It was rumoured the other day that the Michael Bay produced, Jonathan Liebesman directed big budget reboot of TMNT would carry a streamlined title of NINJA TURTLES. As expected, the fans went nuts. Well, sadly the word on the street was right. No ‘teenage’, no ‘mutant’, no chance of ever being able to use that neat abbreviation again. NT it is. (See what I mean about the abbreviation, it just doesn’t have the same ring to it does it).

Bay confirmed the title change earlier today through his official site. Here’s what he had to say…

“Paramount marketing changed the name. They made the title simple. The characters you all remember are exactly the same, and yes they still act like teenagers. Everything you remember, why you liked the characters, is in the movie. This script is being developed by two very smart writers, with one of the original creators of Ninja Turtles. They care VERY MUCH about making this film for the fans. Everyone on this team cares about the fans. Just give them a chance. Jonathan the director, is a major fan of the whole franchise. HE’S NOT GOING TO LET YOU DOWN.”

OK, MICHAEL. WE GET IT! CONSIDER US CHILLED! Sounds a bit annoyed doesn’t he. Is he right to be? We know where we stand on the alien origin aspect he got so much crap for (it was always in the mythology anyway, Liebesman handily reminded us all last week) but these are a good portion of its intended audience he’s barking at here. Creating a backlash before a frame has even been shot isn’t the smartest of moves.

Still, we’re intrigued to see what this movie is going to look like. Especially looking forward to seeing what RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES-style motion capture can do for the characters themselves. And to all frowning at that aspect of the approach, let’s face it guys – small stuntmen in rubber suits just wouldn’t cut it these days.

NINJA TURTLES opens Stateside Christmas Day 2013.

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