The Last Ronin: A Ray of Hope for Fans
In a surprising turn of events, the live-action adaptation of The Last Ronin has received a glimmer of hope from an unexpected source: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman. After initial reports suggested the movie was scrapped by Paramount, Eastman's recent update has reignited excitement among fans.
Expanding the Roninverse
Entertainment Weekly, via Toonado.com, confirms that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe, or as fans call it, the "Roninverse," will continue to evolve with The Last Ronin: Training Day. This prequel comic shines a light on Michelangelo, one of the beloved Turtles.
The Last Surviving Hero
The Last Ronin revealed that Mikey, as his friends call him, was the sole survivor of the four Heroes in a Half-Shell. The story follows his quest for vengeance against the deaths of his brothers-in-arms, Leonardo, Raphael, and Donatello. Set in a future reminiscent of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, Mikey faces off against Shredder's grandson, the new leader of the Foot Clan.
A Dark Transformation
While Michelangelo ultimately met his end, a prequel/sequel series, The Last Ronin: The Lost Years, delves into his journey towards darkness. The sequel introduces a new team of Turtles: Odyn, Moja, Uno, and Yi, trained by sensei Casey Marie Jones, the daughter of Casey Jones and April O'Neil.
Exploring Mikey's Legacy
The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution chronicles April's death, and although The Last Ronin III is in development, The Last Ronin: Training Day will delve deeper into Mikey's relationship with Casey Marie. Kevin Eastman shares, "There were so many stories and back alleys we couldn't fit into the 200 pages. One of them was having Michelangelo spend time with Casey Marie Jones."
A Spark of Hope
Eastman adds, "[Mikey] saw the spark, the light, and the beauty in what Casey Marie Jones believed in. He wanted to embrace Splinter's teachings and become a protector of the city, just like the original Turtles."
The Movie's Future
Co-written by Tom Waltz with artwork by the Escorza brothers and others, The Last Ronin: Training Day arrives amidst news that Paramount Pictures has put the R-rated live-action adaptation on hold. However, Eastman remains optimistic, saying, "I don't think the movie's off the table. I think it's just delayed. I believe it will happen."
Fan Support
Eastman further notes, "The companies know fans love and support all things Last Ronin, just as another group adores the Mutant Mayhem series. We're not discouraged at all."
A New Live-Action Adventure
Last November, it was announced that a new live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie is in the works, with The Fast and the Furious franchise producer Neal H. Moritz overseeing the project for Paramount. The goal is to bring a "Sonic-fied" twist to the franchise.
Directorial Changes
Ilya Naishuller, director of the Nobody film, was initially attached to direct The Last Ronin, but recent reports suggest the new regime at Paramount wasn't keen on a bloody, adult-oriented story for the first non-animated Turtles movie in a decade.
A Familiar Face Returns?
It's also been confirmed that Judith Hoag, who played April in the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, was in talks to reprise her role.
Check out a first look at The Last Ronin: Training Day below, ahead of its July release.
And here's where it gets controversial...
With the movie's future uncertain, will The Last Ronin ever see the light of day on the big screen? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
