It has been more than a year since the audience saw it Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhemis the latest animated feature film in the “Ninja Turtles” series, produced by Nickelodeon Animation Company and Seth Rogendot gray picture. Needless to say, its unique style brought new life to this beloved property and made it a hit. As expected, a sequel is already in the works. While fans await the new cinematic adventures of Heroes in a Half Shell, they can enjoy Ninja Turtles Storya new 2D animated series that continues the story mutational chaos. Ahead of the release of Legend of the Ninja Turtles, we had a chance to chat with the producers Christopher Yost and Van Allen There are also voice actors Micah Monastery (Donatello), Nicholas Cantu (Leonardo), and Brady Noon (Raphael).
Taimur Dar: Needless to say, this isn’t your first rodeo in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. The great thing about every Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles show, and the series as a whole, is that each version is completely different from the one before it. in the case of Ninja Turtles Story, which is a direct continuation of the animated feature film. Obviously, in order to make this show, you have to understand what the movie is doing. I guess things like shredders and feet are off limits. is that so?
Christopher Yost: Not as much as you think. At the end of the day, Seth Rogen is mutational chaos The movie is great, but he’s a co-producer of the show. We have been working hand in hand with him. Giving up the toys, so to speak, we had a lot of interesting discussions [as well as] What’s the best story for these kids? Whatever they do in the next movie, hopefully for the next hundred movies, we’ll figure it out together. Our first story had a different idea. We wanted to tell the continuation of this universe but focus on the turtles and see how they react when separated and alone versus together and in a team. We’ve seen it a hundred times, we love it, and eventually we go back to it. But it’s really about letting the kids take center stage.
Dahl: Although mutant Mayhem is a CG animation, Ninja Turtles Story It’s a 2D animation. Alan, you’ve worked on previous Ninja Turtles animated shows. What is the translation style? mutational chaos Make movies into 2D animations Ninja Turtles Story?
Wan Allen: new mutational chaos The look is actually a really good springboard for us to get deeper into the show because it’s more raw. It’s similar to reality, but not the most refined version. When we started making 2D animated shows, we inherited some of the rougher edges. We do it hand-drawn in 2D, so even though it’s done digitally, it has a real human quality. This is hand drawn, not puppet animation. We are utilizing some 2D traditional techniques to explain animation. There’s a roughness to it and we’re embracing it rather than trying to polish it like a movie.
Dar: It’s impressive how many actors are from mutational chaos be able to re-enact their role Ninja Turtles Story. I just assumed that actors who couldn’t reprise their roles would be replaced by voice actors. In Splinter’s case, you can do some interesting things by having him speak only in “pest”. I’m guessing Jackie Chan isn’t available, but has there been any consideration of having another actor play the role?
Yost: Jackie Chan’s performance in this movie is incredible. He is extraordinary. We love Jackie Chan and he’s a hard guy to replace. Unfortunately, the go-around was unsuccessful. But we really wanted to respect what Jackie did in the movie and respect the story first and foremost. Think of this as a continuation of the love story between Splinter and Scumbug. We also had a lot of fun. Hopefully his schedule will open up next and the stars will align. But at this point, we decided to do something fun and different instead of just recasting it. The fragments remain an important part of the story. He is their father, ever present in their lives. But yeah, he said a lot of vermin things.
The Dar: Ninja Turtles series has no shortage of great characters, but I love when new characters and concepts are added to the proverbial toy box. This is true of almost all animated series. Ninja Turtles Story Some new mutants will be debuting, such as Goldfin, Eel Lee, and Mustang Sally. Can you talk about how you created these characters?
Yost: One of the great joys of working on a title like Ninja Turtles is introducing new mutants. We will not do otherwise. Part of our season is introducing East River Three. We have a great cast; Timothy Olyphant, jillian bell, Danny Trejo They depict these river mutants who pose a unique challenge to the Ninja Turtles. It really does surprise people what they want. We had a lot of fun doing it. It was so much fun watching the turtles interact with jumping little goldfish, electric eels, and seahorses. The boss is so beautiful. Honestly, this is the best fight scene I have ever seen. We are so excited to present these boys and girls to the world.
Ten thousand: I’ve done enough sea turtle The second arc is very different. This is something I really enjoy.
Yost: The mutant animals in the movie are coming, and we got to play with them a lot in the second installment. You could say the chaos continues.
Dar: recording process mutational chaos Very unique because they get you all in the same room. This rarely happens in TV animation, let alone movies. There was absolute magic when all the actors came together. I’m tempted to assume that “Tales of the Ninja Turtles” was recorded by you guys alone.
Nicholas Cantu: Your assumption is correct.
Brady Noon: You think money is right.
Dar: If that’s the case, that experience was in mutational chaos Making up for not being able to record as an ensemble.
Nicholas Cantu: I can talk. Having had so much time together, we’ve become very familiar with each other’s collisions and the dynamics of the characters. For me, when I’m recording alone, I’m almost thinking about you guys. There is still an element of isolation and spontaneity. But when you’re recording alone, obviously you’re not going to get the same effect as you would in the same studio. But all the time we spent together made those isolated moments familiar enough.
Dahl: This is the first time a teenager has actually voiced a Ninja Turtles. I grew up watching the original cartoons before you were born.
[Laughter]
Dahl: I’d love to know about watching Nickelodeon TMNT Was the animated show or any iteration of the series a part of your childhood?
Micah Monastery: really. I feel like it’s an important part of everyone’s childhood. Everyone has seen it in some way. Nickelodeon always talks about merchandise. I feel like everyone has seen the Ninja Turtles backpack or lunch box. I grew up coming home from school and watching the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV show and then watching the movie with my dad.
noon: I grew up watching the 2012 Nickelodeon animated series. I go home and read this every day after school. Raph and Leo have always been my favorites. 4There are photos of me in itth grade dressed as Raff. It was a full circle moment. I think everyone has some form of Ninja Turtle in their life.
Cantu: I think I have smaller pieces. I didn’t actually watch the show or the movie. Of course, I’m familiar with the characters and seeing how big this series is. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of it.
Dar: Each turtle blends into you perfectly. As I’ve discovered over the years, sometimes they have actors audition each turtle just to test them out. Is this the case for you?
monastery: I know I auditioned for Downey. Their response was, “Yeah, send him McGee.” Now I look back at how I viewed it then and how I view it now Shamoun [Brown Jr.] Yeah, I’m like, “Thank God they gave this to Shamon!” Shamon kills it every time. My opinion is very different from Shamon’s. I feel like we both fit our roles very well.
Cantu: I’d say you’re perfect for Donatello. I originally auditioned for Donatello. It was the same situation when I put in the tape and they said, “We want to see how you do, Leo.” I gave that and that’s what impressed me. I’m so thankful you have Donnie. You are right, we are all perfect actors. You kill it as Raph.
noon: Thanks. I had an audition. I’ve always been Rafe.
Cantu: look! It’s meant to be!
noon: I guess they viewed me as the angry person from the beginning.
Cantu: What did you do in the audition when they said, “He has to play the angry guy?” [Laughs].
noon: I just yelled at them. [Laughs].
Dahl: It was great talking to you. Can’t wait for not only the series, but also the movie sequel following the Shredder trailer!
monastery: We are so excited!
“Tales of the Ninja Turtles” Premiere Friday, August 9, exclusively on Paramount+
