Comedian Seth Rogen recently announced the release date for the upcoming reboot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Rogen and Nickelodeon will be the producers for the CG animated film that is set to hit theaters in August 2023.
However, the way Rogen chose to reveal the news was quite clever and creative. On Twitter, he shared what appears to be an entry of notes ripped right from Leonardo’s journal, in which Rogen claims, “Leo takes notes like I used to.” Although it may be hard to decode Leonardo’s notes, what is obvious is that TMNT's humor and relentless teasing of one another are not going anywhere.
Leonardo has scribbled the names of the rest of the crew, complete with jokes about each character’s “strong suits.” Next to Mikey’s name is drama, Ralph is math, and Donatello is complete with a series of question marks. Leonardo is the main protagonist, eldest of the team, and the leader, so it only makes sense that he would be the one trying to organize the pack. Also featured is Leonardo’s classic sword image with the words “HONOR” and “LOYALTY” surrounding it - the main qualities and morals that make up his character. Underneath are headlines that mention the three types of mutation - deletion, duplication, and translocation. The tiny anecdotes and inside jokes are dispersed throughout the page like a game of hide-and-seek. Reporter April O’Neil, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' trusted friend, is referenced through a reminder for Leonardo to apologize to her. The pizza-obsessed, mischievous turtles are emerging out from the gutter once more. This peek at Leo’s notes might give fans some hints as to what trouble they will get into next.
Rogen in many ways shares a lot of the same qualities and traits that make the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles so adored. Rogen’s inner child is very much alive and nurtured as an adult. This new era for the TMNT might focus more on the many ways the gang has often had to sacrifice their youth because of the adult responsibilities and expectations placed on them. The page from Leonardo’s journal looks very similar to what a high schooler’s notes would be consumed with - immersed with doodles and messy handwriting. This may be another clue that the teenager within the turtles may be explored more in this new reboot.
Often, the only lessons and schooling that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles must learn are based on martial arts so that they will be prepared for any evil that may harm the city. Master Splinter acts as their only teacher, who bestows upon them the wisdom necessary to overcompensate for their teenage antics. Rogen choosing this specific image may be indicating that the foursome may be undergoing an education that is more common for their age: High School.
Regardless of where the director, Jeff Rowe, and producer Seth Rogen plan to take the TMNT's storyline in the reboot - the foursome seems to be in good hands. It's been a while since fans have seen the TMNT on the silver screen, so perhaps the reboot will be a welcomed adaptation of the comics.
The animated reboot Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will premiere on August 11, 2023.
Source: Seth Rogen