Paramount is officially introducing a much younger version of the heroes in a half-shell with Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles, a new preschool-focused animated series arriving this summer.
According to Polygon, four 30-minute episodes of the 3D animated series will stream on the Nick Jr. YouTube channel beginning July 24. The outlet also shared first-look images and footage featuring Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael in “Teeny Turtle” form. You can watch the new teaser below:
Related: TMNT Reshaped Into More Kid-Friendly Franchise After Studio Drops R-Rated Project
Produced by Nickelodeon Digital Studio, the series follows the Turtles during their earliest ninja-training days under Splinter. Because the show is aimed squarely at preschoolers, the brothers’ signature weapons have been redesigned with softer, jelly-like appearances.
The new series marks another major evolution for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, which continues expanding across film, television, publishing, gaming, and soon, even themed dining experiences.
Despite shelving a number of anticipated projects last year, Paramount still has a large amount of TMNT content on the way.
One of the biggest upcoming releases is Mutant Mayhem 2, the sequel to 2023’s successful animated theatrical reboot. The original film helped re-establish the franchise as a box-office force and introduced a new generation to the Ninja Turtles. The follow-up is currently scheduled to hit theaters in 2027.
At the same time, Paramount is also moving ahead with an untitled live-action reboot that will blend CG animation with live-action. Reports indicate the studio hopes the film can achieve the same level of commercial success as its Sonic the Hedgehog movies.
That project reportedly became a higher priority after the planned R-rated adaptation of The Last Ronin was temporarily shelved.
Outside theaters and streaming, the franchise is continuing to expand in other ways as well. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splinter’s Dojo, a middle-grade illustrated novel, is scheduled for release in September.
Fans will also soon be able to experience TMNT outside the screen entirely through themed pizzerias opening in Santa Monica, Monterrey, Mexico, and São Paulo, Brazil.
Although The Last Ronin movie adaptation is no longer moving forward, the darker storyline will continue through new comics, a novel adaptation, and a video game.
Meanwhile, Paramount appears focused on ensuring TMNT remains one of its biggest family-friendly brands for years to come.
