William Fichtner interview. Names Shredder.

[rufus]

Did not see this posted yet.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/06/21/william-fichtner-kim-coates-crossing-lines-interview_n_3478979.html
C

[CyberCubed]

So Shredder is white and not Japanese confirmed. I'm done with this movie.

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

Wow. Really.

I would have at least liked someone who can do... I don't know...Martial arts in the role.

But hey, that's just me being picky.

[xChri5x]

ugh.............

[CyberCubed]

So instead of Shredder being Japanese and knowing martial arts, he's going to be a 50 year old white Colonel. What a way to destroy one of the most iconic characters in the franchise.

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

So instead of Shredder being Japanese and knowing martial arts, he's going to be a 50 year old white Colonel. What a way to destroy one of the most iconic characters in the franchise.


Why does this remind me of the Mandarin in Iron Man 3? lol

[The Stryker]

So Shredder is white and not Japanese confirmed. I'm done with this movie.

Why do I get the feeling that you'll still be here responding to every piece of news until the movie comes out....at which point you'll post a detailed review.

[Lord Nightwalker]

Hmm. Looks like they actualy kept quite a bit from that absolute garbage script that leaked. Big surprise there.... Interesting to see how the band wagon for this rolls out after a trailer is released. But right now, based on what info we have, In my opinion, It's not looking too good. It's looking like a big green train wreck.

[Candy Kappa]

Not a fan, not a fan at all.

[Bauer536]

You know. It's possible that Shredder is Japanese in the film, but we will never see his helmet come off in any way. And why are we worrying about the script again? Kevin Eastman flat-out said that the turtles were not going to be aliens.

[Bob]

I guess they’ve “Shredderfied” Colonel Schrader. I still think we’re going to see a military-esque Shredder to go with the new Foot.

[marcelangelo]

hey guys..I only overflew this text in search of the tmnt parts of it..but I haven't seen any word of military..were you just reminded of the old script bull or does he say anything about that somewhere?cant find it...

[TigerClaw]

What if there's a twist in all of this. What if William Fichter's Shredder is actually a Utrom in disguise like in the 2003 TMNT series?

[Lord Nightwalker]

What if there's a twist in all of this. What if William Fichter's Shredder is actually a Utrom in disguise like in the 2003 TMNT series?

Or possed by the tengu spirit of Oruku Saki? Meh. Story had better be worth it or it realy wouldn't make any difference. But time will tell.

[Matches Malone]

I too don't see any mention of Colonel Schrader, or anything beyond Fichter confirming he is the Shredder. Not saying this doesn't give good reason to believe he could be, I just don't see any confirmation here.

Also, is it possible he is only doing the voice? Isn't that what they did in the first live action movie?

[ctt4lfecw]

At least he's not Schrader.

[CyberCubed]

But he's not Japanese. This ruins Saki and the entire backstory:

Unless this guy isn't Oroku Saki. He doesn't look like one.

[Slap-Happy]

Surprisingly okay with this. A Japanese actor would be preferred, but it works for me. A new spin on the character.

But he's not Japanese. This ruins Saki and the entire backstory
Not really. The story could be exactly the same with a white man. Who's to say they aren't going with the reincarnation route? Or that maybe he was a soldier stationed in Japan and thats when all they stuff with Yoshi happened?

[CyberCubed]

They're not going to copy IDW's obscure origin.

[Shark_Blade]

He's okay. Maybe we won't see him without his mask anyway/obscured in darkness like Nick Shredder.

[CyberCubed]

He's okay. Maybe we won't see him without his mask anyway/obscured in darkness like Nick Shredder.

You will still see his eyes. People can tell those are not Asian eyes.

[Cure]

This is sounding crazier and crazier. I love it.

[TMNTChris1980]

Every new bit of information that gets announced about this movie confirms my expectations. This movie is going to suck.

I agree, a white guy playing Shredder, c'mon.

Whoopi Goldberg...Whoopi Goldberg?!? She's probably one of the bigger names attached to the movie, so I can't see here having limited screen time. errr, I can hear the horrible lines from her already

Whoopi- "Leo, Raph says I love you"
Leo- "Raph would never say that"
Whoopi- "He says ditto"
Leo- *begins to cry

I'm sorry if I sound super negative about this, but hey, we've been waiting since 2007-2008, right?

[Matches Malone]

You will still see his eyes. People can tell those are not Asian eyes.

People won't be able to tell if he squints. God knows they're squinters!

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

If we're going to have a white guy as Shredder, I'd rather have it be someone like this guy:

i2PsQUQgb7k

[Nameless]

i like how thrilled his response was to be getting the role of shredder. like it was thrown to him and he had to go hmm do i really want to do this

[Cipher]

all your tears

http://www.singleblackmale.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/diddy_drink.gif

You will still see his eyes. People can tell those are not Asian eyes.
ooooooooooooooohmygod I am saving this forever.

[Galactus]

This is horrible news.

Not in any real world sense but in the context of making a decent TMNT film it's pure horrible.

[CyberCubed]

You know I'm betting the Turtles are still aliens in the movie too, they're only mutants because they were contaminated on Earth but they're still aliens.

And white Colonel Shredder. He's named Shredder now instead of Shrader but he's still likely a Colonel.

This movie is going to give Next Mutation a run for its money as the worst TMNT product ever.

[Welmanshire]

So instead of Shredder being Japanese and knowing martial arts, he's going to be a 50 year old white Colonel. What a way to destroy one of the most iconic characters in the franchise.

Not once was the word Colonel mentioned in that interview. He infact said Shredder, whjch you should be happy about instead of getting a truly bastardized version of the character.

[Cipher]

This movie is going to give Next Mutation a run for its money as the worst TMNT product ever.
I think this may actually be the one thing we can say with any certainty about this movie will not be true.

[turtletoons81]

wow *sighs,chuckles* wow...this is interesting.

[CyberCubed]

I think this may actually be the one thing we can say with any certainty about this movie will not be true.

It won't have the awful Next Mutation sound effects or Venus, but its going to be awful in so many other ways that it'll make no difference.

That show was "kiddie awful," this one will be "movie awful."

This movie is going to make Secret of the Ooze, TMNT III, and TMNT 2007 look like masterpieces.

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

Not once was the word Colonel mentioned in that interview. He infact said Shredder, whjch you should be happy about instead of getting a truly bastardized version of the character.


You mean like The Mandarin in Iron Man 3? They still called it "The Mandarin"...doesn't mean it wasn't a quote "bastardized version" of the character.

Another point, Venom in Spider-Man 3. People still say it's Venom...but that's a bastardized version of Venom in that POS.

Just cause it has the same name, doesn't mean it's not a quote 'bastardized' version of it.

So I guess we'll see.

[Welmanshire]

You know I'm betting the Turtles are still aliens in the movie too, they're only mutants because they were contaminated on Earth but they're still aliens.

And white Colonel Shredder. He's named Shredder now instead of Shrader but he's still likely a Colonel.

This movie is going to give Next Mutation a run for its money as the worst TMNT product ever.

Sorry to double post. But shut up. Seriously. Aussme. Assume. Assume. You sound like a butthurt teenager.

At this point you should just give up on the film and stop commenting the same thing over and over on these threads.

[CyberCubed]

Sorry to double post. But shut up. Seriously. Aussme. Assume. Assume. You sound like a butthurt teenager.

At this point you should just give up on the film and stop commenting the same thing over and over on these threads.

Its best to complain. Venting out our feelings make us feel better as fans.

Why do you think people always post angry rants about things they're unhappy with in TV shows, movies or videogames? Its because we can.

[Powder]

He's okay. Maybe we won't see him without his mask anyway/obscured in darkness like Nick Shredder.

I'm hoping this is the case. I'm really not a fan of a whitewashed Shredder.

[Welmanshire]

Its best to complain. Venting out our feelings make us feel better as fans.

Why do you think people always post angry rants about things they're unhappy with in TV shows, movies or videogames? Its because we can.

I would hardly call what you are doing ranting. Saying the same points over and over again. Post by post. But hey, if it makes you feels better about the negative connotations *you* have put on this film. Go for it.

[Vi11AiN6]

Epic Facepalm!

Jesus Christ on a Crutch, I'm officially back on the "of crap this is gonna suck"
What makes me scratch my head is how Viacom who own's the property are allowing TMNT to have absolutely ZERO continuity between the movie, the comics, and the toon.

Like what If Michael Bay did Star Wars Episode? Would they allow Darth Vader to NOT be Lukes Father or a fallen Jedi?


The ONLY way they can make this turd shine is if Oruko Saki is played by an Asian actor, get burned/disfigured and Fitchner plays and voices Shredder in costume only.


FYI Fitchner was incredible as a paycho cop in Strange Days

[Galactus]

Not once was the word Colonel mentioned in that interview. He infact said Shredder, whjch you should be happy about instead of getting a truly bastardized version of the character.

Obviously fans mileage on what the consider unacceptable changes will differ but just look at Fichter. I'd say it's good odds that to most people the character will be pretty bastardised.

[Andrew NDB]

We all knew this was coming.

And Shrader BECOMES Shredder in that leaked script. If he says he's playing "Shredder" but is, in fact, Colonel Shrader, he's still not lying.

[redsai4lex]

Good Actor... I'm not so sure about him as Shredder yet, but for a non-Japanese-oriented TMNT movie, it might turn out ok... I guess we'll have to find out.

[ToTheNines]

I don't. ****ing. Get it.

[CyberCubed]

People aren't realizing yet why a white Shredder is awful:

- It changes Shredder's race for one thing. His name is obviously not going to be Oroku Saki anymore. Can you imagine a white man with the name Oroku Saki?

- Splinter will officially have no ties to Shredder or the Foot. The whole point of the franchise was Splinter/Shredder's rivalry and the Foot Clan. If the Foot are a military unit then what the hell do they have to do with Splinter and the Turtles?

- Instead of the Turtles being ninja's fighting ninja's, they're fighting a military unit and their white commander.

- Shredder simply isn't Shredder anymore. Even in 4kids the Utrom Shredder still pretended to be Oroku Saki for 3 seasons.

[hitmonkey]

I'm putting money on "white guy who adopted Japanese culture" and took the name "Oroku Saki".

[Andrew NDB]

Sounds like a lot of concessions need to be made to accommodate Michael Bay's friend as Shredder. Concessions they wouldn't need to make if they just casted a respectable Japanese/can-pass-for-Japanese actor.

[Ninjinister]

So Shredder is white and not Japanese confirmed. I'm done with this movie.

lolololololololololololol

[CyberCubed]

Judging by how different the Foot look in this movie compared to how they usually do, I wouldn't be surprised if Shredder doesn't wear any armor at all.

He probably will look exactly like a Colonel. Seriously, why the hell would they change Shredder like this? It makes absolutely zero sense.

[Gwydion]

Well, this is... disappointing. Oh well, can't say I'm surprised, but at least it's official so no more guessing.

[Galactus]

The ONLY way they can make this turd shine is if Oruko Saki is played by an Asian actor, get burned/disfigured and Fitchner plays and voices Shredder in costume only.

Y'know the only way I could see this possibly working is if they took a cue from the Nickleodeon show were Saki's entire face is scarred.

Even then I don't think Fichtner really has the right "presence" to pull off most versions of the Shredder. Even if he did it's still questionable form to cast him in a part that should have someone at least of asian descent.

Realisticaly though I think we're getting Col. Schrader and the best we can hope for is that the alien aspect has been written out. It'd still be stupid but marginaly better.

[beardcore84]

God TMNT fans are the worst. It makes me ashamed to be a fan of TMNT.

If you want the old origin story GO READ THE OLD COMICS!!!!!

If you want the old origin story GO WATCH THE FIRST MOVIE!!!!!

God forbid someone does something different with the characters!!!

Why on earth someone would want to be told the same story over and over and over again is absolutely beyond my comprehension....

smh

[CyberCubed]

God TMNT fans are the worst. It makes me ashamed to be a fan of TMNT.

If you want the old origin story GO READ THE OLD COMICS!!!!!

If you want the old origin story GO WATCH THE FIRST MOVIE!!!!!

God forbid someone does something different with the characters!!!

Why on earth someone would want to be told the same story over and over and over again is absolutely beyond my comprehension....

smh

A load of garbage. Wanting to see a different story is not the same as the main villain changed to be something unrecognizable.

[Galactus]

God TMNT fans are the worst. It makes me ashamed to be a fan of TMNT.

If you want the old origin story GO READ THE OLD COMICS!!!!!

If you want the old origin story GO WATCH THE FIRST MOVIE!!!!!

God forbid someone does something different with the characters!!!

Why on earth someone would want to be told the same story over and over and over again is absolutely beyond my comprehension....

smh

Yeah because we're the only fandom that would be disapointed with a change like this. Star Wars fans would love it if the new movie rebooted Vader as Shader an evil Ewok with retractable claws or Spider-Man fans getting a kick out of the new version of Norman Osbourne who is a barman who happens to secretly be a mischievous sprite from the Goblin Dimension.

We all accept that there has to be changes when you adapt an established franchise into a different medium but if you're going to play so fast and loose with the very basics then why work with the established franchise at all? Why not make an orignal movie?

[Lord Nightwalker]

God TMNT fans are the worst. It makes me ashamed to be a fan of TMNT.

If you want the old origin story GO READ THE OLD COMICS!!!!!

If you want the old origin story GO WATCH THE FIRST MOVIE!!!!!

God forbid someone does something different with the characters!!!

Why on earth someone would want to be told the same story over and over and over again is absolutely beyond my comprehension....

smh

No. What I want is justice done to the property, even a good reinvention would be acceptable. The info leaked previously is neither good, or acceptable.
That's my biggest hang up. I want a good TMNT film.
And to me that means an awesome story about four biologicaly transmutated chelonians raised by their rat shidoshi as a family of Ninja who stomp the begevus out of an evil clan of ninja who use their perversion of the art to appease their ruthlessly coldhearted master, the Shredder.
How they get from point a to point b is just as important as the charachters man. Liberties can be taken and still remain TRUE TO THE SOURCE MATERIAL. Is that so much to ask for? Even the Nick toon hits mostly the right notes, so why can't hollywood?
This would be like Zach fn' ron being cast as Batman tomorrow. Unacceptable.

[Ninjinister]

Of all of the potentially negative things confirmed about this film, this seems to be the silliest one for people to freak out over.

A load of garbage..

Which is the content of pretty much every one of your posts.

[Zulithe]

I'm not liking this simply because I don't like seeing black or asian characters from other source materials such as books or comics turned into white characters for the film versions. There's a long history of this and it's really not necessary with the wealth and breadth of talent that's out there.

It's not just his skincolor though, obviously Shredder's ethnicity and country of origin do tie into the plot in non-trivial ways. It's definitely a big departure. They'd better have a good reason for this. But judging by Platinum Dune's previous work I have very low expectations.

Maybe it's a Ducard/Ra's kind of thing? O.o

[Candy Kappa]

God TMNT fans are the worst. It makes me ashamed to be a fan of TMNT.

If you want the old origin story GO READ THE OLD COMICS!!!!!

If you want the old origin story GO WATCH THE FIRST MOVIE!!!!!

God forbid someone does something different with the characters!!!

Why on earth someone would want to be told the same story over and over and over again is absolutely beyond my comprehension....

smh

So, when the lack Panther movie comes it, it is totally okay to have him be played by a white actor?

Cause who wants the old stuff, where he is a native African.


Maybe it's a Ducard/Ra's kind of thing? O.o


Shredder and Oroku Saki could be separate characters, Saki controlling things in the shadows and whoever dons the costume or persona The Shredder is his Tatsu/Hun.

[Zulithe]

Shredder and Oroku Saki could be separate characters, Saki controlling things in the shadows and whoever dons the costume or persona The Shredder is his Tatsu/Hun.

It does fit but we've already seen this kind of approach in Iron Man 3 as well as in Nolan's Bat films. The last thing we need is yet another interpretation of this trope that is still very fresh in the minds of the audience from these other blockbusters. Hell they even used it in The Avengers for those that watched the after-credits bonus scene, although at least there the argument is made that Loki is a real threat and not just a puppet. But will Fichtner's Shredder be?

As much as I don't want this to be what's happening, I'm actually not sure which is worse: yet another rehash of The Man Behind The Man trope or the whitewashing of TMNT's most iconic villain so yeah, either way it's a loss to me.

I'm not hard to please. Honest! I even loved Man Of Steel.

[NYShell]

I hate that William Ficthner is playing the Shredder. I HATE it. Why a white guy as Shredder? There probably won't be any ninja influence with the Foot. (Ficthner is an amazing actor, but him being the Shredder is wrong in every way) What's happening with this movie?

[Tazi]

If they're really making this based on the Fred Wolf cartoon, it's kinda makes sense to turn the foot into an army, and Shredder into a colonel. But I don't think we need a "gritty reboot" of the Fred Wolf series at all, and I don't think they should change Shredder that much. Seriously, Ninjas was one of the coolest things about TMNT, who the hell thought it would be wise to erase it?

But my main concern is still about the crew, who works on the movie. Nolan's Batman movies also changed a lot of things, had a ******** of logical errors and plotholes, but they were still able to get it right, and at the end it was quiet a enjoyable ride. I'm afraid the same won't be happen with this "Ninja Turtles" or whatever they decided to call it.

[NYShell]

If they're really making this based on the Fred Wolf cartoon, it's kinda makes sense to turn the foot into an army, and Shredder into a colonel. But I don't think we need a "gritty reboot" of the Fred Wolf series at all, and I don't think they should change Shredder that much. Seriously, Ninjas was one of the coolest things about TMNT, who the hell thought it would be wise to erase it?

It seems similar to the Fred Wolf show but it's not about making a gritty reboot of the Fred Wolf version. It's about making a gritty movie like the first one and the comics. (or should be about)
I hate whitewashing. This movie is seeming to be dumbed down. Just attaching big name actors in random/wrong roles.

[Jester]

I love all the "He never says Schrader in the interview, so he's totes The Shredder." reasoning.

In this film Schrader IS Shredder. Just because he's a radical reinterpretation of the character doesn't mean that in this universe that's not what we get as Shredder.

Can't say I'm happy with this, but than again, very little about this movie has me excited. Kinda glad I don't have the disposable income to see many (read: any) movies ATM.

[Tazi]

It seems similar to the Fred Wolf show but it's not about making a gritty reboot of the Fred Wolf version. It's about making a gritty movie like the first one and the comics. (or should be about)
Yeah it should be, and I'd love that, but to me it seems like they're going with a blockbusterized FW cartoon.

[CyberCubed]

The movie sounds nothing like a Fred Wolf story other than April being a reporter (which she was in Movie 1 and it hardly changed the Mirage tone), or Vernon.

Because we really had whitewashed Colonel Shredder in the original cartoon, right?

[Vi11AiN6]

I'm not liking this simply because I don't like seeing black or asian characters from other source materials such as books or comics turned into white characters for the film versions. There's a long history of this and it's really not necessary with the wealth and breadth of talent that's out there.

It's not just his skincolor though, obviously Shredder's ethnicity and country of origin do tie into the plot in non-trivial ways. It's definitely a big departure. They'd better have a good reason for this. But judging by Platinum Dune's previous work I have very low expectations.

Maybe it's a Ducard/Ra's kind of thing? O.o


I agree 100% with you. There are enough actors out there to cast someone in a real of authentic ethnicity.

Funny thing is I always get mad when Hollywood cast some in the role of a redhead and the a non redhead gets the part and they die her hair
Ala Jean Grey in X-men, or April O'neil in the new movie.
Why not cast a real redhead like Alicia Whit or that redhead from Mad Men who is gorgious.

I know hair color is 't an ethnicity, but hollywood has some pretty crappy casting

[CinematicESP]

Ugh, how disappointing. I hope they're going a Darth Vader route and covering up his entire face.

[Tazi]

The movie sounds nothing like a Fred Wolf story other than April being a reporter (which she was in Movie 1 and it hardly changed the Mirage tone), or Vernon.

Because we really had whitewashed Colonel Shredder in the original cartoon, right?

Yes, basically we had. He was more of a scientist (he built Krang's android body, Chromedome, etc.) and a military leader there, than a ninja. The foot was also an army of robotic soldiers with guns, instead of ninjas.
Plus as you mentoined, reporter April with the whole Channel 6 crew, which she at least don't have in Movie 1, and her boss from Movie 1 actually appears in Mirage Comics later on.

I don't know if Krang, Bebop and Rocksteady are still confirmed for this version of the script, but if yes, they are all FW characters.

So there's definitely a strong vibe of FW there, so as a strong vibe of blockbusterisation.

[CyberCubed]

Shredder was still Japanese and had the backstory with Splinter.

[zodiac brave]

ugh. dunno how to feel about this. i honestly wonder now if all the "reassurances" we've been getting about the turtles not being aliens is just a shield of semantics and they're still just going ahead with some form of the sh!tty leaked script.

[Galactus]

As much as I don't want this to be what's happening, I'm actually not sure which is worse: yet another rehash of The Man Behind The Man trope or the whitewashing of TMNT's most iconic villain so yeah, either way it's a loss to me.

Odds are we're getting both. Remember Schrader was just a patsy for Krang I'd be suprised if that is not the case to some degree in the upcoming movie.

I'm not liking this simply because I don't like seeing black or asian characters from other source materials such as books or comics turned into white characters for the film versions. There's a long history of this and it's really not necessary with the wealth and breadth of talent that's out there.

It's not just his skincolor though, obviously Shredder's ethnicity and country of origin do tie into the plot in non-trivial ways. It's definitely a big departure. They'd better have a good reason for this. But judging by Platinum Dune's previous work I have very low expectations.

This is it exactly. There are characters were it doesn't really matter if they change their ethnicity but for Shredder it's not only intrinsic to his whole character but to that of the titular characters. Not only is it why they are ninjas but in most cases why they are mutants too.

Every version has had the Yoshi vs Saki rivalry in some form. For all the flak the '87 series gets from fans of the original Mirage comic it did keep that aspect and even highlighted it by having Splinter actualy be Yoshi and wasn't it kinda cool when they did face off? Even the 2003 show which gave drasticaly different origin for Shredder still had Ch'rell masquerade and seemingly channel the actual Oroku Saki, a Japanese ninja. Right through to the current IDW comics and Nickleodeon series it's always been there.

Unless (as I theorised) he's supposed to be Japanese and steps are taken to obscure Fichter's features like say facial scars or he has a backstory of being an American (or alien...don't think we should be discounting that one just yet) but spent a long time in Japan training in ninjitsu while Yoshi was there then it's difficult to imagine a how they can do a TMNT vs Shredder story. Why would Col. Shredder want to fight the turtles or turtles fight him? I know they are probably crime fighters but the whole reason he's their primary villain is because it's personal for Splinter and the turtles.

[NYShell]

The last thing we need to make this film more unbelievable is Krang, Bebop and Rocksteady. Let's work with the mess that we already have on our hands. Ugh.

[drewizzle88]

http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh589/Wameyn/3852f072f1e95444c36b4bff70c7a91d_zps69fa3f6e.jpg

If this picture is in fact of Shredder/Fichtner, and I believe that is him on the left, then I guess he will dress the same as his (foot) soldiers? This is all very odd.

[Tora]

Well he could just be the voice of the Shredder and someone else is behind the mask. Fichtner has a good voice to play a villain and with a lot of the 87' series nods showing up he might be hamming it up a bit like the 90s Shredder which could be fun!

[CyberCubed]

Well he could just be the voice of the Shredder and someone else is behind the mask. Fichtner has a good voice to play a villain and with a lot of the 87' series nods showing up he might be hamming it up a bit like the 90s Shredder which could be fun!

An actor of his pedigree wasn't chosen just to be a voice actor. They chose him because of his face and acting skills.

[Welmanshire]

I love all the "He never says Schrader in the interview, so he's totes The Shredder." reasoning.

In this film Schrader IS Shredder. Just because he's a radical reinterpretation of the character doesn't mean that in this universe that's not what we get as Shredder.

Can't say I'm happy with this, but than again, very little about this movie has me excited. Kinda glad I don't have the disposable income to see many (read: any) movies ATM.

I would LOVE to know jow you KNOW that in this film Shradar IS Shredder. Really.
http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh589/Wameyn/3852f072f1e95444c36b4bff70c7a91d_zps69fa3f6e.jpg

If this picture is in fact of Shredder/Fichtner, and I believe that is him on the left, then I guess he will dress the same as his (foot) soldiers? This is all very odd.
That is Daniel Bernhardt on the left. He is cast in the film, he's a martial artist actor known for his role in the Mortal Kombat tv series. It's definitely not Fichtner.

[Galactus]

I would LOVE to know jow you KNOW that in this film Shradar IS Shredder. Really.

In the leaked script Col. Schrader was named 'Shredder' by the turtles.

A fair amount of that script is still clearly intact not least of which a very militaristic looking Foot and now an American actor claiming he's playing Shredder. It certainly leads to the conclusion we're getting Schrader. They may have changed his name and/or dropped the alien angle but without any evidence to the contrary I think it'll be fair to assume the version of Shredder we're getting will be very inspired by Schrader.

Certainly without any needlessly complex ways such as facial scars or adoption to justify how Fitcher could play a Japanese man I think it's also fair to assume he wont be Oroku Saki.

[Welmanshire]

In the leaked script Col. Schrader was named 'Shredder' by the turtles.

A fair amount of that script is still clearly intact not least of which a very militaristic looking Foot and now an American actor claiming he's playing Shredder. It certainly leads to the conclusion we're getting Schrader. They may have changed his name and/or dropped the alien angle but without any evidence to the contrary I think it'll be fair to assume the version of Shredder we're getting will be very inspired by Schrader.

Certainly without any needlessly complex ways such as facial scars or adoption to justify how Fitcher could play a Japanese man I think it's also fair to assume he wont be Oroku Saki.

I find it hard to believe that with Nick producing, that they will let it get that far from the source material they are currently airing.

[Desslok]

All of these developments are certainly odd... I'm not sure how I feel about it, I don't want to pass judgement when we still know so very little.

Eastman knows much more than we do and has continued to insist that it's going to be respectful of the source material. Just going to have to anxiously wait and see...

[Welmanshire]

The editor from Movie.com was on set and said this -

https://twitter.com/ErikDavis/status/347856180787421185

https://twitter.com/ErikDavis/status/347857199055376384

Hopefully it is as he says

[IMJ]

So Shredder is white and not Japanese confirmed. I'm done with this movie.

Iron Man 3's Mandarin was a rich white guy thanks to Shane Black. You can't win with these guys.

[Matches Malone]

An actor of his pedigree wasn't chosen just to be a voice actor. They chose him because of his face and acting skills.

You're right, it's totally unthinkable because no high profile actor has ever been cast for a voice actor role. (Cue every high profile actor that has been cast for a voice actor role in practically every animated movie in the last 5 years)

[CinematicESP]

They did cast two different actors in the 1990 film for the costume and voice. Hopefully that's what they're doing this time.

[Venom]

Wow. Really.

I would have at least liked someone who can do... I don't know...Martial arts in the role.

But hey, that's just me being picky.

Well, to be fair, Shredder really only did a lot of pointing menacingly, slicing things and using laser guns in the OT, which is quite apparently the source of inspiration.

*sigh*

My ass will still be planted in the seat day one at the theaters.

The positive in this is that William Fichtner is actually a good actor!

[The Stryker]

My ass will still be planted in the seat day one at the theaters.

I'm glad one person in this thread is being honest with themselves.

[Ramboraph4life aka Matt]

I'm glad one person in this thread is being honest with themselves.

Actually, I'm going to spend my time by sitting my ass down and watching the 2003 cartoon from beginning to end, while everyone else's ass is planted in the theater.

[CyberCubed]

I'll be in the theater because how can you hate on something without ever seeing it?

I have to see the movie to post all my problems with it don't I? Also to see how badly they screw up Shredder.

[Refractive Reflections]

Somewhat disappointed with the whole whitewashing aspect, but not too surprised. What I'm more surprised is that they chose this particular actor with his age, being 56 (uh, was Oroku Saki that old in any of the reinterpretations?) ...Nevertheless, I'm sure they'll use a stunt/martial arts double if his character does any fighting scenes.

Out of curiosity, lol, it would interesting to see Fichtner's screen test, in trying to be the "Shredder", where the casting director thought "He's the best for Shredder!" :lol: Well we can only see how Fichtner can pull it off...

[Welmanshire]

An actor of his pedigree wasn't chosen just to be a voice actor. They chose him because of his face and acting skills.

Tom Hardy. Bane.

[Vi11AiN6]

Tom Hardy. Bane.


Uhm Tom Hardy could be April O'neil if they could cast it. Tom Hardy could be ANY character and it would be an up grade!!!!

Tom Hardy is god in film... Says the guy whi aparently is a homophobe whent it comes to comics..

[Brodie]

This is great. This guy is pretty stellar. He can be incredibly intimidating and menacing when he needs to be. Sold.

[Tora]

It just hit me. William Fichtner played Colonel William Sharp in Michael Bay's Armageddon! I wonder if this could be by he was considered to play a Colonel in the new movie...:tlol:

He also played in Bays Pearl Harbor. I guess he has some ties to Bay then.

[Miles]

Out of curiosity, lol, it would interesting to see Fichtner's screen test, in trying to be the "Shredder", where the casting director thought "He's the best for Shredder!" :lol: Well we can only see how Fichtner can pull it off...

I'm not sure there was a screen test. Sounds more like a called in favor "Hey, I know a guy who knows this guy, and I told him we'd call if..."

Really, Hollywood's just not where it's at any more. If I want quality visual, dramatic entertainment, I'll see what new TV shows are starting up. Oy. :roll:

[jerome]

I just think the lack of film blogs reporting on this shows how little people care about this new film already. Its like they built up all this awareness with the "Alien controversy" and now have just screwed everything up so badly that no one aside from people on this message board even care anymore.

Slashfilm didn't report on this. IGN didn't report on this...and I'd think those would be the go to places for news of this kind...in fact the only widely read film blog to post about this was cinema blend...this movie will be lucky to do After Earth type business...

[Refractive Reflections]

I just think the lack of film blogs reporting on this shows how little people care about this new film already. Its like they built up all this awareness with the "Alien controversy" and now have just screwed everything up so badly that no one aside from people on this message board even care anymore.

Slashfilm didn't report on this. IGN didn't report on this...and I'd think those would be the go to places for news of this kind...in fact the only widely read film blog to post about this was cinema blend...this movie will be lucky to do After Earth type business...

That's partially true because of course the entertainment media loves to report some form of controversy or strife over how something is being produced (i.e. the alien TMNT controversy), but I think it's mostly just that William Fichtner is not as popular/cool as Megan Fox. ...He's not as trendy as young Hollywood, that's why. :ohwell:

I'm sure if this film had a ensemble cast of popular actors and actresses, we would be flooded with this casting news. Two prominent examples were the films "New Year's Eve" and "Valentine's Day", they were generally panned by critics after its release, but so many entertainment news outlets were saturating their programs about them since there were so many popular actors/actresses.

[jerome]

That's partially true because of course the entertainment media loves to report some form of controversy or strife over how something is being produced (i.e. the alien TMNT controversy), but I think it's mostly just that William Fichtner is not as popular/cool as Megan Fox. ...He's not as trendy as young Hollywood, that's why. :ohwell:

I'm sure if this film had a ensemble cast of popular actors and actresses, we would be flooded with this casting news. Two prominent examples were the films "New Year's Eve" and "Valentine's Day", they were generally panned by critics after its release, but so many entertainment news outlets were saturating their programs about them since there were so many popular actors/actresses.

IGN and Slashfilm have been making posts about every other casting decision...I was excited for a time because I thought even though this movie will be garbage at least the mainstream film media was reporting on it and treating the franchise like they do other big franchises (transformers, star wars, harry potter, etc) but now its back to "not reporting on that movie for kids" or "no need to post that article about shredder because our readers would rather read about the supposed maybe but probably not story idea for jurassic park 4".

I really saw a swelling of interest in this movie from people besides us die hard fans...Now thanks to danny woodburn, whoopi goldberg, will arnett, chris elliot's daughter, and now the guy from all those other Bay movies they've all gone back to not caring at all...Way to go guys. Enjoy your 25 million opening weekend.

[beardcore84]

I can't wait to enjoy this movie.

[Zulithe]

The editor from Movie.com was on set and said this -

https://twitter.com/ErikDavis/status/347856180787421185

https://twitter.com/ErikDavis/status/347857199055376384

Hopefully it is as he says

I'm happy to hear anything positive. But he's a film critic on a movie set... what else is he supposed to say about being there? Of course it probably looks great from that POV.

I hope we see footage or at least some official promo shots at this year's comic-con. Then I can start forming better opinions. I'm sure the film will look pretty nice if nothing else.

[TigerClaw]

I'm happy to hear anything positive. But he's a film critic on a movie set... what else is he supposed to say about being there? Of course it probably looks great from that POV.

I hope we see footage or at least some official promo shots at this year's comic-con. Then I can start forming better opinions. I'm sure the film will look pretty nice if nothing else.
Yeah, I really hope there's a panel for the movie and they show some Concept art of what the Turtles will look like.

[CyberCubed]

Sounds nothing like a TMNT movie to be. I actually would have taken a full blown Fred Wolf movie over the Turtles being aliens and Shredder being white.

The Technodrome and Krang would have looked cool at least in live-action.

[NinjaPug]

I'll be in the theater because how can you hate on something without ever seeing it?.


Is this a serious question? Go back and read every post you've made about the movie. That's how you hate on something without seeing it.

[chrisdude]

I think it's kind of silly to gauge interest without a trailer. I've heard nothing confirmed for this movie that i think will bother mainstream TMNT fans. I have no doubt that the average TMNT fans, the people for whom TMNT was just a fun childhood thing, are gonna crap all over themselves when they see OT stuff in a trailer. And I really don't think the average fan is gonna be bothered by a Schrader-y Shredder, as long as he's badass and wears blades. You gotta remember how completely ridiculous OT was, and realize that this stuff isn't so serious for most people.

[Welmanshire]

I think it's kind of silly to gauge interest without a trailer. I've heard nothing confirmed for this movie that i think will bother mainstream TMNT fans. I have no doubt that the average TMNT fans, the people for whom TMNT was just a fun childhood thing, are gonna crap all over themselves when they see OT stuff in a trailer. And I really don't think the average fan is gonna be bothered by a Schrader-y Shredder, as long as he's badass and wears blades. You gotta remember how completely ridiculous OT was, and realize that this stuff isn't so serious for most people.

I completely agree. Hopefully we hear something at Comic-Con.

[Shred Head]

2010 a Nick Viacom cartoon show is turned into a movie its called The Last Airbender. They make alot of weird changes and worst of all the casting. They completely change the races of characters who should be Chinese or Japanese. Fans are pissed the Asian acting community is pissed a phrase racebending is coined. Movie comes out its hated it even beat out Twilight at the razzies. Yes a movie so bad it made Twilight look like a better option. "Shockingly" there has been no news of a sequel. Thankfully a brilliant show and some great comics came out and everyone forgot this train wreck. Except M. Night who's career is slowly going down the toilet.

Here it is 2013 a popular Viacom Nick cartoon property is being made into a movie. What are they doing you ask? The same crap they did for the Avatar the Last Airbender movie.

Interrupting this Scheduled rant is Vaas with a report on insanity. Take it home Vaas.

http://youtu.be/rKMMCPeiQoc

Now for all the stupid people who cant grasp the joke I'm calling the people in charge of this movie and the property in general insane. This is beyond stupid it just hurts what was Liebesman and Bay thinking. I can get some characters changed like smaller characters its fine whatever but a big character like the Shredder who's ethnic background was a big part of the ****ing plot in the first place.

Just like I did with Avatar I'm going to sit at home and watch the superior cartoons of the 80's and 2003 and read the comics.

[Candy Kappa]

Although, if Shredder is severely burned as he is in the Nick cartoon, almost anyone could play him.

But if there is any flashbacks, they would still need a different actor to be Flashback Saki

[drewizzle88]

That is Daniel Bernhardt on the left. He is cast in the film, he's a martial artist actor known for his role in the Mortal Kombat tv series. It's definitely not Fichtner.

Glad to know this, thank you. :tsmile:

[BubblyShell22]

Well, I don't know what to say about this. I'm not familiar with Will Fichtner, but I do know he's starring in "Crossing Lines" with Donald Sutherland, so I might check that out and see how Fichtner does in that role first before passing judgment about him being cast as Shredder.

[CyberCubed]

He's white playing a Japanese man whose name is supposed to be Oroku Saki. That's just wrong.

Its safe to say Shredder's real name can't be Oroku Saki now, who is going to buy that name with a white looking actor? This is why it ruins the character, Shredder might as well be an entirely different character now.

And this is SHREDDDER. The Turtles most important and iconic villain, who has kept his memorable design in EVERY INCARNATION.

You look at Mirage, Fred Wolf, 4kids, Nick, Movies 1-2, and IDW Shredder and they all have the same iconic look with some armor differences here and there. And most important he's Japanese and Oroku Saki, (or in 4kids case, at least he pretended to be).

[Walkabout]

Hmmm.

I just want to believe that they will give him lots of makeup/effects and we wont see his face.

Lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalala.

See? it works! :ohwell:

[beardcore84]

Or... everyone could just watch the movie when it comes out and pass judgement that way. If you get all negative for a year and a half before the movie even comes out of course you aren't going to enjoy it!

[Galactus]

I have no doubt that the average TMNT fans, the people for whom TMNT was just a fun childhood thing, are gonna crap all over themselves when they see OT stuff in a trailer. And I really don't think the average fan is gonna be bothered by a Schrader-y Shredder, as long as he's badass and wears blades. You gotta remember how completely ridiculous OT was, and realize that this stuff isn't so serious for most people.

That's assuming that there will be more OT inspired stuff in the movie. I would have layed odds on it but I'm starting to have my doubts.

Even then what happens when they watch the movie and doesn't really 'seem' like the characters and tropes they remember at all and that'll be a given to some degree. They are not making this movie for guys edging or other thirty.

Once again I think your underselling fans capacity to remember some of their childhood favourites. I'd argue it takes a lot more than blades and the name to hype them. If all it took to please viewers are very basic similarities to the original then the history of Hollywood remakes and adaptions would be very different. I also think you're assuming too much that the version of Shredder we're getting will be badass or wear blades. Maybe it's just me but I can't imagine Fichter in any traditional Shredder gear and signs point that he'll be playing a military man (he's played one before in a Michael Bay movie) and possibly a voicing a cgi alien.

Or... everyone could just watch the movie when it comes out and pass judgement that way. If you get all negative for a year and a half before the movie even comes out of course you aren't going to enjoy it!

I'll watch and judge it then but surely you can't expect fans to hear things about the movie and not form some kind of opinion? That's the very reason they leak news of the movie, in order to hype people and get them excited. The fact it's having the opposite effect this time is unfortunate but it is what it is.

[TerranigmaFreak]

Maybe this movie will be a continuation of The Next Mutation. I can get behind that. TNM was funny as hell.

[Candy Kappa]

Maybe this movie will be a continuation of The Next Mutation. I can get behind that. TNM was funny as hell.

I guess no one would care that Shredder race bendered in Next Mutation

[Ninjinister]

Just like I did with Avatar I'm going to sit at home and watch the superior cartoons of the 80's and 2003 and read the comics.

The Airbender movie was at least decent. The cartoon is godawful, though.

[Bob]

The Airbender movie was at least decent. The cartoon is godawful, though.

I think you got that the wrong way round. :P

[plastroncafe]

I am disappoint with this news.

[Cure]

I think you got that the wrong way round. :P

Nah, it's been established he has awful taste in cartoons.

[MrTMNT2012]

Nah, it's been established he has awful taste in cartoons.

No...naah....having bad taste is one thing, but THIS IS AVATAR: THE LAST F#@KING AIRBENDER We're talking about! How the hell could ANYONE not like that show?

There is something seriously wrong here....he should go to therapy. I don't think I've heard 1 person since 2005 that said Avatar was a godawful show!

(Unless he hasn't watched it...that seems much more likely. In which case, this post was a complete waste of time!)

[Andrew NDB]

It just hit me. William Fichtner played Colonel William Sharp in Michael Bay's Armageddon! I wonder if this could be by he was considered to play a Colonel in the new movie...:tlol:

He also played in Bays Pearl Harbor. I guess he has some ties to Bay then.

They're friends. As there's nothing in his resume that is either, 1) Asian, 2) Martial arts, or 3) Menacing Big Bad Guy, Bay clearly lobbied for him and made a great number of concessions to get him in there.

Not wholly unlike Christopher Nolan and Tom Hardy, as Tom Hardy was neither Hispanic or known for being a big bodybuilder... but after Bane's treatment in Batman & Robin one can hardly complain about it too much.

[Zulithe]

Not wholly unlike Christopher Nolan and Tom Hardy, as Tom Hardy was neither Hispanic or known for being a big bodybuilder... but after Bane's treatment in Batman & Robin one can hardly complain about it too much.

Very true about Bane, I also remember all the negative reactions over Heath Ledger's Joker casting... hard to believe now though. And there wasn't even any racebending involved there. It's true that fan reactions can easily get overblown over casting that doesn't initially fit their expectations. But I'm getting The Last Airbender vibes from this casting choice, less so The Dark Knight/Rises. Fichtner is a perfectly fine actor though. Regardless of why he was cast, I think he can bring the right gravity to the character provided the direction is there for him.

[DONATELLO DUZMACHINES]

Really don't know what to say to this one. Honestly I'm disappointed but I'm trying to reserve all judgment for the final product. That Mos Def news was kinda balancing out my disappointment until is was confirmed as bunk.

[raph27]

He's white playing a Japanese man whose name is supposed to be Oroku Saki. That's just wrong.

Its safe to say Shredder's real name can't be Oroku Saki now, who is going to buy that name with a white looking actor? This is why it ruins the character, Shredder might as well be an entirely different character now.

And this is SHREDDDER. The Turtles most important and iconic villain, who has kept his memorable design in EVERY INCARNATION.

You look at Mirage, Fred Wolf, 4kids, Nick, Movies 1-2, and IDW Shredder and they all have the same iconic look with some armor differences here and there. And most important he's Japanese and Oroku Saki, (or in 4kids case, at least he pretended to be).
Cubed, the filmmakers can do whatever ze want. It's not like its Shredder or something. Their main villian is Shreddder.:lol:

[CyberCubed]

Very true about Bane, I also remember all the negative reactions over Heath Ledger's Joker casting... hard to believe now though. And there wasn't even any racebending involved there. It's true that fan reactions can easily get overblown over casting that doesn't initially fit their expectations. But I'm getting The Last Airbender vibes from this casting choice, less so The Dark Knight/Rises. Fichtner is a perfectly fine actor though. Regardless of why he was cast, I think he can bring the right gravity to the character provided the direction is there for him.

The point still stands, they whitewashed an Asian man who is a ninja.

It's a disgrace. Everyone knows ninja's are Japanese. It ruins the backstory. It is an embarrassment.

[Welmanshire]

The point still stands, they whitewashed an Asian man who is a ninja.

It's a disgrace. Everyone knows ninja's are Japanese. It ruins the backstory. It is an embarrassment.

It only ruins the backstory if he isn't portrayed as a Japanese man. Watch the performance, not tbe skin colour. It's been said, but allow me to reiterate - he might not even take his helmet off.

[chrisdude]

It only ruins the backstory if he isn't portrayed as a Japanese man. Watch the performance, not tbe skin colour. It's been said, but allow me to reiterate - he might not even take his helmet off.This. A white actor playing a Japanese character is not a "disgrace."

This may end up being a disgrace, for other reasons, but not because of that.

[CyberCubed]

The actor does not look remotely Japanese. I have no idea why anyone would expect them to digitally alter his eyes...that's even worse......borderline racism.

Why not just use a Japanese actor to begin with?

[Zulithe]

The point still stands, they whitewashed an Asian man who is a ninja.

It's a disgrace. Everyone knows ninja's are Japanese. It ruins the backstory. It is an embarrassment.
Just try to stay positive about it. We don't know everything that will happen in the movie yet. I don't outright disagree though.

We can't change the casting, it's already done. We've known for a long time that this movie wasn't going to be perfectly faithful. The signs have been there for a long time. Gotta hope for the best whatever the case.

[Welmanshire]

The actor does not look remotely Japanese. I have no idea why anyone would expect them to digitally alter his eyes...that's even worse......borderline racism.

Why not just use a Japanese actor to begin with?

Maybe a Japanese actor didn't test as well?

I think people are getting nitpicky with this film because details are trickling out slowly.

Certain people who have been on set and describe themselves as "long term Turtles fans" have responded positively, so until a trailer comes out, I am still trusting the filmmakers to do a decent job, as it is their profession.

[CyberCubed]

IMO this is just as bad as alien turtles, even worse because it reeks of racism and whitewashing.

What exactly is so hard about making Shredder look similar to either Mirage or the first two movies?

[Welmanshire]

IMO this is just as bad as alien turtles, even worse because it reeks of racism and whitewashing.

What exactly is so hard about making Shredder look similar to either Mirage or the first two movies?

Don't get me wrong, I would prefer them handle The Shredder like they did in the 1990 film. I just can't see why in the situation of him not taking his helmet off, it is such a bad thing.
He is going to be portrayed somewhat Japanese, since the foot have the Japanese symbol on the military gear.
Call whitewashing all you want, it is. I'm just not too thrown by it.

[Galactus]

Maybe a Japanese actor didn't test as well?

I'm going to come right out and say this; do you really think they bothered seeking out any Japanese or asian actors?

Bare in mind that Schrader was part of the leaked script so they had visions of an American Shredder from early on.

I really don't think they ever considered a Japanese Shredder. They cast the movie with the actors they wanted and then considered parts that could fit. If there were none they would simply change the characters to fit.

I think people are getting nitpicky with this film because details are trickling out slowly.

Nit picking is complaining about how the turtles will be taller than they've previously been or how many scabbard straps Leo has on his belt or even what colour Megan Fox's hair will be. Making such drastic changes to the franchise's main villain and one that is intrinsic to the main characters is not nit picking. As I pointed out before imagine how other fandoms would react if the same thing happened.

Certain people who have been on set and describe themselves as "long term Turtles fans" have responded positively, so until a trailer comes out, I am still trusting the filmmakers to do a decent job, as it is their profession.

Pretty much anyone associated with the franchise since it's initial success has stated they're a fan. Only a handful have ever seemed sincere. To most people it's a just a job and that's right down to reporters who get special invites to the set.

If all that was required to make a decent film was it being made by professionals there'd be no bad movies.

[chrisdude]

"Whitewashing."
Because Hollywood knows that Americans don't think Japanese ninjas are cool, right? Give me a breaaaak.

[Martin]

What exactly is so hard about making Shredder look similar to either Mirage or the first two movies?

The fact that the plot of the movie will probably have nothing to do with any of those stories...

I honestly don't know what to make of all this... are the guys at viacom even paying attention to what these guys are doing? Kevin? Anyone?

[Bauer536]

IMO this is just as bad as alien turtles, even worse because it reeks of racism and whitewashing.

What exactly is so hard about making Shredder look similar to either Mirage or the first two movies?

Dude. Just chill. I bet if you were to never see the helmet come off of Shredder in the OT, you would probably think he was white. Plus, he could just keep his helmet on throughout the film. You never know. Besides, I can tolerate this more than alien turtles. Maybe the crew is just lazy. I don't know. Whatever the reason, it may be a lame excuse. But right now - who cares?

To be honest. I'm expecting a good (not great) film adaptation of TMNT. Whatever Kevin Eastman says about this film, I know, even with the visual effects that it will NOT be Avengers, it will NOT be The Dark Knight, and it will NOT be the definitive TMNT film that will please every fan. This could be fun, but just wait and see what happens. And if you are dying for a good, definitive TMNT film, wait a few years when someone brings back the turtles in the right fashion. It will come.:twink:

[plastroncafe]

Hollywood suffers under the delusion that the mainstream American audience is composed of nothing but white guys, and that a mainstream American audience won't pay to see someone other than themselves as the lead in a movie.

It's why they added an American to The Great Escape, why Bruce Lee wasn't the lead on Kung Fu, and why the full cast of "Bringing Down the House" was whitewashed...or racebent, as I find that term far more entertaining.

Are there exceptions? Of course.
But no where near enough to negate the rule.

If you don't think it matters, that's fine. Go about your business. Personally, I think it sucks, and it needs to change.

[Welmanshire]

I'm going to come right out and say this; do you really think they bothered seeking out any Japanese or asian actors.

Yes I do. I'm sure some Asian actors tested for the part.

Bare in mind that Schrader was part of the leaked script so they had visions of an American Shredder from early on.

First off, I don't believe the Schraders ethnicity was touched on in that script. Secondly, they have rewritten the script. Remeber months back, when they shut production down? To overhaul the script?

I really don't think they ever considered a Japanese Shredder. They cast the movie with actors they wanted and then considered parts that could fit. If there were none they would simply change them.
That's just like, your opinion, man.
http://i3.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/009/684/thats-just-like-your-opinion-man%5B1%5D.gif

Nit picking is complaining about how the turtles will be taller than they've previously been or how many scabbard straps Leo has on his belt or even what colour Megan Fox's hair will be. Making such drastic changes to the franchise's main villain and one that is intrinsic to the main characters is not nit picking. As I pointed out before imagine how other fandoms would react if the same thing happened.

BANE. I don't remember anyone complaining.

Pretty much anyone associated with the franchise since it's initial success has stated they're a fan. Only a handful have ever seemed sincere. To most people it's a just a job and that's right down to reporters who get special invites to the set.

If all that was required to make a decent film was it being made by professionals there'd be no bad movies.

You know what, what you wrote there would have passed, 10, maybe 5 years ago. But these days, people working in a lot of these positions are people who have been raised on the Turtles and have a long term connection with the franchise.

[The Stryker]

A white guy playing a japanese guy is almost as bad as a white guy playing a native american in a big budget motion picture.

Who would do that kind of thing?

[NinjaMan]

Hmm.. so I wonder how they plan on tying Shredder and Splinter's history?

[CyberCubed]

Hmm.. so I wonder how they plan on tying Shredder and Splinter's history?

They don't? Splinter will probably have no connection with Shredder.

[Welmanshire]

They don't? Splinter will probably have no connection with Shredder.

Or they could still be connected in the exact same way?!?!?! Why wasn't there such an uproar about Danny Woodburn? How could he possibly play Yoshi? Oh, I know, they will use different actors for flashbacks...

[Martin]

Or they could still be connected in the exact same way?!?!?! Why wasn't there such an uproar about Danny Woodburn? How could he possibly play Yoshi? Oh, I know, they will use different actors for flashbacks...

I fail to see how that makes this any less important...

The fact that we are being a bit more vocal about this doesn't mean we think all the other things about the movie are ok.

[Galactus]

Yes I do. I'm sure some Asian actors tested for the part.

How are you sure? Are you connected to the production of the movie?

First off, I don't believe the Schraders ethnicity was touched on in that script. Secondly, they have rewritten the script. Remeber months back, when they shut production down? To overhaul the script?

Well he wasn't Oroku Saki, then again the name Schrader is of alien origin but the idea that a first generation Japanese man would be Hollywood's idea of US Military colonel is highly unlikely.

That's just like, your opinion, man.

Did I ever say otherwise? Unless you are working on the movie or know someone who is don't think yours has anymore validity than mine. Thus we are at a stalemate although given the reputation of Bay I don't think this is wild speculation.

BANE. I don't remember anyone complaining.

A lot of people would have peferred a definitely latin Bane's but he's not had much exposure outside the comics outside of the small role in Batman and Robin for people to care but more importantly his ethnicity is not intrinsic to his character in the same way as it is with Shredder. Not to mention they drew from a number of Bane stories from the comics in The Dark Knight Rises.

You know what, what you wrote there would have passed, 10, maybe 5 years ago. But these days, people working in a lot of these positions are people who have been raised on the Turtles and have a long term connection with the franchise.

Kind of like Transformers, yes? Then again Michael Bay and himself has admitted he was never a Transformers fan.

How old is Jonathan Leibesman again? 36? Same age as Justin Hartley who claims to be a fan. They must've been well in his teens when the TV show aired and probably way too old to be really into it and if either was a fan of the original comics you'd think they'd be was quick to tell us.

Not that this is important, writing, directing, acting are just jobs to a lot of people and not every job is going to be one you love, it doesn't mean they wont still do their best. However we've seen little to convice us these people even "get" it, if they did I doubt Schrader or alien turtles would even be an issue.

[Welmanshire]

How are you sure? Are you connected to the production of the movie?

You asked "do you really think they bothered seeking out any Japanese or asian actors?" and I do. How am I implying that I know for sure, or that I am connected to the production crew?

Well he wasn't Oroku Saki, then again the name Schrader is of alien origin but the idea that a first generation Japanese man would be Hollywood's idea of US Military colonel is highly unlikely.

So you admit that Schrader wasn't intrinsically white like you first inferred?

Did I ever say otherwise? Unless you are working on the movie or know someone who is don't think yours has anymore validity than mine. Thus we are at a stalemate although given the reputation of Bay I don't think this is wild speculation.

Did I imply otherwise? I feel as though you just wrote a paragraph confirming what I said with a meme. It's your opinion, it doesn't mean I have to agree with it.

A lot of people would have pefered a definitely latin Bane's but his ethnicity is not intrinsic to his character in the same way as it is with Shredder. Not to mention they drew from a number of Bane stories from the comics in The Dark Knight Rises.

Not that they explicitly said in the film that he wasn't of Latin decent. The mask covered his face and therefore you wouldn't know. You draw the conclusion that he is not of Latin decent because Hardy plays the character, instead of watching the character in the film.

Kind of like Transformers, yes? Then again Michael Bay and himself has admitted he was never a Transformers fan.

How old is Jonathan Leibesman again? 36? Same age as Justin Hartley who claims to be a fan. They must've been well in his teens when the TV show aired and probably way too old to be into it and if either was a fan of the original comics you'd think they'd be was quick to tell us.

Not that this is important, writing, directing, acting are just jobs to a lot of people and not every job is going to be one you love, it doesn't they wont still do their best. However we've seen little to convice us these people even "get" it, if they did I doubt Schrader or alien turtles would even be an issue.

That point was made towards the people who had been allowed on set and had reported favourably about what was going on. Not necessarily Bay or Liebesman, who I agree, are in a position where they are going to say they are fans regardless.

[Lord Nightwalker]

A white guy playing a japanese guy is almost as bad as a white guy playing a native american in a big budget motion picture.

Who would do that kind of thing?

lol Nicely done.

[Lord Nightwalker]

The problem I have with Schr...Instead of Shred, is that in the leaked script he wasn't realy the Shredder. He was a Lord Zedd knock off that Raph dubbed "Shredder" The ninja element had been completely done away with. The Iconic villian is no more.

And there are American ninja. And Riccardo Zappata, a Colombian ninja wrote a rather good book titled "NINJA BLADE UNDER HEART". Just saying. lol

[Galactus]

You asked "do you really think they bothered seeking out any Japanese or asian actors?" and I do. How am I implying that I know for sure, or that I am connected to the production crew?

You saying "I'm sure some Asian actors tested for the part.". I wondered how you could be sure.

So you admit that Schrader wasn't intrinsically white like you first inferred?

Well he ended up being yellow but do you really think Scrader was supposed to be Japanese? If so why not call him Col. Saki?

I feel as though you just wrote a paragraph confirming what I said with a meme. It's your opinion, it doesn't mean I have to agree with it.

What did I say that was a meme? The idea that actors are headhunted and then finding role that will fit or writing or role specificaly for them is not unheard of in Hollywood. I doubt anyone thinks the role of a Japanese ninja and William Fichter comes to mind.

Not that they explicitly said in the film that he wasn't of Latin decent. The mask covered his face and therefore you wouldn't know. You draw the conclusion that he is not of Latin decent because Hardy plays the character, instead of watching the character in the film.

Very true. The biggest thing is his accent but you're right, he could have been latin and they never said what country The Pit was in so it could've been Santa Prisca. My point was with Bane it didn't matter as his while nice if they definitely stated were he was from his ethnicity is not important to his overall story which I felt they got mostly "right".

That point was made towards the people who had been allowed on set and had reported favourably about what was going on. Not necessarily Bay or Liebesman, who I agree, are in a position where they are going to say they are fans regardless.

We know even less about these people or whether they are genuine fans or what criteria they have for judging. Also after getting an exclusive invite to the set are they really going to trash it?

What exactly did they have to go on. Seeing them film a scene? What kind of scene? Some converstaions with the cast were they the usual stuff about being how the fans will love it etc

After aliens and Schrader nonesense I think myself and a lot of fans are going to need something more concrete if they want to earn a bit of faith from us.

[Welmanshire]

You saying "I'm sure some Asian actors tested for the part.". I wondered how you could be sure.

I used the wrong turn of phrase. My apologies if it caused confusion.

Well he ended up being yellow but do you really think Scrader was supposed to be Japanese? If so why not call him Col. Saki?

I don't know what race he was meant to be. But it sounds to me that you are doing your own "whitewashing" if you automatically branded Schrader as white. How is the name "Schrader" to white culture like "Saki"
is to Japanese culture?


What did I say that was a meme? The idea that actors are headhunted and then finding role that will fit or writing or role specificaly for them is unheard of in Hollywood. I doubt anyone thinks the role of a Japanese ninja and William Fichter comes to mind.

You originally wrote -
"Originally Posted by Galactus
I really don't think they ever considered a Japanese Shredder. They cast the movie with actors they wanted and then considered parts that could fit. If there were none they would simply change them."
To which I replied (with a meme) -
That's just like, your opinion, man.
http://i3.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/009/684/thats-just-like-your-opinion-man%5B1%5D.gif
You then reiterated my point by posting -
"Originally Posted by Galactus
Did I ever say otherwise? Unless you are working on the movie or know someone who is don't think yours has anymore validity than mine. Thus we are at a stalemate although given the reputation of Bay I don't think this is wild speculation."
To which i replied -
Did I imply otherwise? I feel as though you just wrote a paragraph confirming what I said with a meme. It's your opinion, it doesn't mean I have to agree with it.

We know even less about these people or whether they are genuine fans or what criteria they have for judging. Also after getting an exclusive invite to the set are they really going to trash it?

What exactly did they have to go on. Seeing them film a scene? What kind of scene? Some converstaions with the cast were they usual stuff about being how the fans will love it etc

One of them saw the designs of the Turtles. why would they make mention at all if it was crp? Just sucking up the rears of people like Bay and Liebesman? I doubt it.

After aliens and Schrader nonesense I think myself and a lot of fans are going to need something more concrete if they want to earn a bit of faith from us.

Trailers are relatively concrete, thats what I'm waiting for.

[Galactus]

I used the wrong turn of phrase. My apologies if it caused confusion.

That's okay.

I don't know what race he was meant to be. But it sounds to me that you are doing your own "whitewashing" if you automatically branded Schrader as white. How is the name "Schrader" to white culture like "Saki" is to Japanese culture?

It's not. It's fictional name for an alien but I'd argue it could pass as an American name better than it could for a Japanese one. If the alien passing himself off as a Japanese man I think the script writer would give him the name Saki.

One of them saw the designs of the Turtles. why would they make mention at all if it was crp? Just sucking up the rears of people like Bay and Liebesman? I doubt it.

The designs of the turtles have never been much of a worry of mine although I didn't care that Bay described them as adorable and we don't know the criteria for how this journalist judges the designs or what his tastes are when it comes to turtles.

Also why wouldn't they suck up to Bay and Leibesman? To get more exclusives for their sites in the future not just in Bay or Leibesman movies but in general. It's rather bad form to bite the hands that feed them and what studio would ever invite them down or give them exclusive info if they suddenly turned round and started trashing their projects?

Trailers are relatively concrete, thats what I'm waiting for.

Trailers are notoriously deceptive...even for good movies.

[Genesis]

Why does this remind me of the Mandarin in Iron Man 3? lolThat's what I was thinking. Hollywood seems to be on a roll with giving the roles of awesome Asian villains to older white guys.

As long as he doesn't turn out to be an actor paid by Krang to antagonize the Turtles and draw them out of hiding, I think I can stomach it.

[CyberCubed]

Whitewashing disgusts me.

[alliance]

didn't read entire thread but did anyone suggest perhaps Shredders mum is Japanese but his Father is White or something..

[Candy Kappa]

A white guy playing a japanese guy is almost as bad as a white guy playing a native american in a big budget motion picture.

Who would do that kind of thing?

Lone Ranger? Isn't Depp part Native American, like 1/18th Cherokee?

No, wait. Due to the movie he's been adopted as a honorary son of the Comanche. I guess that solves everything. Fichtner could be adopted by a Japanese family and it is all forgiven.

[Slap-Happy]

Something that could be interesting is the idea of an American obsessed with Japanese culture, specifically the legends of ninja and takes that obsession to the next level, trying to emulate it through his military unit and armor.

[Candy Kappa]

That would be a perfect opportunity to do Hun, after he left Shredder, he did have an obsession on being called master. he could easily be a gang leader with strong Weabootendencies

[Shark_Blade]

didn't read entire thread but did anyone suggest perhaps Shredders mum is Japanese but his Father is White or something..Aha. That could work. :tsmile:

He can still retain his japanese heritage inherited from one of his parents.

[alexcf]

This was posted over at Io9 -

"
His name will still be Oroku Saki, As a baby he was given up for adoption and was adopted by Japanese people, who according to Michael Bay are all secretly either Proud Samurai Warriors or Sneaky Ninja Clan Assassins.

His adoptive mother will have been a sneaky ninja who fell for his proud samurai father, but unfortunately for them the evil Ninja Clan forces women to be infertile, so they adopt the foreign baby and teach him both the ways of the Samurai and the ways of the Ninja. Eventually the Ninja clan finds and kills his rogue parents, and in a fit of anger, Uroku massacres the entire leadership of the Ninja and positions himself as the new uncontested leader of the Foot Clan.


I saw a script leak"

[Candy Kappa]

sounds unhealthy for a clan to make their women unfertile. I guess the men have to outsource for more clan members?

[Shark_Blade]

Sounds legit.

I'm fine if it's true. :cool:

[Powder]

Why go so out of their way to write a new backstory for a white guy when they could have just gotten a good Japanese actor? Ugh.

It's not a bad origin given the racial circumstances, but it just seems so unnecessary.

[Colonel Schrader]

Why go so out of their way to write a new backstory for a white guy when they could have just gotten a good Japanese actor? Ugh.

It's not a bad origin given the racial circumstances, but it just seems so unnecessary.

cause they want to do something new.. why the same old tired story again and again..
if that leak is true, sounds good to me.

[CinematicESP]

Perhaps they've gone with a reincarnation concept similar to the one in the IDW comics, and Fichtner plays a guy who's obsessed with Japanese and ninja culture because he's the reincarnation of Oroku Saki?

[psyrusly]

Reminds me of Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder. An American actor playing an Australian actor that plays an African-American. In this case William Fichtner is the American actor who plays a Japanese assassins group leader that disguise as an American Military Officer.

[chrisdude]

This was posted over at Io9 -

"
His name will still be Oroku Saki, As a baby he was given up for adoption and was adopted by Japanese people, who according to Michael Bay are all secretly either Proud Samurai Warriors or Sneaky Ninja Clan Assassins.

His adoptive mother will have been a sneaky ninja who fell for his proud samurai father, but unfortunately for them the evil Ninja Clan forces women to be infertile, so they adopt the foreign baby and teach him both the ways of the Samurai and the ways of the Ninja. Eventually the Ninja clan finds and kills his rogue parents, and in a fit of anger, Uroku massacres the entire leadership of the Ninja and positions himself as the new uncontested leader of the Foot Clan.


I saw a script leak"This is FROM ONE OF THE COMMENTS, and you're all just running with it. Again, am I seriously the only person who looks anything up?

http://io9.com/his-name-will-still-be-oroku-saki-as-a-baby-he-was-giv-541517458

[Welmanshire]

This is FROM ONE OF THE COMMENTS, and you're all just running with it. Again, am I seriously the only person who looks anything up?

http://io9.com/his-name-will-still-be-oroku-saki-as-a-baby-he-was-giv-541517458

All I'm getting is an error page...

[chrisdude]

All I'm getting is an error page...Same here. Worked a minute ago. It was a comment on this post, but now I don't even see the comments section. I also was getting errors when I clicked on the commenter's name. So maybe they're just having site issues, right now.
http://io9.com/william-fichtner-is-our-new-shredder-in-teenage-mutant-540754368

[Genesis]

At least as far as voices are concerned, we've never really even heard a Japanese Shredder (barring the Japanese dubs and Super Turtles stuff). He seems at his best when voiced by a black guy, so it's not like every Shredder up 'til now has been ethnically faithful.

Hope you guys know that I'm just teasing, here.

[CyberCubed]

I doubt they even read the IDW comics.

[***First of Two Latin Kings***]

Shredder always looked more like a white guy in the original cartoon to me. That's still the case. He's been voiced by two black guys thus far that I know of. It just seems like you people need yet another thing to b!tch about.

[CyberCubed]

Shredder always looked more like a white guy in the original cartoon to me. That's still the case. He's been voiced by two black guys thus far that I know of. It just seems like you people need yet another thing to b!tch about.

He didn't look white to me at all.

[plastroncafe]

Shredder always looked more like a white guy in the original cartoon to me. That's still the case. He's been voiced by two black guys thus far that I know of. It just seems like you people need yet another thing to b!tch about.

Why? Because he doesn't look or talk like Mickey Rooney from "Breakfast at Tiffany's"?

[hitmonkey]

This was posted over at Io9 -

"
His name will still be Oroku Saki, As a baby he was given up for adoption and was adopted by Japanese people, who according to Michael Bay are all secretly either Proud Samurai Warriors or Sneaky Ninja Clan Assassins.

His adoptive mother will have been a sneaky ninja who fell for his proud samurai father, but unfortunately for them the evil Ninja Clan forces women to be infertile, so they adopt the foreign baby and teach him both the ways of the Samurai and the ways of the Ninja. Eventually the Ninja clan finds and kills his rogue parents, and in a fit of anger, Uroku massacres the entire leadership of the Ninja and positions himself as the new uncontested leader of the Foot Clan.


I saw a script leak"
So... where does Yoshi and/or Splinter tie into this?

[tmntfan4ever]

http://www.ign.com/videos/2013/06/24/ninja-turtles-william-fichtner-talks-ninja-turtles

[1984TMNT]

I'm formerly requesting a manip of Fichtner as Shredder? Anyone have the talent for that?

I wonder if they don't plan on showing his face in the movie....Is it possible they may be doing something else that will cause the actor's "actual" race not to matter on screen? Perhaps they are going the Nick route and he will have experienced a burn accident, thus his face will be greatly scarred and heavy makeup is going to be used?

[Shark_Blade]

Shredder always looked more like a white guy in the original cartoon to me.

I feel the same way. :tcool:

[TigerClaw]

http://www.ign.com/videos/2013/06/24/ninja-turtles-william-fichtner-talks-ninja-turtles
Great find!

[1984TMNT]

http://www.ign.com/videos/2013/06/24/ninja-turtles-william-fichtner-talks-ninja-turtles

Uh-oh....this "is not the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles you've seen before. This is new...this is a Michael Bay production. This is freaky".


Good lord. Now I'm all kinds of worried, yet again. What a freaking roller coaster ride this has all become. At this point, I'm kind of wishing they had just done a straight Nickelodeon adaptation or even Nick animated movie. Not sure why this "version" of the TMNT has to be so "different" and "freaky".

With that said, I'm pretty confident Fichter really doesn't know much about the TMNT or their universe, so maybe the "freaky" things to him are established canon material from the comics...Who knows.

<edit> He's also 56 years old. That alone makes this kind of a weird casting, no? I guess that leaves little to no chance that his outfit will be sleeveless, ala most other incarnations of the character?

[chrisdude]

Cool find.

As much as we may not like him, Michael Bay's name is a big money-maker. Just because it's been thrown around (and it will be thrown around a lot more, I'm sure), it doesn't mean that he has a ton of control.

Christopher Nolan's name was everywhere, and lord knows Man of Steel was a Zack Snyder movie...

[TigerClaw]

Cool find.

As much as we may not like him, Michael Bay's name is a big money-maker. Just because it's been thrown around (and it will be thrown around a lot more, I'm sure), it doesn't mean that he has a ton of control.

Christopher Nolan's name was everywhere, and lord knows Man of Steel was a Zack Snyder movie...
Very true, Even though its Produced by Michael Bay, Its still gonna be a Jonathan Liebesman movie

[***First of Two Latin Kings***]

Why? Because he doesn't look or talk like Mickey Rooney from "Breakfast at Tiffany's"?

I think you quoted me when you meant to quote CyberCubed.

[TerranigmaFreak]

Very true, Even though its Produced by Michael Bay, Its still gonna be a Jonathan Liebesman movie

Jonathan Liebesman's track record is even worse than Michael Bay.

[TigerClaw]

Jonathan Liebesman's track record is even worse than Michael Bay.
Well I enjoyed Battle LA a lot.

[ctt4lfecw]

nice find chrisdude, I could accept an adopted Oroku Saki.

[miru]

Anyone think William Fitchner is only voicing shredder?

[Welmanshire]

I'm formerly requesting a manip of Fichtner as Shredder? Anyone have the talent for that?

I wonder if they don't plan on showing his face in the movie....Is it possible they may be doing something else that will cause the actor's "actual" race not to matter on screen? Perhaps they are going the Nick route and he will have experienced a burn accident, thus his face will be greatly scarred and heavy makeup is going to be used?

http://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/13403119/1024/Anonymous/Fichtner-Shredder.jpg
Just a quick one. He won't look too bad, IMO.

[NYShell]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUj5yexktuk

Money could have also been an honest answer.

[Welmanshire]

Video isn't working. I imagine you are trying to post the video from this article though...

http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/notyetamovie/news/?a=82181

[NYShell]

It works. Just refresh the page. It's originally from IGN.

[CyberCubed]

From now on whenever I see William Fichtner in any other movie or TV show, I will think of him as, "white Shredder."

I may have to rewatch The Dark Knight Returns again just so I can watch William Fichtner die in the opening sequence when Joker places a grenade in his mouth.

[Jester]

You really need a hobby....

[TerranigmaFreak]

Money could have also been an honest answer.

That was exactly what I was going to say.

[Koi]

You really need a hobby....

You could always block him.

[Tora]

nice find chrisdude, I could accept an adopted Oroku Saki.

Same here.

I get a fun villainous vibe from his character he plays in Drive Angry and some of that may show up when he is playing Shredder.

http://youtu.be/l0yDSKjNQNI

[Slap-Happy]

You could always block him.
Why? A good laugh is always needed.

[Leonardo87]

From now on whenever I see William Fichtner in any other movie or TV show, I will think of him as, "white Shredder."

I may have to rewatch The Dark Knight Returns again just so I can watch William Fichtner die in the opening sequence when Joker places a grenade in his mouth.

Um; it's just The Dark Knight, not The Dark Knight Returns. That is a Comic and now a Direct to Video from Warner Premier.

[Genesis]

Anyone think William Fitchner is only voicing shredder? Assuming the guy has a decent voice, I'd be more than okay with this. That's what they did for the first film, anyway.

[OrokuYoshiFilms]

Sight unseen, I think this is a terrible idea. Shredder is only my favorite thing about TMNT. I think he's the coolest villain ever. I'm totally open to ones interpretations of the TMNT world but this guy (Fichtner) just doesn't do it for me. I'm REEEAALLLY trying to picture a best-case scenario here.

....hopefully like someone mentioned earlier this'll all be some sort of Iron Man 3-esque twist when it's all said and done.

[xChri5x]

He seems so nonchalant about his part in the movie. Like it was just a weekend gig type of attitude towards it. What happened to actors embracing their roles with passion and excitement?

[Slap-Happy]

He seems so nonchalant about his part in the movie. Like it was just a weekend gig type of attitude towards it. What happened to actors embracing their roles with passion and excitement?
Nonchalance is something typical of actors. You don't see Robert Downey Jr. running around, exited be Iron Man in Avengers 2 and 3. It's just the way it works/.

[Plasticplayhouse]

he felt that it was something "he had to do." :roll:

[ToTheNines]

Only kinda painful to watch.

[The Stryker]

He seems so nonchalant about his part in the movie. Like it was just a weekend gig type of attitude towards it. What happened to actors embracing their roles with passion and excitement?

Do you seriously want him running around screaming and squealing that he's playing Shredder?

Come on. You can't expect actors to respond like fanboys.

[BubblyShell22]

If Saki is adopted, I think that's a different twist on the character and can explain why he's not Japanese in the movie. I'm not going to get upset over this casting choice at all and will just wait to see what happens in the movie.

[TurtleMaster4]

“This is not the Ninja Turtles you used to know,” well that make me more confident about the movie.

Still debating if I should try to go to a midnight showing for this or not, I’d rather watch Mutant Turtles than Alien Turtles…….

[chrisdude]

Again, the adoption theory was just a post in the comments section of an io9 article. I wasn't endorsing it, I was saying it shouldn't be taken seriously.

If it is true, it doesn't bother me. But I would have to ask, "What's the point?"

[CyberCubed]

I doubt that's true. My guess is they won't use the name "Oroku Saki" in the movie at all. He'll just be called Shredder (or Colonel Shredder) throughout the whole thing.

At least they got rid of the stupid Shraedar name....which was a small step in the right direction.

[Warboss74]

Cool find.

As much as we may not like him, Michael Bay's name is a big money-maker. Just because it's been thrown around (and it will be thrown around a lot more, I'm sure), it doesn't mean that he has a ton of control.

Christopher Nolan's name was everywhere, and lord knows Man of Steel was a Zack Snyder movie... Nolan did co-write the story, though.

[Slap-Happy]

“This is not the Ninja Turtles you used to know,” well that make me more confident about the movie.

Still debating if I should try to go to a midnight showing for this or not, I’d rather watch Mutant Turtles than Alien Turtles…….
You're planning too far ahead. You haven't even seen a trailer, let alone anything official from this. I think you'll make your decision next year.

[TigerClaw]

According to this article, The reason why William Fichtner was cast as Shredder is because, all the Japanese actors refused the role, Something about the Shinto religion.
http://www.avclub.com/articles/ninja-turtles-casts-william-fichtner-as-shredder-a,99416/?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=feeds&utm_source=imdb

[Slap-Happy]

According to this article, The reason why William Fichtner was cast as Shredder is because, all the Japanese actors refused the role, Something about the Shinto religion.
http://www.avclub.com/articles/ninja-turtles-casts-william-fichtner-as-shredder-a,99416/?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=feeds&utm_source=imdb
That's all sarcasm.

[Jester]

I'm so glad none of us are real investigative journalists....

Then again, some "real investigative journalists" didn't read Laird's sarcasm about the Alien Turtles angle way back when.

[TigerClaw]

Well, Gotta love The Onion. hah

[jerome]

the most round about beat around the bush way of saying "I don't care. I needed the paycheck" I've ever seen.

"its gonna be freaky" "this isn't the ninja turtles you've seen before"...none of these things sound positive...

[DonatelloNinja82]

I will not pass judgement until I see it.

[Xav]

I guess no one would care that Shredder race bendered in Next MutationHe was still played by an asian actor, and his name was still Oroko Saki.

Not that they explicitly said in the film that he wasn't of Latin decent. The mask covered his face and therefore you wouldn't know. You draw the conclusion that he is not of Latin decent because Hardy plays the character, instead of watching the character in the film.You still saw his face in flashbacks. He's a guy with a scottish accent who looks like Tom Hardy. He clearly wasn't latin.

[MsMarvelDuckie]

http://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/13403119/1024/Anonymous/Fichtner-Shredder.jpg
Just a quick one. He won't look too bad, IMO.

Except for the obviously blue/grey eyes. (Hard to tell exact color, but definitely NOT Asian!) Unless they give him colored contacts, that is going to show!

[Irishmile]

I think he is a great actor and he has played really great villains in the past, I feel he is completely wrong for the part.. but I thought that about Heath as the Joker and was pleasantly surprised when I enjoyed his version of the Joker...

[shell4brains]

I found this regarding the casting:
http://www.avclub.com/articles/ninja-turtles-casts-william-fichtner-as-shredder-a,99416/

I don't know if the author was joking or not, but I'm really hoping not. It would at least make me feel better knowing that they're first thoughts weren't to cast William Fichtner, and that they at least TRIED to find a Japanese actor for the role.

[Slap-Happy]

I found this regarding the casting:
http://www.avclub.com/articles/ninja-turtles-casts-william-fichtner-as-shredder-a,99416/

I don't know if the author was joking or not, but I'm really hoping not. It would at least make me feel better knowing that they're first thoughts weren't to cast William Fichtner, and that they at least TRIED to find a Japanese actor for the role.
Already posted. Like, literally seven posts above you.

[Jester]

Also, yes, joking. It's an article from the flippin' Onion.

[Candy Kappa]

He was still played by an asian actor, and his name was still Oroko Saki.


Well, my post was crappy elaborated. happens when it's late

I meant, if the movie was a NM continuation, I guess no one would care that Shredder Race-bendered. Asian in-show, white in-movie

[Genesis]

Well, yeah, but this isn't very reassuring. He really doesn't seem like he gives a damn about the part. I mean, duh, he's not gonna be "squealing" like a fanboy, but the others are right that he sounds like he views it as just another role - nothing special, here. Kevin Michael Richardson, for instance, gave a great impression of his interest in playing the character. This guy sounds like he'd be hard pressed to even know the Shredder's real name.

"Gut feeling," indeed.

[shredder orokusaki]

But I AM THE SHREDDER!! How dare this guy to play me in the movie?!??! Only I the one true and REAL SHREDDER ONLY I MUST PLAY IN THE MOVIE!!:x:x:x:x

[Powder]

But I AM THE SHREDDER!! How dare this guy to play me in the movie?!??! Only I the one true and REAL SHREDDER ONLY I MUST PLAY IN THE MOVIE!!:x:x:x:x

If you're the Shredder, then you should fall a few stories and get crushed in a garbage truck.

If you're not Shredder, do it anyway.

[Shark_Blade]

Oh man, he could have just made up an answer as to why he picked the role rather than "I don't know" and "can't put my finger" in it. :lol:

But eh, I think some actors are not that great in interviews. I really like him from Prison Break series and Dark Knight so I'm still gonna give it a chance and go see it first day.

Excited. :D

[ObiWanFan4life]

From now on whenever I see William Fichtner in any other movie or TV show, I will think of him as, "white Shredder."

I may have to rewatch The Dark Knight Returns again just so I can watch William Fichtner die in the opening sequence when Joker places a grenade in his mouth.

2 Things:

1). It's just The Dark Knight

2). You Haven't even seen the movie or Fitchner's portrayal of the character yet. It's fine if you have doubts about the film (we all have plenty) but to automatically assume that the movie will be terrible beforehand is a bit off.

[sgtfbomb]

Fichtner is a fantastic character actor. To be fair, actors usually aren't all that interesting in interviews, possibly for many reasons. For one thing, it might have simply been a busy day for Fichtner, considering that the guy is now doing press for The Lone Ranger.

I can also think of very few interviews that I've seen with actors -- at least, A list actors -- that have been interesting.(There's an enlightening documentary on Netflix on the lesser profile actors -- including X-Men's Bruce Davison -- that's quite an eye-opener, with quite a few decent interviews.) For example, Brad Fitt is a great actor, with chaotic roles in Fight Club, 12 Monkeys, True Romance, etc., and yet, in interviews, he comes across as boring and uninteresting.

Then there's the fact that a lot of people conducting the interviews, particularly the v-bloggers/wannabe journalists of our generation, aren't great conversationalists either. Now, I love documentaries, behind the scenes stuff, and interviews with the crew, all that jazz. I eat that s*** up, but on reflection, I tend to find the directors (for the most part, barring Nolan, Lucas, and Zemeckis, who tend to be complete bores compared to the enthusiastic ramblings of Spielberg, Joe Dante, Sam Raimi, etc.), screenwriters, and the technical crew, such as the SFX/make up guys (like Rob Bottin, Richard Edlund, etc.), cinematographers, and so on, to be more interesting than A-list actors. B-list actors are another story. (Bruce Campbell is really fun to listen to.)

At the end of the day, it's not what the actor does outside of the movie -- whether he jumps up and down on a couch or is a complete bore in an interview -- it's what he does in the movie.

[Jester]

There's an enlightening documentary on Netflix on the lesser profile actors -- including X-Men's Bruce Davison -- that's quite an eye-opener, with quite a few decent interviews.
That Guy In That Thing? It's awesome. Couldn't recommend it enough....

[shell4brains]

Already posted. Like, literally seven posts above you.

Oops, I can't believe I'm that blind. Sorry about that..... ^^;

[Slap-Happy]

Oops, I can't believe I'm that blind. Sorry about that..... ^^;
It's all good, man. Don't worry about it. That was one particularly pissy comment of mine anyways.

[ObiWanFan4life]

Go to YouTube and type Jake Hamilton, he has some pretty interesting interviews.

[raph27]

If you're the Shredder, then you should fall a few stories and get crushed in a garbage truck.

If you're not Shredder, do it anyway.

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[MsMarvelDuckie]

Funny, I've seen plenty of A-lister interviews on shows like Letterman, Tonight Show, Conan, etc, and most of them are fun to watch. Even some of the news morning show interviews are interesting. It just depends on who they're talking to, and the questions they ask. Downey is great in interviews, IMO.

[Andrew NDB]

Do you seriously want him running around screaming and squealing that he's playing Shredder?

Come on. You can't expect actors to respond like fanboys.

I get that, but on the other hand... if someone plants half a million dollars in my bank account, I would probably -- call it professional courtesy -- come up with some kind of nice answer to the inevitable "Why/how does it feel to be playing Shredder in the Turtles movie?" questions interviewers would ask.

It's just good form.

[Powder]

It's as simple as saying "I liked the script. The Shredder is an iconic villain in pop culture and I'm honored to have the part." Oh well.

[OrokuYoshiFilms]

Oh man, he could have just made up an answer as to why he picked the role rather than "I don't know" and "can't put my finger" in it. :lol:

Totally agree. It's like he just sucked ALL the fun out for me. I'm already not-so-thrilled he's even playing the role and he's all "meh" about it...

[OrokuYoshiFilms]

But I AM THE SHREDDER!! How dare this guy to play me in the movie?!??! Only I the one true and REAL SHREDDER ONLY I MUST PLAY IN THE MOVIE!!:x:x:x:x

I'M SPARTACUS! :trolleye:

[1984TMNT]

Except for the obviously blue/grey eyes. (Hard to tell exact color, but definitely NOT Asian!) Unless they give him colored contacts, that is going to show!

As mentioned, the eye color issue is easily changed. Total speculation here....but I'm thinking perhaps they may go the Nickelodeon series burn victim route, where so much makeup/prothetics will be needed when not in mask that his race will be unrecognizeable anyway:
http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/TurtleTitan97/TMNT24.png
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNGCi7K3MUw/UQm1kn3DW2I/AAAAAAAALB8/wn3ziHkzeVI/s400/Shredder.jpg

[samxsteal]

As mentioned, the eye color issue is easily changed. Total speculation here....but I'm thinking perhaps they may go the Nickelodeon series burn victim route, where so much makeup/prothetics will be needed when not in mask that his race will be unrecognizeable anyway:
http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/TurtleTitan97/TMNT24.png
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNGCi7K3MUw/UQm1kn3DW2I/AAAAAAAALB8/wn3ziHkzeVI/s400/Shredder.jpg[/

its funny he looks more like Voldemort as the figure lol. But this is why im not worry i believe Fichtner will be more of a voice and body thing than any way else and that a non issue in that case seeing as be is generally always be voice by other ethnicities. I think the burned or scared horribly will be the route we go and look at Cloud Atlas and Hugo weaving and the bending of race and sex i think this is a real no issue that people are blowing out of proportion

[Venom]

From now on whenever I see William Fichtner in any other movie or TV show, I will think of him as, "white Shredder."

I may have to rewatch The Dark Knight Returns again just so I can watch William Fichtner die in the opening sequence when Joker places a grenade in his mouth.

Well, every time I see him I think of him as Brett Butler's boyfriend on "Grace Under Fire", but he's a decent actor. :P

[CyberCubed]

I'm having nightmares of Colonel Shredder being all white with an American uniform on and no ninjitsu whatsoever.

Perhaps they should have just used Bishop as the main villain of this movie if they wanted a government official who dissects the Turtles.

[Leonardo87]

I'm having nightmares of Colonel Shredder being all white with an American uniform on and no ninjitsu whatsoever.


:trolleye: I want to be honest; I get annoyed by what you say. Sorry.

[Weapons@theready]

I have nothing against a white guy being Shredder, I just wished it would've been Hugo Weaving:(

[TigerClaw]

I have nothing against a white guy being Shredder, I just wished it would've been Hugo Weaving:(
Funny that you mention that cause Hugo Weaving actually played an Asian character in Cloud Atlas.

http://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Atlas.jpg

What if they were to do the crazy thing and have William Fichtner in makeup and prosthetic to look Japanese?

[Xav]

Perhaps they should have just used Bishop as the main villain of this movie if they wanted a government official who dissects the Turtles.William Fichtner would've made a pretty good Bishop.

[Slap-Happy]

Funny that you mention that cause Hugo Weaving actually played an Asian character in Cloud Atlas.

http://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Atlas.jpg

What if they were to do the crazy thing and have William Fichtner in makeup and prosthetic to look Japanese?
Funny thing is, that isn't Hugo Weaving.

[Jester]

Funny thing is, that isn't Hugo Weaving.
True that's Jim Sturgess (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0836343/)

Here's Hugo Weaving:
http://pmands.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Asian-Hugo-Weaving.jpg
Looks like a Vulcan,

[TigerClaw]

True that's Jim Sturgess (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0836343/)

Here's Hugo Weaving:
http://pmands.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Asian-Hugo-Weaving.jpg
Looks like a Vulcan,
Well, Either way, Both actors were made to look Asian, So what if they did the same to William Fichtner?

[sgtfbomb]

Well, Either way, Both actors were made to look Asian, So what if they did the same to William Fichtner?

I believe that was done in Cloud Atlas because it was pertinent to the context of the overall story. It would be dumb if they did it, otherwise. (It even looks dumb there, but, hey, at least it makes some kind of sense why they would do that there.)

[Cure]

I believe that was done in Cloud Atlas because it was pertinent to the context of the overall story.

Yeah, Hugo Weaving kind of played the villain in every story, so it made sense.

To be honest, though, it looked dumb and was kind of jarring. I'd rather have a straight up white Shredder than a stupid looking one.

[sgtfbomb]

Somehow I doubt that's even been realistically considered.

[Cure]

Good point.