Coming up with sequels is a tough job for screenwriters and directors because you need to find a balance between giving fans what they’ve already seen and liked while also elevating the story and bringing something new into the mix. WithTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, there will be the extra element of bringingthe most popular villain of the franchise, Shredder, to the big screen. In an interview with Collider’sMike Thomas, screenwriter and directorJeff Rowerevealed that this is exactly the stage they are in right now.
The thing with high-profile villains like the Shredder is that there is a certain level of expectation that comes with their presence, but also fans don’t want to see the same old thing. So, it makes perfect sense that Rowe and his team will spend quite a bit of timetaking a hard look at the characterand seeing what they can do with itthat will feel freshlikeTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhemdid, as he told Collider:
“That is exactly what I am trying to figure out and what my next meeting will be about. That is what we are in the thick of now. Shredder is just a great character. He’s an iconic, classic, loved character. He’s like the Joker. You know who he is, even if you’re not a fan of the source material. I think we definitely wanna do a villain-forward film. We’re currently trying to make decisions about that, but those decisions for us as filmmakers are always going to come from the place of what tells the best story, specifically about our main characters, the Turtles.”
Will ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Go ‘Dark Knight?’
Rowe’s mention of the Joker perfectly illustrates the situation. The Joker is the ultimate superhero villain, one of the most famous in the world. But also, he’s been depicted so many times that DC fans are simply tired of seeing the same thing – that’s why unique takes likeHeath Ledger’s unhinged version inThe Dark Knightbecame the ultimate Joker, and thenJoaquin Phoenix’s became equally popularbecause he subverted it.
ForTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Rowe and his team have the chance to do something similar with the Shredder. Considering that the filmmakermentioned a “villain-forward” sequel, they might be gearing up to present the Shredder to us in ways we’ve never seen before. The sequel was confirmed even before the first movie premiered in theaters, which shows that Paramount is confident in the story that Rowe,Seth Rogen,andEvan Goldbergwant to tell.
You can streamTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhemon Paramount+ in the U.S. Look for more from our interview with Jeff Rowe soon.
Watch on Paramount+
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
The film follows the Turtle brothers as they work to earn the love of New York City while facing down an army of mutants.
