacific

Once an ordinary girl, Bloom lived a normal life in the city of Gardenia until she met Stella, a princess from the planet Solaria. Coming to Stella’s aid, Bloom discovered her magical powers and joined Alfea, the best fairy school in all the realms. Now Winx Club fans can take home this 11.5-inch articulated version of Bloom with a sparkling torso, as well as a shimmery blue and black outfit, which perfectly complements her tinted, glitter and gem Belivix wings. Princess Bloom is ready to flutter home with conventioneers for $30.

First Look Items Coming Soon to Toys“R”Us Stores Nationwide

Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope DVD with Morgan Spurlock and Joss Whedon Mini Figures from NECA


Fans can find their copy of Morgan Spurlock’s newest film exploring the history of Comic-Con, which started as a fringe comic book convention and has grown into the pop culture event of the year. Spurlock explores this phenomenon by following the lives of five attendees at Comic-Con International 2010. This widescreen DVD comes with miniature versions of Morgan Spurlock himself, as well as fan-favorite writer/director Joss Whedon. This item is ready for home viewing for $30 and will be available in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide after the convention.

HALO 4 Master Chief from McFarlane Toys

Based on the highly-anticipated video game, HALO 4, by Microsoft Studios & 343 Industries, this first look Comic-Con Exclusive shows the new version of the HALO series’ most iconic character, the Master Chief. Last seen at the end of HALO 3 entering into a cryonic sleep, the Master Chief is awake and ready to face new threats and mysteries. While visitors to Comic-Con can take the Master Chief home for $15, those unable to attend this year’s show can find him and the rest of the HALO 4 line in Toys“R”Us stores this August.

MY LITTLE PONY ZECORA from Hasbro®

MY LITTLE PONY collectors can corral ZECORA from the EVERFREE FOREST! This glow-in-the-dark version of the fan-favorite rhyming zebra can’t wait to share her magic and sage advice with all of her new friends. ZECORA is available as a sneak peek at Comic-Con International in San Diego for $10. For those not able to visit the show, ZECORA will trot into Toys“R”Us stores nationwide this fall.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ 10.5-inch action figures from Playmates Toys, Inc.

With the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles set to return in an epic TV series on Nickelodeon this fall, it’s time to get reacquainted with everyone’s favorite pizza-loving amphibians. Fans can find 10.5-inch oversized versions of Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo based on their new look from the upcoming show with these special edition action figures. Packaged with their signature weapons and additional accessories, each Turtle is individually sculpted with multiple points of articulation. Plus, the back shell on each Turtle opens to offer weapon and accessory storage. The brothers are sold separately for $30 each or buy all 4 for $100 before landing in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide this summer.



X-Factor® 3 ¾-inch Collector Pack from Hasbro®

After graduating from Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, and spurred by the miraculous resurrection of Jean Grey, the original X-Men team formed a new super group of mutants called X-Factor. Now, fan can collect 3 ¾-inch versions of Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Angel and Iceman – along with two of the team’s most influential villains Apocalypse and Mr. Sinister – in a specially designed package featuring artwork from the 1986 issue of X-Factor #1. Fans can use their telekinesis to grab this item for $50 at Comic-Con International in San Diego before it becomes available at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide in August.

All Toys“R”Us San Diego Comic-Con exclusives are limited editions and are available on a first-come, first served basis.

Trailer For Nickelodeon’s ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’

by Shawn Madden

Nickelodeon has a new ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ series coming soon and it’s like you would expect. It definitely has a very “kid-friendly” vibe to it and that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be bad but I still await the day when I get a gritty TMNT series. Check out the trailer below.

 

My Wife Loves Bill Nighy! The “Geekscapepod” For June 15th, 2012!

by Jonathan

My wife Laura joins me on this episode to talk about the difference between the Resident Evil and Underworld films, talk fictitious characters we’d like to bang and George W Bush’s cameo in Game of Thrones. I also review Beasts of the Southern Wild, Lego Batman 2 and The Amazing Spider-Man on 3DS and Michael Bay’s Ninja Turtles gets delayed! Finally Disney might be bringing Marvel to theme parks and we both pretend we’re eating at the late 90s Marvel restaurant… that really existed! Eat up!

Subscribe to the show on iTunes!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:44 — 16.5MB)

UPDATE: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Reboot Pushed Back to 2014

by Shawn Madden

For those who were looking forward to seeing the pizza loving turtles return to the big screen in 2013…I have bad news for you. THR is reporting that Paramount has decided to move the film back to 2014. This makes the third Paramount movie to get a massive delay.

Sources are claiming that the reason for the delay is due to the script which is being written by Kevin Eastman and Andre Nemec. Jonathan Liebesman (Wrath of the Titans) is set to direct and the movie is being produced by Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes. Could this be like GI Joe: Retaliation where there is more to the story than is being told? I mean…what could be wrong with a TMNT script written by well…the creator?

UPDATE: Deadline is reporting now that Paramount pushed production back 10 weeks in order to cut the budget down $10-20M to $125 million. Also, the new release date is going to be May 16th, 2014.

First Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Illustration Sells For $71,700! Jonathan Outbid!

by Jonathan

Okay, so I didn’t really bid. I knew that the original TMNT illustration was going to go for boku bucks when Kevin Eastman came on Geekscape and talked to me about this amazing auction! Go back and listen to the hour plus episode if you haven’t already!

And now it has. According to the below press release, the original piece of Eastman artwork (pictured below) sold for $71,700 on Friday, May 11, at Heritage Auctions in Dallas.

Congrats to Kevin and the entire TMNT crew!

If you are jones-ing for some old school Ninja Turtles, IDW just put out a colored version of the original Eastman and Laird first issue last week in comic shops. Definitely seek it out. I read it last night before going to sleep and Laura asked me why I was crying in bed. I told her “tears of joy, my love, half-shelled, weapon slinging tears of joy.” She said “you’re weird” and went to sleep.

Here is the original press release from Heritage Auctions:

First Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Illustration brings $71,700 at Heritage Auctions

Auctioned by Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman via Heritage Auctions; The first full artwork of the TMNT, which led to one of the most successful comics character franchises in history

DALLAS – The first-ever full artwork of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird – the illustration that launched one of the most successful character franchises in history – sold for $71,700 on Friday, May 11, at Heritage Auctions in Dallas as part of a Vintage Comics & Comic Art Auction. It sold to an anonymous buyer.

The drawing was consigned by Turtles Co-Creator Kevin Eastman, who drew it with Laird one night in late November, 1983. Eastman has designated an undisclosed percentage of profits from the auction proceeds to benefit The Hero Initiative, a non-profit he is active with that provides a financial safety net for comic artists and writers (www.heroinitiative.org).

“What an incredibly exciting week this has been! The Turtles have been blessed with the best fans on the planet, so I chose this event to make available personal historical TMNT items for those really hardcore supporters – but WHOA – what a response!” wrote Eastman in a statement to the auction house. “My many, many, thanks to all the fans that have given me the best job in the world, and for their love for a great, goofy, bunch of green guys that just wanted to be normal teenagers – Mutant Ninja ones anyway!”

“There was widespread international interest from collectors and fans of the Turtles alike,” Barry Sandoval, Director of Operations for the Comics Department at Heritage, “and the impressive price realized for this artwork is tribute to that. For 30 years the Turtles have been a worldwide phenomenon, entertaining hundreds of millions of children and that influence shows no sign of slowing with the upcoming TV and film projects featuring the team. This is a piece of pop culture that will only increase in value and influence over the coming decades.”

Heritage Auctions, headed by Steve Ivy, Jim Halperin and Greg Rohan, is the world’s third largest auction house, with annual sales more than $800 million, and 700,000+ online bidder members. For more information about Heritage Auctions, and to join and gain access to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HA.com.

Geekscape 260: TMNT Co-Creator Kevin Eastman

by Jonathan

If you’d have told me at age 10 that Kevin Eastman would be hanging out in my living room talking to me about co-creating the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, my head would have exploded! And you know what? It’s just as fantastic today! Kevin emailed me last week about coming on the show and we get right to business, talking about his upcoming Heritage Auction of original Ninja Turtles items, the new TMNT series from IDW, creating the Turtles, the Michael Bay controversy and his return to making comics! We also talk about his ownership and publication of Heavy Metal magazine, the different interpretations of TMNT over the years and why he really disliked the 2nd Ninja Turtles movie! This is a pretty awesome interview that is definitely going to be a favorite if you’re a Ninja Turtles fan or not! Cowabunga!

Find it on iTunes

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:26:04 — 52.6MB)

These Bad Ass TMNT Paintings Will Make You Hate Michael Bay Even More!

by Jonathan

My friend Leo (irony?) brought these images to my attention on his Facebook wall. They are the work of Dave Rapoza and the guy is seriously talented. Just check out his full lineup of TMNT characters in the below gallery.

Seriously, why isn’t this guy a part of the new film? With designs like these, presenting cartoonish characters taken seriously on a level that both adults and kids can appreciate, this would be a Hollywood adaptation that we’d actually want to see! If the filmmakers like the idea of aliens so much, can we get them seats on the next satellite launch off planet (permanently)?

Check these out and try arguing that these wouldn’t make a bad ass TMNT movie:

Michael Bay VS. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

by Matt Blackwood

First they put nipples on the Batsuit, and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Batman fan.

Then they reduced The Force to midichlorians, and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Star Wars fan.

Now they’re coming for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and I am speaking out. Shouting in fact. And I’m not alone.

In case you haven’t heard, Michael Bay recently announced that his 2013 reboot would redesign the Turtles’ origin as extraterrestrial. Instead of ordinary pets mutated with ooze, Bay’s Ninja Turtles will be aliens. From space. Turtle-shaped aliens.

As you might imagine, the blogosphere lit up like a mannequin covered in light bulbs at the news. Nerds all over the Internet gathered to bay at Bay, voicing their vitriol at the change to their beloved TMNT.

The anger was so widespread, in fact, that Michael Bay was forced to address it head-on with an official statement on his website:

Fans need to take a breath, and chill. They have not read the script. Our team is working closely with one of the original creators of Ninja Turtles to help expand and give a more complex back story. Relax, we are including everything that made you become fans in the first place. We are just building a richer world.

Bay doesn’t understand why people are so upset when they haven’t even heard the full pitch of his changes. So I will explain it to him in a language he understands:

OOM-BAY!!

But seriously, the reason we aren’t happy is obvious. These are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. If you are willing to change something as fundamental as a descriptor in the title, how can anything be safe?

This is the type of mercurial change thrown out by a suit that doesn’t get the importance of art in pop culture, that doesn’t see how committing to and enriching a story is better than tossing it out and using a new one. The decision was clearly made by someone who was not a fan of the Turtles, only of the money that can be made off their name.

Michael Bay doesn’t have any love for the Turtles; if he did, he wouldn’t be doing this. Besides, after the inglorious debacle that was the Transformers trilogy, how can we be expected to trust this guy with our favorite franchises?

Which face do YOU trust?

So why don’t you chill, Michael Bay. Because that’s what people do when they don’t care one way or the other. I’ll be over here with the nerds, worked up into a frenzy and telling anyone who will listen. Because I do care. Because it matters to me.

People often confuse nerd rage with Internet trolling, but the two couldn’t be more different. Trolls draw from a place of hate, a deep dark well of dissatisfaction that they can’t release in their public lives. They wait until they can hide in the high grass of the Internet and let their bile fly.

The Secret of the Ooze

Nerd rage, on the other hand, comes from a place of love. Our aggression is that of a mother protecting her child. We love things so much that we can’t stand to see them destroyed.

Because that’s what defines us nerds. Love. Forget all of the descriptions you’ve heard; we don’t need to be hyper-intelligent, socially awkward, or technologically inclined. Nerds are people who love something so much that they examine it obsessively in an effort to completely understand it, and thus to ultimately understand ourselves.

I love the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I grew up watching the cartoon, collecting the action figures, playing the video games. I even played TMNT with my brother and some kids around the neighborhood. The Ninja Turtles gave me countless hours of pure childhood joy.

Michael Bay gave me racist robots.

Tyler Perry's Mudflap and Skids

Even if the Turtles aren’t your thing, if you’re a nerd like me, I guarantee something you love has been tampered with, tainted, or destroyed by non-nerds. The Rise of Cobra, the gentrification of The Last Airbender, whatever 2003’s The Cat in the Hat was supposed to be- something has been marred forever thanks to the tinkering of people who don’t love the characters the way you do.

Or maybe your favorite story is next.

If we don’t tell the Michael Bays of the world exactly how we feel every time, they will take our silence as implicit consent. And without a solid phalanx of dissent, the suits will interpret a mix of negative and positive comments, no matter how lopsided, as “indeterminate”. We have to band together under a common nerd banner and cry “NO” to Darth Vader crying “NO.”

We need to speak up for the Turtles, or they won’t be there to speak up for you. Because they’ll be on Ork or something.

“Come at me, bro!” Jonathan guests on Clevver Media’s “That’s a Wrap”.

by Jonathan

If you guys by the comments on Youtube, the “That’s a Wrap” fans like Michael Bay’s Transformers movies. They just want to punch Jonathan. Who doesn’t?

Jonathan was a guest on today’s “That’s a Wrap” with Josh Ovenshire, Matt Jones and host Tatiana Carrier. They talked about Michael Bay’s produced TMNT getting a director, Michael Bay himself getting another Transformers movie and Twisted Metal coming to the screen. Also, what game should make the leap to film?

Feel free to throw in your 2 cents below on that topic and whether or not you want to punch Jonathan.