Kevin Eastman Compares TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: THE LAST RONIN Movie to Frank Miller’s DARK KNIGHT

Kevin Eastman, the co-creator of the beloved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, recently gave fans an exciting update on the anticipated live-action adaptation of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin.

Drawing comparisons to Frank Miller’s iconic Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Eastman revealed interesting insight into what fans can expect from the upcoming gritty R-Rated film.

During San Diego Comic-Con, Eastman spoke with ComicBook, confirming his involvement as a consultant for the film adaptation of The Last Ronin, the acclaimed five-issue miniseries he co-wrote with comic writer Tom Waltz.

The story explores a dark, dystopian future where a lone surviving Turtle embarks on a relentless mission to avenge his fallen brothers by confronting Oroku Hiroto, the grandson of their legendary foe, Shredder.

Eastman expressed his appreciation for Paramount and Nickelodeon's dedication, saying:

“They do not have to bring me in to be involved in any parts of anything, but they bring me in for the comics, the cartoon shows, [and to] consult on the movies, especially The Last Ronin. I just adore that, and they’re wonderful.”

While Eastman has communicated with screenwriter Tyler Burton Smith (Boy Kills World), he was cautious about confirming if the movie would officially receive the initially reported R-rating. He shared:

“I’m really excited what they’re doing and what they’re going to do with it. They’re all saying it’s going to be R-rated, but until you know officially, we’ll wait for word from them.”

When asked if the movie might tie into previous Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film adaptations, Eastman described how The Last Ronin creatively mirrors the standalone nature of Miller’s Dark Knight:

“What I’ve been told in the discussions, as limited as they are, is that what they loved about Last Ronin — because Last Ronin, to me, was a love poem to Frank Miller’s Dark Knight.

“All things Batman exist in Dark Knight, but it was set in a universe just to the left [of canon]. So they didn’t have to play by all the lineage rules … they were able to tell a story all within itself. And with The Last Ronin, we took that same approach, but it leans heavily on the Mirage Universe.”

For Eastman, the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 from 1984 signifies "the beginning," and The Last Ronin represents "the end," making it an ideal self-contained narrative.

"It’s my understanding that’s the approach they’re going to take, and good for them, and wise. I think it’s the right way to go."

Expanding upon this gritty vision, Eastman and Waltz have dubbed the expanding storyline the “Ronin-verse,” featuring spin-offs like The Last Ronin: The Lost Years, The Last Ronin—Lost Day Special, and the upcoming sequel The Last Ronin II: Re-Evolution.

Walter Hamada, former DC Films president and executive producer of projects such as The Batman and The Suicide Squad, is on board as producer. His involvement further suggests the project’s commitment to a mature, intense cinematic experience, marking a thrilling return to live-action Turtles for the first time since 2016’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.

Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting new chapter in the TMNT saga!