Earlier this year Paramount unveiled plans for Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles, a series of 4-minute, CG-animated episodes aimed at preschoolers that explore the early days of the iconic ninja turtles on their first adventures as ninjas-in-training. The Beat recently had the opportunity to chat with two of the young actors Billy Konsoer (Leo) andJamir Jones (Raph) to discuss their experience working on the Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Taimur Dar: It’s a bit surreal for me that the TMNT franchise is over 40 years old. When were you introduced to the Turtles?
Jamir Jones: I used to love the 2012 series. That was my favorite thing to watch. After I booked the role, my parents told me there was another movie in the ‘90s. My favorite part in that movie was when they said, “Go ninja! Go ninja!”
Billy Konsoer: I’ve been a Ninja Turtles fan since I was four years old. I’ve watched almost every movie and TV show. I’ve loved the Ninja Turtles. If I were to rate each one, it would probably be Leo and then Raph and then Mikey and Donnie. But I love them all.
Taimur Dar: I’m curious, did you audition for all the Turtles or were you brought in to audition for <a href="https://comicvibe.com/comic-social-your-new-hub-for-comic-readers-in-the-uk/” title=”Comic Social: Your New Hub for Comic Readers in the UK”>your respective Turtle?
Jamir Jones: I auditioned for a different character, I think named Brock. When I got the callback, that’s when they told me I could pick between the Turtles but they had different names. I picked Raph and I booked it.
Billy Konsoer: We went into this not knowing what the show was. I think my character was named Liam. It definitely sounded familiar. But when I got the part that’s when I knew I auditioned for Leonardo. That was crazy. My mind blew up.
Taimur Dar: Most voice recordings are done individually. I’m tempted to assume that’s the case and if so, have you ever met each other before or the other Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles voice actors?
Jamir Jones: This is my first time meeting Billy. I met Mikey [Jonah Polanco]. We don’t record together but I wish we did. I think that would be great. Our voice director is super funny especially when we do a funny line. We all start laughing. I think all of us would be really cool.
Billy Konsoer: We have never met each other in person. This is my first time meeting Jamir. I have never met [the voices of] Mikey or Donnie. I hope I do someday. Rosa, our voice director, really did help us improve in every single episode. I just want to give a shoutout to her.
Taimur Dar: Are there any characters you want to see appear in Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles?
Jamir Jones: I would love to see Shredder or Splinter.
Billy Konsoer: I would love to see Shredder. Shredder as the new villain would be so cool to have. If we are talking about good guys, I would love to have Splinter in the show too.
Taimur Dar: Is anyone else in your family TMNT fans?
Jamir Jones: Yes, everybody in my family loves the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And they’re favorite character is Raph. That’s so cool my character is Raph and I’m honored to be in Ninja Turtles.
Billy Konsoer: My dad, mom, sister all like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. My sister’s favorite Ninja Turtle would probably be Mikey.
Taimur Dar: Raph is usually the hothead of the team. Is it weird seeing him much angrier in other TMNT projects?
Jamir Jones: Not really. I feel like I have a great and unique Raph that stands out from the grouchy Raph.
Billy Konsoer: I think this brings a different meaning to Raph [and] not always thinking of him as that mean type of brother. He really does care about his brothers and we can see that in a lot of the other movies.
Taimur Dar: Finally, it seems appropriate to ask ask your favorite pizza?
Jamir Jones: I don’t know if it’s kind of weird, but I love barbecue sauce and to put extra cheese and mushrooms, pepperoni, and green peppers.
Watch new episodes of Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles right here on the Nick Jr. YouTube channel!
