‘The Last Ronin’ Movie Isn’t Dead After All — TMNT Co‑Creators Share Renewed Optimism
Fans of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin have had quite the emotional rollercoaster over the past year. After reports in late 2025 that Paramount had put the highly anticipated, R‑rated live‑action adaptation on hold, many assumed the project had been quietly canceled. But according to recent comments from the franchise’s key creative voices, hope for The Last Ronin film is very much alive.
In a new wave of interviews with Entertainment Weekly, TMNT co‑creator Kevin Eastman and longtime collaborator Tom Waltz expressed confidence that the darker, dystopian adaptation will still make its way to the screen; just not as soon as originally planned. Eastman emphasized that the project is “delayed,” not abandoned, noting that everyone he’s spoken with at Paramount, Viacom, and Nickelodeon still sees tremendous value in the Roninverse and the dedicated fanbase surrounding it.
Paramount reportedly shelved The Last Ronin in November 2025 as the newly reorganized studio shifted focus toward more family‑friendly TMNT projects, including the expanding Mutant Mayhem universe. Despite that pivot, Eastman insists the film remains on the table and that internal enthusiasm for the story has not faded.
This aligns with earlier reports that the studio had initially planned the movie as a gritty, character‑driven, R‑rated adaptation of the hit five‑issue miniseries, a stark contrast to traditional Turtles media. In the Last Ronin timeline, Michelangelo is the sole surviving Turtle, embarking on a brutal revenge mission against the grandson of Shredder.
There were clear indications the film had once been gaining momentum. Back in 2024, Paramount announced writer Tyler Burton Smith and director Ilya Naishuller were attached. More recently, actress Judith Hoag, who played April O’Neil in the original 1990 live‑action TMNT movie, confirmed she had been approached about returning, strongly suggesting the film was being shaped as a legacy sequel.
That outreach adds weight to creators’ claims that the project was paused rather than dismantled, even as the studio shifts attention toward upcoming releases such as the Mutant Mayhem sequel (set for 2027) and a new hybrid live‑action/animated film planned for 2028.
One factor contributing to the delay is the broader restructuring happening behind the scenes. The recent acquisition of Paramount by Skydance created a transitional period for the entire studio, prompting a reassessment of multiple projects, including TMNT’s future direction. Eastman acknowledged this shift but expressed unwavering optimism that The Last Ronin will ultimately move forward once the dust settles.
While the movie waits for its chance, the Last Ronin universe continues to expand in print. IDW Publishing is developing sequels and spin‑offs, including The Last Ronin: The Lost Years, The Last Ronin II — Re‑Evolution, and an upcoming installment teased at the end of Re‑Evolution. The creators even announced a new prequel comic, Training Day, exploring Mikey’s mentorship of Casey Marie Jones.
This ongoing momentum in the comics may bolster the case for a film adaptation down the line, giving the story an even broader foundation and longstanding demand from fans.
Despite being temporarily shelved, The Last Ronin movie appears far from doomed. Between encouraging comments from its co‑creators, evidence of active early development, and continued enthusiasm from both fans and studio insiders, the project maintains a strong heartbeat.
The timing may be uncertain — but the creators are clear: The Last Ronin will find its way to the big screen.
Sources: Yahoo Entertainment, Screen Rant, and JoBlo
