The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been fighting their way through pop culture for over 40 years, from comics and cartoons to big-screen adventures and video games.
But despite recent challenges — including the cancellation of the highly anticipated, R-rated, live-action Last Ronin film adaptation — the franchise isn’t slowing down.
Per Variety, Paramount has announced several upcoming projects in addition to what we already knew. The studio has now confirmed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splinter’s Dojo, a middle-grade illustrated novel coming in September, and Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles, a CG-animated YouTube series chronicling the Turtles’ younger years.
Other projects previously announced include a VR game titled Empire City launching on March 31, a 35th-anniversary theatrical run of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, the 3D animated sequel Mutant Mayhem 2 set for 2027, and the newly announced live-action reboot releasing in 2028, which replaces the Last Ronin film.
Related: Universal Studios GB Could Host TMNT Themed Area Modeled Off 1987 Cartoon
Amid the newly announced projects, however, comes news that fans have been waiting for: TMNT's first-ever full-length adult novelization.
Written by Erik Burnham and published by Abrams, the book adapts the hugely popular IDW comic series The Last Ronin into prose, and will hit shelves this June.
Here's the official synopsis for the novel from Abrams & Chronicle Books:
“This expanded adaptation of The Last Ronin reimagines the bestselling Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles graphic novel in an action-packed noir novel, perfect for fans who grew up with the Turtles
Who is the Last Ronin?
After decades away, a lone surviving Turtle returns to New York City with one mission: To avenge his family by killing the leader of the Foot Clan, Oroku Hiroto. But nothing about the city—battle-ravaged and ruled over by Hiroto with an iron fist—feels like home, and nothing about Ronin’s mission goes to plan. With the help of old friends and new allies emerging in unexpected places, can Ronin finally get justice for those he lost?
What terrible events destroyed his family in the first place?
Featuring original black-and-white illustrations from the Escorza Brothers, this first-of-its-kind novel in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe is a must-read for every Ninja Turtles fan.”
The Last Ronin follows the lone surviving Turtle on a mission to avenge his fallen brothers in a New York City ruled by Oroku Hiroto and the Foot Clan.
The new book will feature black-and-white illustrations by the Escorza Brothers.
The novel will also expand upon the story in ways that differ slightly from the comics, offering additional insight into the surviving Turtle’s allies and the chaos of a city under Hiroto’s iron fist.
For fans who were hoping to see the canceled R-rated film, the book will at least provide a way to experience the story in a new medium while keeping the dystopian tale alive.
With so many TMNT projects planned — from novels and animated series to VR experiences and theatrical events — Paramount is clearly committed to keeping Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael in the spotlight for a long time yet.
Quite possibly forever.
And now, with The Last Ronin novel marking a first for the franchise, fans can explore their favorite heroes in ways they never have before.
Will the Last Ronin novelization be enough to remedy the disappointment caused by the film's cancellation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
