Paramount Developing Live-Action TMNT Film with Moritz

Paramount Pictures is developing a new live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, with veteran producer Neal H. Moritz in negotiations to lead the project, aiming to revive the franchise in a family-friendly format after nearly a decade without such a release.

The studio's move comes amid changes following Skydance Media's acquisition of Paramount, as executives reassess the company's intellectual properties. Moritz, known for producing the Sonic the Hedgehog films that have grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide, is expected to steer the Turtles toward a broad, all-ages appeal similar to that successful series. Toby Ascher is also set to produce, according to reports from industry sources. This approach contrasts with earlier live-action entries, such as the 2014 and 2016 films produced by Michael Bay, which featured heavier CGI and mixed box office results.

The decision puts on hold an R-rated adaptation of "The Last Ronin," a post-apocalyptic comic series based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles lore. That project, developed by former Warner Bros. executive Walter Hamada and screenwriter Tyler Burton Smith, had "Nobody" director Ilya Naishuller in talks to helm it. Sources...