Oh boy. Do you remember that time when PETA called for the ninja turtles to go dairy-free for their latest animated television series? Yeah, this new trailer will likely stir up a bit more hulabaloo than that nonsense. At long last, we have an official teaser trailer for RISE OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, Nickelodeon's new and radically-stylish animated series featuring the heroes in a half-shell!
When the new series begins, we find the band of brothers discovering new powers as they encounter a mystical world they never knew existed beneath the streets of New York City. The 2D-animated series, which blends action and comedy and features a dynamic fresh look, debuts later this year on Nickelodeon.
According to the show's official press release:
The series stars the voice talent of Omar Miller (BALLERS) as Raphael, Ben Schwartz (PARKS AND RECREATION) as Leonardo, Josh Brener (SILICON VALLEY) as Donatello, Brandon Mychal Smith (YOU'RE THE WORST) as Michelangelo, Kat Graham (THE VAMPIRE DIARIES) as April O’Neil and Eric Bauza (TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES) as Splinter. WWE Superstar John Cena lends his voice as villain, Baron Draxum, an alchemist warrior mutant who seeks to turn all of humanity into mutants.
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reimagines the iconic series and breathes new life into the classic characters, with jagged-shelled Raphael as a snapping turtle, wielding twin tonfas as his weapons; Leonardo as a red-eared slider, using an ōdachi sword; Donatello as a soft-shell turtle, sporting a tech-bo staff; and Michelangelo as a box turtle, arming himself with a kusari-fundo. Along for the adventure is the Turtles’ most trusted ally, April O’Neil, a street savvy native New Yorker, and Splinter, father figure and sensei to the Turtles.
The Turtles also hold distinct personality traits and skills: Raphael, as the oldest and biggest brother, is the leader full of enthusiasm and bravado; Leonardo, the self-professed coolest brother possesses irreverent charm and a rebel heart; Donatello is a mechanical genius and tech wizard whose ninja skills are second only to his coding; and Michelangelo, the youngest brother, is a skateboarder and artist who is wild and imaginative.
One thing's for sure, this ain't your mommy and daddy's ninja turtles anymore, nor have they been for quite some time.
What do you think of the changes being made to the overall look of the characters? Has the series been rebooted so many times that you're simply numb to the changes, at this point? Are you excited to see TMNT venture into new territory, both stylistically and culturally? Are you pumped for John Cena's villain role? Who do you think would win in a fight: Super Shredder or Cena's Baron Draxum? Feel free to tell us all your thoughts and feelings in the comments section below. Cowabunga!
The 26-episode series, co-executive produced by Andy Suriano (SAMURAI JACK) and Ant Ward (TMNT) will debut on Nickelodeon later this year. The series will be directed by longtime Donatello voice actor Rob Paulsen. Be sure to order yourself a few pizzas and tune in!
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