The Last Ronin R-Rated Movie Gets a Positive Update From Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Co-Creator
The Last Ronin has been a long-awaited project for fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, but it has faced numerous setbacks. After Paramount seemingly scrapped the live-action movie, there was a glimmer of hope as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman shared a positive update.
Entertainment Weekly has confirmed that the Roninverse saga will continue with The Last Ronin: Training Day, a prequel comic that focuses on Michelangelo. The story reveals that Mikey was the sole survivor of the four Heroes in a Half-Shell, and it follows his quest for revenge against Leonardo, Raphael, and Donatello. Set in a future inspired by Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, Michelangelo faces off against Shredder's grandson, the new leader of the Foot Clan.
While Michelangelo ultimately perishes, a prequel/sequel series, The Last Ronin: The Lost Years, delves into his dark transformation. The sequel introduces a new group of Turtles: Odyn, Moja, Uno, and Yi, who emerge under the guidance of sensei Casey Marie Jones, the daughter of Casey Jones and April O'Neil. The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution chronicles April's death, and while The Last Ronin III is in the works, The Last Ronin: Training Day will explore Mikey's relationship with Casey Marie in greater detail.
Eastman reveals that there were many untold stories during the Roninverse phase, and one of them involved Michelangelo spending time with Casey Marie Jones. He adds that Mikey could see the spark and beauty in Casey Marie's feelings and wanted to lean into Splinter's journal, directing towards the protector of the city theme that the Turtles originally embodied.
Co-written by Tom Waltz and illustrated by the Escorza brothers, Ben Bishop, Luis Antonio Delgado, and Shawn Lee, The Last Ronin: Training Day is set to release in July. While Paramount Pictures initially scrapped plans for an R-rated live-action adaptation, Eastman remains optimistic. He believes the movie is merely delayed and that the support from fans and the companies involved will ensure its realization.
The project is overseen by Fast and the Furious franchise producer Neal H. Moritz, and the idea is to 'Sonic-fy' the franchise. However, there were talks about the new regime not being keen on a bloody, adult-skewing story. Judith Hoag, who played April in the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, was in talks to reprise her role.
The Last Ronin: Training Day offers a glimpse into the expanded universe of the Roninverse saga, and it's a welcome update for fans. Will the R-rated live-action adaptation see the light of day? Only time will tell, but the excitement is palpable. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!
