Peter Speaks On The Cancellation "Rumor"

[Archon_Turtle]

Someone Had to Ask. Might as well be me:

Hey Pete,
I'm sure a large number of us would be interested in your take on the current rumor about the upcoming cancellation of the cartoon...as the rumor is pretty much melting the internet right now :-P

Could I talk you into putting up a post on the subject?"

No, but I'll comment about it here. I suppose there is a possibility that the rumor is true, but I have not heard anything from 4Kids confirming it. If it is true, it's unfortunate, but not the end of the world. -- PL

Take it for what it's worth.

[CyberCubed]

Well he doesn't know what he doesn't know.

[Archon_Turtle]

Well he doesn't know what he doesn't know.

Yup, I'm just trying to be a good little super sleuth :-)

[Ninjinister]

So... TMNT4Kids says that he and some important people that work on the show hadn't heard about it, Peter says he's not heard about it... my head hurts....

[Jester]

Does this make you the forum Freddie or Velma?

[Archon_Turtle]

Does this make you the forum Freddie or Velma?

I'll be whatever you want me to be baby...

[Kunoichi_Haruko]

Archon_Turtle is so Freddie. Jester, make him wear the ascot! :D

[Jester]

:o Well played, Daphne, well played!

Does this make me Shaggy?
http://b7.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/00316/79/41/316531497_l.jpg
http://a666.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/43/l_9ce536bc9f4b75f103bcab2660967639.jpg

[Tomoshibi Amatsu]

Hmmm so would this be the teenage ones or should we consider you guys part of the pup named scooby doo universe? In which case where is archon_turtle's constant rantings on Red Herring being the bad guy? :lol:

eh just kidding.

as for the rumor. Well it's a shame we couldn't get any confirmation, but I'm hoping that the series won't get canceled.

[Jester]

Of all people should Peter Laird know where the TMNT is going?

[Spitfire]

Wow he sure doesn't seem to care if his series gets canned or not...

[Tomoshibi Amatsu]

well I would think he's a rich guy now. He probably doesn't care of it ends.

[Spitfire]

well I would think he's a rich guy now. He probably doesn't care of it ends.

If he wants to keep paying for his comic he'll care. If what some people are saying is correct Peter pays for all the comics out of pocket at a loss and I bet having the series around helps pay for that.

And being rich doesn't mean anything to an artist, a true artist anyway.

[MrPliggins]

well I would think he's a rich guy now. He probably doesn't care of it ends.

He was rich WAY before this series even started. I think he would like to see it go on forever like most of us, but knows it will end eventually. And he knows if and when it does end, it'll be back one day.

[Archon_Turtle]

He was rich WAY before this series even started. I think he would like to see it go on forever like most of us, but knows it will end eventually. And he knows if and when it does end, it'll be back one day.

You know...he may have what I like to call "George Lucas-itis". Frustrated that he is only known for the turtles...that the turtles are the only thing that he has that can gain popularity...that he will be forever pigeon-holed as "One of the guys that made the ninja turtles" rather than an artist that is well known for many properties.

Just a thought.

[CyberCubed]

Considering Pete hasn't really done much other than Turtles, I don't think he minds.

[Machias Banshee]

I think the idea of 'oh he's rich, he doesn't care', is a bit silly. All the money in the world cannot buy you creativity or other ideas...

I honestly would not be surprised if he is getting tired of JUST turtle stuff. It's like how Ringo Starr recently said he refuses to do anymore fan stuff. After a while, it's just too much... :ohwell:

[MrPliggins]

I don't really get the vibe from Pete that you guys are speaking of... but I do know that nothing he's worked on since has experienced the success of the Turtles..but the Turtles' success was freaking insane. No creator-owned property has experienced it on the same scale since.

[Sage Ninja]

I think you guys are being too negative. I didn't interpert what Peter laird said as he didn'yt care if the show ended or not. What I got from it was that on his end there is nothing concrete eighther on the series stoping or continueing and things are still up in the air. And I think since the major parties are unaware of a concrete cancellation of the series, that maybe it's just a rumour.

[Machias Banshee]

I would say that if Peter doesn't know of anything, that it's a fairly good sign that it's just a rumor for now...

[ZariusTwo]

Wow he sure doesn't seem to care if his series gets canned or not...

Too right.

I think you guys are being too negative. I didn't interpert what Peter laird said as he didn'yt care if the show ended or not. What I got from it was that on his end there is nothing concrete eighther on the series stoping or continueing and things are still up in the air.

Laird specificly said "If it's true, it's not the end of the world", meaning he doesnt give a damn if it ends or not. He doesnt think it's a big deal, and when the co-creator thinks lack of television exposure isnt a big deal, then that's as cold a slap in the face as this franchise has gotten.

He doesnt care anymore. The past three years are a big indication of this.

[Tomoshibi Amatsu]

You know...he may have what I like to call "George Lucas-itis". Frustrated that he is only known for the turtles...that the turtles are the only thing that he has that can gain popularity...that he will be forever pigeon-holed as "One of the guys that made the ninja turtles" rather than an artist that is well known for many properties.

Just a thought.

No way. If that were the case he'd have made really bad prequels to the turtles.

[Anarky]

You're on the news, Archon Turtle... (http://independentcomicssite.net/200810171075/News/peter-laird-on-tmnt-cancellation.html)

[VaughnMichael]

lol @ the doubters.:lol: Archon I'm suprised of all people that you don't believe me, but it's ok you'll all see in time.
I'll something fun for everyone very soon.
It's going to be in the general TMNT section and everyone can get involved.

[odupianist]

PL's lack of enthuiasm about this rumor (whether it is or not) just irks me. I'm sorry, but if my creation was dieing (and I didn't want it to die), I'd get to the bottom of the rumors and squash them.

[VaughnMichael]

It's because he's unware of what's going on.

[CyberCubed]

There's always the possibility 4kids could change their minds. We're only 4 eps into the new season and the ratings have been decent so far, and even though the Playmates toyline is losing Walmart it should still be able to survive at least another year or two in other stores.

I just wish Pete would come out and announce the 5th movie deal, because I think that will be the deciding factor for the show. Why would 4kids cancel the show when they could make so much money off the 5th movie? Pete needs to announce it soon.

[X]

If there is one thing that pisses me off sometimes about hollywood, it's the fact that sometimes people get too rich to care.

Once in the field myself, I wouldn't take advantage of a good thing.

Take PL for instance. Let's say he does know what's going on. The dude is probably filling his house with money and royalties, that he can afford to say something as stupid as, "even if it ends, it's not the end of the world."

Sure Peter, don't care for all of those who wish they created a succsessful property like TMNT, and would care for it more.

This joker now makes me think of a person who would get all the cash he could, then say, "that's enough. I don't care anymore."

I pity that notion if my assumptions are true.

Simply put, when dealing with my career, I will always feel blessed, and will never shun anything I create for any reason, and will always treat it with the upmost care.

If 4Kids cancels the show - which I hope they don't - if this movie is announced, they missed out on some good old cash.

-X-

[Archon_Turtle]

lol @ the doubters.:lol: Archon I'm suprised of all people that you don't believe me, but it's ok you'll all see in time.
I'll something fun for everyone very soon.
It's going to be in the general TMNT section and everyone can get involved.

At what point did I say I didn't believe you?

[gobo]

You asked for a second opinion, Archon. Same thing, isn't it?

[Archon_Turtle]

You asked for a second opinion, Archon. Same thing, isn't it?

I assume I've figured you out well enough to know that that was sarcastic gobo :-P

BUT! This is the internets, and its hard to read emotion from text, so incase you WEREN'T, let me make something clear to everyone.

Just because I label something a rumor, does not in any way mean that I don't believe said rumor.

The text book definition of a rumor is, "A piece of unverified information of uncertain origin usually spread by word of mouth."

So, while I don't doubt that it very well may be true, this information is a rumor in every sense of the word. It is, no matter how credible I believe Vaughn or his sources to be, UNVERIFIED. Why do you think I asked Peter about it in a public forum in the first place? I wanted to VERIFY it.

So, regardless of my belief of the level of truth to the rumor (and yes Vaughn, I do choose to believe you), until someone comes out and says it is true, I will continue to label it a rumor.

[VaughnMichael]

This blasted site, and it would just seem that way as Gobo said but I'm looking at Peters blog and I see you had been the second person to ask...
So, regardless of my belief of the level of truth to the rumor (and yes Vaughn, I do choose to believe you), until someone comes out and says it is true, I will continue to label it a rumor.
Perhaps some one could ask Murph about this as a question for the interview I'm conducting, then everyone would believe.

[Archon_Turtle]

This blasted site, and it would just seem that way as Gobo said but I'm looking at Peters blog and I see you had been the second person to ask...

Perhaps some one could ask Murph about this as a question for the interview I'm conducting, then everyone would believe.

Lots of people believe things that havent been proven to be true. It's called religion :-P

[VaughnMichael]

Lots of people believe things that havent been proven to be true. It's called religion :-P
Oh boy let's not go there.

[TMNT4kids]

There is no word either way on the series being canned. It took months last time to get the go ahead on Back to the Sewer after Fast Forward wrapped.

Peter doesn't know, no one knows. As I've stated we are still working on the current season and that special something.

We likely won't know either way for awhile.

Cautiously optimistic.

[gobo]

I assume I've figured you out well enough to know that that was sarcastic gobo :-P
Thanks for the vote of confidence. You hit the nail on the head. I would have asked Laird or whoever else on the inside for a second opinion if it wasn't for my need to see TMNT go out with a bang rather than a whimper this time. So, if there's any truth to this, I understand we're already in for a climactic and conclusive end of the season. That's a favorable place to throw in the towel rather than chance being axed in the midst of an arc or such.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Curt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison all died at 27. TMNT also rocks, but I don't hope the franchise will die already at 25. I don't want to shellebrate with a "funeral" (in which church wil the funeral be held? :|).

[PizzaPower]

TMNT wont ever die.

[Rooish]

Well, if the TMNT die at 27, we still have three more years. ;)

Monthly Tales issues, a wrap-up to Vol. 4, a movie (of some sort), tons of collected books. I am excited for TMNT things in the future still, so that's good.

[FearlessLeader]

I personally read what Peter said in a completely different way then everyone else here I think.

We know from his entries that as of late Peter has been focusing on two things, the 25th Celebration and the 5th film going forward. Maybe in complete honesty Peter just isn't focused on the TV show at the moment.

As much as I like BTTS I think a lot of people here would have to admit that if a REALLY good 5th film could be pulled out of this franchise, that got generations of people excited about the Turtles again (as many current superhero films are doing) this could be MUCH more beneficial to Turtles in the long run then one more season of a show on a channel that many people don't get. (Such as myself)

I am not going to assume to put words in Peter's mouth, but that's simply the way I read his words from interpreting his actions as of late.

The simple fact is if he wanted Turtles to die it could have very easily about the year ago. I remember before BTTS was approved, before all the rumors of movie 5' talking to a few of the guys from Mirage at a convention and them pretty much telling me they didn't expect to be doing any more cons for the studio and they didn't think Turtles was going to be around in the public much longer.

Things to my surprise changed. If Peter was not dedicated to the franchise why keep beating the dead horse? Some small part of him must love something. Listening to him talk about the guys, he is either a fantastic actor or he continues to love them.

I am going to ride this out, just like I did last year. Mirage will have something up there sleeve. If BTTS goes away then something else. I no more than Peter need a cartoon on CW to continue enjoying the fandom.

[CyberCubed]

For those who haven't seen it, Pete again responded in the comments section:

Hmm... yes, and no. One of the things about this 25th anniversary that perhaps escapes due notice is what it says about the longevity of this crazy TMNT concept that Kevin Eastman and I came up with back in November of 1983. I mean, think about it -- this thing has lasted for almost TWENTY-FIVE YEARS!!! That's almost half my life... a fact which ofttimes boggles my mind.

During the first explosion of the Turtles' popularity in the mass market, Kevin and I used to wonder and worry about the lifespan of the TMNT property. We would hear people talk about it as a "fad", like pet rocks or something, an ephemeral thing that would have its time and then vanish. We hoped that would not be true, but were prepared to accept the distinct possibility that it might be.

And for a while, after an amazing run of success in the mass market, things died down. The original show went off the air. The toyline petered out. Not much was happening. Was this it? Was this "THE END" of the Turtles?

It turned out not to be so, as we all now know. Mirage, working with Playmates and our new licensing agency (and partner in the new animated series) 4Kids, successfully relaunched the Turtles back in 2003. We've had tons of new products, a new movie, and lots of episodes of a show which -- in my humble opinion -- is superior to the original.

What does this prove? Well, again in my humble opinion, I think it finally proves that the Turtles have "legs". They are very likely, as Mark Freedman (our original licensing agent) used to say, an "evergreen" (no pun intended!) property. The success of the 2003 relaunch has convinced me that, although there will be cyclical highs and lows, the Turtles will, in some fashion, always be around. -- PL


Yeah, it does sound like he knows there's going to be a cycle where TMNT goes on and off the air again.

Sadly, whenever a universe ends "that's it" and there's no re-visiting it. When the old show ended we never got to see a continuation of it, and when the 2k3 universe ends that'll probably be it for this one as well.

New series every decade or so is fine, but its sad to see the old universes come to an end.

[Tomoshibi Amatsu]

Honestly even if this is the last season. Could the cartoon really come back a third time? I mean unless you make it totally unrelated to the comics or set it during the 2k3 timeline it's not really going to be much different from 2k3. If a third TMNT toon starts from the whole beginning and everything.

Personally if this is the last season of 2k3 I'd rather the TMNT TV cartoon series end there altogether. Cause honestly I doubt anything would top 2k3.

[Jester]

I'm all for a Tales style series, different styles of art and just stand alone episodes...but I don't know if that'd be feasible considering models and the like for an animated series...

[Tomoshibi Amatsu]

I think stand alone episodes would be a good thing for a third toon if that were to happen. I just can't see a third cartoon going through everything 2k3 did though and honestly it shouldn't have too. I think if a third toon is made it should have the feel of 2k3 but with just stand alone episodes and maybe a few cartoon only plot lines.

[CyberCubed]

A third cartoon could easily do things differently.

Keep Shredder a human the whole way through, not include the 2k3 elements like Hun/Bishop/Ninja Tribunal/Battle Nexus, etc.

After all, the 2k3 series started off as an adaption of the Mirage comics and then evolved into a totally different animal on itself, a third cartoon with different writers years later would do something new as well.

[Drtooth]

There is no word either way on the series being canned. It took months last time to get the go ahead on Back to the Sewer after Fast Forward wrapped.

Almost a whole year with that one, wasn't it? And somehow, I think that even if this is the end of this series, 4Kids may rerun TMNT through the 25th.

So, here's where I'm confused. 4kids isn't behind the cancellation... Mirage isn't...

Dare I say it could be Playmates, if anything?

I will stay cautiously optimistic as well... Maybe there just hasn't been a real meeting discussing it yet.

[Cipher]

No one doubts how successful Batman is, and it's had periods of no show, no comics, etc. The Tim Burton movies even came out when no show was airing at all. Its, what, fourth series will be premiering soon?

TMNT may not quite be Batman, but if Laird says the series cancellation isn't the end of the world (or even of the TMNT), it's because it isn't. I absolutely can't see that happening.

And I dare someone to name any other comic-based cartoon that has lasted for seven seasons. Most are lucky to make it to four.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

A third cartoon could easily do things differently.

Keep Shredder a human the whole way through, not include the 2k3 elements like Hun/Bishop/Ninja Tribunal/Battle Nexus, etc.

After all, the 2k3 series started off as an adaption of the Mirage comics and then evolved into a totally different animal on itself, a third cartoon with different writers years later would do something new as well.

Even the 1987 cartoon was originally supposed to follow the Mirage comics, and first it did a little bit. You had Purple Dragon gang (not named), saving April O' Neil, Foot soldier fight on New York City rooftop, Baxter Stockman's mouser robots and all that stuff. But it didn't last long. I would say from "Hot Rodding Teenagers from Dimension X", there is not very much Mirage stuff (excepct some, like Casey Jones).

[sdp]

Exactly a third series wouldn't be hard to do, it'd be a little redundant doing it any time so soon after the 2k3 show finishes. IMO it'd need a few years at least 5 to re-new interest, no one wants a new take as soon as one ended.


A new cartoon can do MANY things different, and is going to have to live up to the 2k3 show since it set the standards high. I actually have a great idea of how a third series could be but of course I won't share it since I expect to become rich soon and will buy the license for a cartoon, which would be exactly about 5 years from now ;)

[TerranigmaFreak]

I personally read what Peter said in a completely different way then everyone else here I think.

We know from his entries that as of late Peter has been focusing on two things, the 25th Celebration and the 5th film going forward. Maybe in complete honesty Peter just isn't focused on the TV show at the moment.

As much as I like BTTS I think a lot of people here would have to admit that if a REALLY good 5th film could be pulled out of this franchise, that got generations of people excited about the Turtles again (as many current superhero films are doing) this could be MUCH more beneficial to Turtles in the long run then one more season of a show on a channel that many people don't get. (Such as myself)

I am not going to assume to put words in Peter's mouth, but that's simply the way I read his words from interpreting his actions as of late.

The simple fact is if he wanted Turtles to die it could have very easily about the year ago. I remember before BTTS was approved, before all the rumors of movie 5' talking to a few of the guys from Mirage at a convention and them pretty much telling me they didn't expect to be doing any more cons for the studio and they didn't think Turtles was going to be around in the public much longer.

Things to my surprise changed. If Peter was not dedicated to the franchise why keep beating the dead horse? Some small part of him must love something. Listening to him talk about the guys, he is either a fantastic actor or he continues to love them.

I am going to ride this out, just like I did last year. Mirage will have something up there sleeve. If BTTS goes away then something else. I no more than Peter need a cartoon on CW to continue enjoying the fandom.

I'm glad somebody here has some sense. Plus, didn't we just go through this last year after FF ended? Suddenly, it was all doom and gloom and cancellations. Bah, just calm down and enjoy this season, because it really is shaping up to be an excellent season.

[PizzaPower]

i think a third cartoon would be awesome like 5 years later again, maybe but who knows. All good things come to an end sometime.

[veemonjosh]

And I dare someone to name any other comic-based cartoon that has lasted for seven seasons.

The original toon. :lol:

Which would be the main reason I'd be upset about a cancellation, because I've kinda wanted 2K3 to tie or surpass the original toon in episode count. We'd need three more seasons to do that, which I guess made it a bit unlikely from the start, but if the fifth movie plans were solidified soon, we COULD get at least two more.

As for a new series, the only thing I can think about that would even be able to top 2K3 is if they really tried to stick to the Mirage continuity all the way through. But, personally, that'd make it feel too dependant on the source material and not able to spread it's wings like 2K3 has.

[karailynn]

I've been loosly following this...so this may be a dumb question...but why cant they follow the comics? I'd love to see shadow next season. To market it they could do little mini comics or sell comics with the toys. Like a package deal thing. So that kids know where the storyline is coming from.

[ZariusTwo]

I've been loosly following this...so this may be a dumb question...but why cant they follow the comics?

Originality compells thee.

[veemonjosh]

I've been loosly following this...so this may be a dumb question...but why cant they follow the comics?

A few reasons:

1. 2K3 has basically adapted every comic it can, and any remaining stories left unadapted can't be for various reasons.

2. The writers on 2K3, from what I've seen, work best when they're not restricted to adapting a pre-existing storyline.

3. Continuing from point 2, certain TMNT fans haven't exactly...been too thrilled with the adaptions that went on during the first four seasons.

[Drtooth]

At this point, the only 2 stories I wanna see adapted in animated form are The River anfd Sky highway.

I'd say, if anything, if a next season would happen, I want to see something "Tales of the TMNT" like... but with original stories (except for Sky Highway... that would make too cool an episode).

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

At this point, the only 2 stories I wanna see adapted in animated form are The River anfd Sky highway.

I'd say, if anything, if a next season would happen, I want to see something "Tales of the TMNT" like... but with original stories (except for Sky Highway... that would make too cool an episode).

You mean these: http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/24/24.htm and http://www.ninjaturtles.com/comics/mirage/volume01/30/30.htm.

[Spitfire]

I second Sky Highway. I loved that issue and it would make a very cool episode. The only problem with it is it's a little to vile for TV and they'd have to tone it down quite a bit.

I'd also think the Casey Jones 2 part story would make a cool episode or two. We never had any episodes really focusing on him.

[odupianist]

They could always do a third series based more along the lines of Archie instead of Mirage. Or hell, even an Image style cartoon, meaning more adult like. They could still do a cartoon in a few years if they got creative. And by creative, I don't mean the young turtles teaming up with older turtles.

[Drtooth]

They could always do a third series based more along the lines of Archie instead of Mirage.

Cough cough cough... that was pretty much what Ultimate TMNT was going to be.. cough cough.

But I see what you mean. UTMNT would have worked better as a reboot anyway. That's one of the 2 directions I would love to see it taken. The other being a serious adult comic version, similar to The Maxx or Spawn. Too bad they don't do more adult action cartoons, and not just AS knockoffs with bad sex jokes.

[maryshine]

[QUOTE=Drtooth;642280]Cough cough cough... that was pretty much what Ultimate TMNT was going to be.. cough cough.

QUOTE]


You mean as one of the options for this season? What was the plot of that suppose to be about? I'm curious. I recall hearing about turtle overloaded or something like that but not Ultimate TMNT.

[gobo]

Cough cough cough... that was pretty much what Ultimate TMNT was going to be.. cough cough.


You mean as one of the options for this season? What was the plot of that suppose to be about? I'm curious. I recall hearing about turtle overloaded or something like that but not Ultimate TMNT.

Read about it here (http://the-5th-turtle.blogspot.com/2007/10/ultimate-tmnt-also-not.html).

[CyberCubed]

So is there any update or new news on this?

Has anyone asked Murphy anything?

[VaughnMichael]

So is there any update or new news on this?

Has anyone asked Murphy anything?
Yes, and he's going to try and touch on it in my interview with him on my blog.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

They could always do a third series based more along the lines of Archie instead of Mirage. Or hell, even an Image style cartoon, meaning more adult like. They could still do a cartoon in a few years if they got creative. And by creative, I don't mean the young turtles teaming up with older turtles.

I would like to see an Archie inspired cartoon. I think it would be cool.