Last week, the first of the four NINJA TURTLES in the Michael Bay-produced reboot was cast, bringing in former Aquaman Alan Ritchson for the role of Raphael. Now, the other three turtles have filled their shells, with Pete Ploszek (Parks and Recreation) playing the leader, Leonardo, Jeremy Howard (Breaking Bad) taking on the bo-staff wielding Donatello, and Noel Fisher (BATTLE: LOS ANGELES) portraying the wise-cracking Michelangelo. All of the actors are new on the scene, which was probably a big consideration when the studio addressed the budgetary issues a while back, causing the film to be delayed. It makes perfect sense, really, especially when the actors will be virtually unrecognizeable as themselves anyway.
The film is said to be using an “Avatar-like” performance capture for the turtles, so it should be an interesting translation to say the least. The news of this film falling into the hands of Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and the subsequent “leaks” of a script that involves the turtles as aliens has set the internet on fire. And, rightly so in terms of the alien aspect. However, as a big fan of the turtles, I’m willing to give this one a shot. I enjoyed the black sheep that is BATTLE: LOS ANGELES from Liebesman and have marvelled at the Bayhem carnage many times over throughout the years. My fingers are crossed and I’m hopeful for a solid turtles reboot that could open the doors to a new franchise.
Unless they’re aliens. Then, we have problems.
NINJA TURTLES, starring Megan Fox, Alan Ritchson, Pete Ploszek, Jeremy Howard, and Noel Fisher is set for release on June 6, 2014.