The new Skydance-owned Paramount is shouting “Cowabunga” from the rooftops.
The studio is doubling down on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It plans to expand the comic-turned-toy-turned-media franchise across film, digital, publishing, consumer products, and even dining.
The push targets multiple generations at once. It marks Paramount’s most coordinated effort around the brand since acquiring the rights from co-creator Peter Laird in 2009. Laird co-created the property with Kevin Eastman in 1984. He later bought out Eastman’s share in 2000.
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is full of action, humor and heart, and showcases relationships that have resonated with generations of fans worldwide,” said Josh Silverman, Paramount’s president of global products and experiences.
He added that new products and experiences will allow fans to “embark on their own journey,” whether through movies, costumes, toys, or books. “Our new offerings continue the growth of this incredible property and demonstrate new ways for global audiences of all ages to relate to these stories and characters.”
A New Digital Series for Younger Fans
Launching this year is Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles, a 30-episode CG-animated series focused on the early training days of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo.
Each episode runs four minutes. The tone and target audience mirror Spidey and His Amazing Friends, aiming squarely at young children. The series will stream on YouTube and is produced by Nickelodeon Digital Studio.
New Books Hit Multiple Age Groups
Paramount is also expanding the brand in bookstores with two distinct releases.
First is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splinter’s Dojo from Scholastic. The middle-grade title follows the Turtles navigating middle school. It blends comic panels, artifacts, and prose in the style of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The book comes from Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson, the author-illustrator team behind Barb the Last Berzerker. It hits shelves Sept. 1.
On June 2, Abrams Books releases The Last Ronin, a prose adaptation of the acclaimed IDW graphic novel by Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz. The original comic featured art by Esau and Isaac Escorza, Ben Bishop, and Eastman.
Paramount had previously explored a live-action, R-rated feature adaptation of The Last Ronin. Skydance executives later shelved those plans. Erik Burnham, known for writing Ninja Turtles and Ghostbusters comics, is penning the novel adaptation.
Mattel Partnership Powers the Toy Line
Paramount also announced a global, multi-year licensing agreement with Mattel.
Beginning in 2027, Mattel will roll out new action figures, playsets, accessories, vehicles, games, collectibles, and role-play products. The company will also produce merchandise tied to two upcoming films:
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2, set for 2027
- An untitled live-action/CG hybrid film slated for 2028
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is one of the most successful entertainment franchises in history,” said Roberto Stanichi, Mattel’s executive vice president and chief global brand officer. “The enduring power of the Turtles lies in their ability to evolve with each generation, and we are excited to bring these characters to life in new ways.”
Turtle-Themed Pizzerias on the Way
Paramount is also taking the franchise to the dinner table.
The company plans to open Ninja Turtles-themed pizzerias later this year in Santa Monica, California; Monterrey, Mexico; and São Paulo, Brazil. Details remain under wraps.
Still, the expansion signals one thing clearly. Paramount is not just reviving the heroes in a half shell. It is building a full-scale, cross-platform franchise machine designed to keep turtle power thriving for years to come.
