TMNT Mania Unleashed! Paramount Greenlights Digital Series, Novel, and Mattel Pact for Massive Franchise Expansion!

Published 1 hour ago3 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
TMNT Mania Unleashed! Paramount Greenlights Digital Series, Novel, and Mattel Pact for Massive Franchise Expansion!

Under new Skydance management, Paramount is embarking on a significant expansion of its beloved "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (TMNT) franchise, aiming to capitalize on the 40-year-old cross-generational intellectual property. Building upon the recent revitalization through new feature films, Paramount has announced comprehensive plans for an unprecedented, Disney-esque strategy encompassing new products, experiences, and content tailored for multiple age groups.

The sweeping expansion includes a major toy licensing partnership with Mattel, the release of an illustrated book for middle schoolers, a novel specifically for adults, a digital series targeting preschoolers, and the opening of themed pizzerias in Santa Monica, Monterrey (Mexico), and Sao Paulo (Brazil) later this year. These diverse ventures signal Paramount's intent to deepen fan engagement and broaden the franchise's global reach.

For the youngest fans, "Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles" is conceived as a 30-episode CG-animated series, set to launch on YouTube later this year. Each four-minute installment will follow the childhood years of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo, introducing the iconic characters to a new generation.

The literary landscape of TMNT is also expanding with new releases. In June, a full novelization of the bestselling "TMNT" graphic novel "The Last Ronin" will be published by Abrams, written by Erik Burnham. This novel is specifically aimed at adult TMNT fans, focusing on a lone surviving Turtle's mission to avenge his family by eliminating the Foot Clan leader, Oroku Hiroto. Additionally, Scholastic will release "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splinter’s Dojo" in September, an illustrated novel for middle-grade readers that takes the turtles to class at a radical middle school.

A pivotal partnership has been forged with Mattel for "TMNT" toys, commencing in 2027. This collaboration will bring a wide array of products to market, including action figures, playsets, accessories, vehicles, games, collectibles, and roleplay items. Furthermore, Mattel will produce Paramount's toys associated with the upcoming "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2" release in 2027, and an untitled "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" live-action/CG animation hybrid film debuting in 2028. These agreements represent the latest in a series of licensing deals for the heroes in a half shell, originally created by comic book artists Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.

Beyond these primary announcements, the franchise has seen recent tie-ins with Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering card game and is developing a VR game titled “Empire City.” In a nod to its rich history, Fathom Entertainment, Saga Arts, and Warner Bros. Pictures will re-release “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze” in theaters nationwide for a one-week, 35th-anniversary engagement running from March 13–19.

Josh Silverman, Paramount's president of global products and experiences, underscored the enduring appeal of the franchise, stating that "‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ is full of action, humor and heart, and showcases relationships that have resonated with generations of fans worldwide." He further emphasized that expanding the Turtles’ adventures through new products and experiences allows consumers to embark on their own journeys, reinforcing the significant impact the franchise has had on pop culture. These new offerings aim to continue the property's growth and provide fresh avenues for global audiences of all ages to connect with these beloved stories and characters.

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