The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have never stayed still for long on the big screen. And now, they're set to make another big comeback.
Since their live-action debut in 1990, the franchise has bounced between practical suits (the original film trilogy) to full CG animation like TMNT (2007) and Mutant Mayhem (2023), and live-action/CG hybrids such as the two Michael Bay-produced films (the 2014 reboot and its 2016 sequel Out of the Shadows), all while remaining one of Paramount Pictures’ most reliable properties.
Now, the studio has confirmed that a new live-action/CG TMNT film is officially in development, with a theatrical release date locked in for November 17, 2028. The project is unrelated to the ongoing Mutant Mayhem universe, which is getting a sequel in 2027.
That announcement came with a catch, though. This new direction also meant scrapping plans for an R-rated adaptation of The Last Ronin — a dark, fan-favourite storyline from IDW Publishing's comic book series of the same name, which many hoped would finally make the leap to live action. Instead, the studio now appears focused on a broader reboot designed to reintroduce the Turtles to a new generation while appealing to the masses.
At this stage, no cast members have been announced for the reboot, and details about the film’s story remain tightly under wraps. All we know is that Neal H Moritz of Sonic the Hedgehog fame is onboard as producer, with the studio reportedly hoping to repeat the success of its recent film trilogy, which is based on the popular video game franchise.
Related: Official TMNT Christmas Movie Finally Arrives — Here's How To Watch : Disney Fanatic
But while we wait for news on actors, one who would make a natural fit for the role of April O’Neil is Sadie Sink, whose profile has continued to rise since her breakout role as Max Mayfield on Netflix's hit sci-fi series Stranger Things.
Not only is Sink, 23, a proven talent on both the small screen and in film, but her mainstream appeal and Stranger Things fanbase would work in the TMNT reboot's favor.
Sink is set to appear in the MCU film Spider-Man: Brand New Day later this year in an undisclosed role, a casting that arrived in an unusual way. During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, Sink revealed that she first learned about her involvement through online speculation — before casting had even happened.
“I found out through online theories,” she said. “Like, before I got cast in Spider-Man, like there was speculation online that said ‘Sadie Sink’s going to be in the new Spider-Man‘. I was like, ‘Huh? I am?’ And then sure enough, like, yeah, two days later, they asked me to do it.”
For now, Paramount has made no casting announcements for the untitled TMNT film, and Sink has not been linked to the project in any capacity. Although this isn't the first time fans have put her name forward to play the Ninja Turtles' trusted human ally — fans on Reddit are often dream-casting her into the iconic role.
For now, the studio’s reboot remains well over two years away, leaving plenty of time before April O’Neil — and the rest of the cast — are revealed.
For now, you can watch Sadie Sink in Stranger Things. Seasons 1-5 are now streaming on Netflix. Spider-Man: Brand New Day releases in theaters on July 31, this year.
The untitled TMNT movie releases in theaters on November 17, 2028.
Would you like to see Sadie Sink play April O’Neil in the TMNT reboot? Share your thoughts with us in the comments down below!
