THE LAST RONIN (2025)

A Lone Turtle in a Broken World

Set in a bleak future where New York City has become a militarized dictatorship, The Last Ronin tells the story of Michelangelo, the last surviving Turtle. Haunted by the deaths of his brothers—Leonardo, Donatello, and Raphael—he takes up their weapons and embarks on a mission of vengeance against the Foot Clan and its tyrannical new leader, Oroku Hiroto, the grandson of Shredder.

Unlike past iterations, this story embraces a much darker tone, exploring grief, survivor's guilt, and the cost of war in a brutal, cyberpunk-like world.

Production Team and Vision

The film is currently in early development, with Tyler Burton Smith (Boy Kills World) penning the screenplay. Veteran producer Walter Hamada, known for his work with DC Films, is overseeing the project under his 18Hz banner. Though no director has been officially confirmed, James Wan has been rumored to be in talks.

The adaptation is described as being similar in spirit to Logan or The Dark Knight—films that redefined their franchises by embracing serious, mature storytelling. This marks the first time the TMNT will be portrayed in an R-rated live-action setting.

Creative Origins

The graphic novel The Last Ronin, written by TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz, was originally based on a concept developed in the 1980s. It was finally published by IDW in 2020 to critical and commercial success, praised for its emotional depth and striking art.

Eastman is closely involved in the film's development, ensuring the adaptation stays faithful to the original vision.

Release Status

As of mid-2025, the movie remains in development with no confirmed release date, though fans speculate it could arrive in late 2026 or 2027, depending on casting, director attachment, and production timelines.

Why It Matters

The Last Ronin has the potential to completely reshape the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brand for older audiences. Instead of pizza jokes and Saturday morning antics, this version focuses on psychological intensity, cinematic grit, and the lonely burden of being the last warrior standing.

It’s a bold move—one that could either redefine the franchise… or divide it.