What’s Happening with TMNT?
On the implications of the cancellation of Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TOTTMNT), the difficulties in reviving Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (ROTTMNT), and the uncertain future of the franchise.
TMNT is a franchise that burst onto the market without asking for permission: a self-published comic blending absurd and outrageous ideas, many of which were trendy at the time. No one expected it to become a cultural phenomenon.
Those familiar with the history of the Ninja Turtles know that, despite its undeniable successes, the franchise has also faced moments of uncertainty, when its survival was in doubt. And yet, it has endured. It has given us distinct and interesting versions, each contributing something unique to the turtles’ universe.
When Nickelodeon took the reins, there were doubts, but they managed to create TMNT 2012, a series that, while not perfect, received highly positive reviews. Four seasons concluded the main storyline coherently, accompanied by a fifth with complementary stories. Overall, its ending was satisfying and harmonious.
Then came Rise of the TMNT in 2018. This version broke conventions and, at first, many fans rejected it. Today, it seems evident that it was ahead of its time. However, its visibility and success were limited, partly due to insufficient promotion and unfavorable airing schedules. Some point to low toy sales as the main reason for its cancellation, which came in the second season and was cut short compared to the original plan. A movie, thanks to Netflix in 2022, attempted to give the story closure, but it only made clear that there was still much left to explore. The ROTTMMT fandom remains active, calling for a third season; officially, the series is “on pause,” not canceled, and hope remains alive.
In 2023, Mutant Mayhem arrived, a new cinematic version considered a success. Its sequel, originally scheduled for 2026, was postponed to 2027. To maintain interest, TOTTMNT was launched, a series that, because it depends on the movie, is difficult to compare with others and can be seen as a supplement. Three or four seasons were planned, but it was recently confirmed that the second, set to premiere at the end of 2025, will be the last, leaving a gap until 2027.
Why was TOTTMNT canceled? Basically, for profitability: only the most lucrative series are prioritized. That TOTTMNT ended in its second season, as ROTTMMT did, reveals a troubling pattern: the franchise is treated as just another product, without long-term vision or consistent support. This reflects TMNT’s instability and puts its future at risk, despite the active fandom and committed creators.
Other projects, such as the adult-oriented movie based on The Last Ronin comic, are also uncertain. What will happen after the release of Mutant Mayhem 2? Meanwhile, the ROTTMMT fandom continues demanding a third season, though it seems unlikely that the executives will listen.
Today, we live in a system where artistic value is almost exclusively measured in money and popularity. Original stories are lost if they are not profitable enough. And this happens with all art. The sad part is that TMNT has proven that it works… yet apparently, not enough for Nickelodeon and Paramount.
TMNT has identity, strength, and potential to stand on its own. It may sound idealistic, but the franchise deserves to become independent and have its own studio, even if smaller.
In short: it is no longer just about saving a single series. It is about saving TMNT as a whole. And while it hurts to see how it has been handled the last years, it is also fascinating to imagine everything it could become if given the chance it truly deserves.
This is a short essay I wrote quickly because I needed it, so it may contain some inaccuracies or missing information.
