
TMNT fans have been waiting with bated breath for more news about the upcoming R-rated live-action film based on the beloved “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin” comic series. But there may be a surprising twist in store for those anxiously following the project.
The latest issue of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution” seems to connect the upcoming film to the original 1990 live-action movie, suggesting that the film might be even more ambitious than anyone initially thought.
Announced early last year with Walter Hamada of 18hz producing and Child’s Play (2019) screenwriter Tyler Burton Smith penning the script, The Last Ronin film has left fans eagerly waiting for any concrete updates. As of now, no director or cast members have been confirmed, leaving fans to speculate endlessly.
However, the latest issue of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution”, released on January 8, reveals a surprising connection to the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film from 1990. The series, which follows four new Ninja Turtles in a dystopian, futuristic New York City, introduces a significant narrative element in issue #4.
Through flashbacks narrated by an older April O’Neil, the comic explicitly ties the Roninverse to the timeline of the 1990 film. In these flashbacks, April recalls her time with Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo, Master Splinter, and Casey Jones, all of whom have long passed. She mentions the old thrift store, 2nd Time Around, and a farmhouse in Northampton—both locations directly referencing the 1990 movie’s canon.
While these locations have appeared in multiple iterations of the TMNT franchise, the inclusion of these references makes it clear that the Roninverse creators are making a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between the comic’s narrative and the 1990 film. It’s a bold move, given the multiverse nature of TMNT, where different timelines often exist simultaneously.
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Fans have speculated for some time that The Last Ronin might connect to one of the many TMNT origin stories. Now, it seems the creators are officially using the 1990 film as the foundation. This raises the question: will the upcoming film adaptation follow the same path?
Tom Waltz, co-writer of “The Last Ronin”, has expressed a desire to bring back Judith Hoag, the original April O’Neil, in some capacity. If she returns to the role, it could serve as a clear indication that the film will not only be a reboot but also a direct sequel to the iconic 1990 film.
For TMNT fans, the prospect of seeing the original April O’Neil reprise her role alongside a grittier, more mature storyline is tantalizing. And if the film can successfully blend elements from the 1990 movie with the dark, compelling narrative of The Last Ronin, it could rival 2023’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem in terms of both storytelling and fan excitement.
While we wait for more details on The Last Ronin movie, there’s no denying that this unexpected crossover with the 1990 film’s timeline might just be the next big thing in the TMNT universe.
Do you want The Last Ronin movie to act as a sequel to the original 1990 film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? Let us know in the comments!