What do you think Viacom will do with the TMNT franchise ...

[Papenbrook]

...after the current generation is over?

I think Viacom will take a break from creating new TMNT content for the rest of the decade. In the 2020's though, I think they will try to revive the franchise through different methods, such as gaining adult viewership/attention, creating more serious stories, etc.

That is my take on it. What is yours? Discuss below.

[Powder]

I think they'll have a new cartoon in development immediately after this one ends. It's a hot property, & with the right stuff behind it, one that can be evergreen. Real-time visual media aside, I don't doubt they'd keep rolling out merch.

[IndigoErth]

What I think they will do... I have no idea. I just hope they don't put it aside and let it sit there for too long or forever.

What I would love to see them do, within a few years of the current series ending, is create another series with older Turtles for a mid/older-teen and adult audience; either something that works as a continuation of the current series with new, older character designs, OR try a more traditional 2D series that is unrelated to the present show, but still with older characters.

Counter to what I'd once thought... I'm a little curious how well the 2014 Turtles would work in a [edit: well written] 2D series. I blame some of the good fan art out there has made them look pretty decent in a cleaner, 2D style. :trazz:

For the younger set (and heck... for us too for that matter lol) I would not be surprised if Half Shell Heroes ever expanded into it's own series someday. Or at the very least a continued, increasing series of specials.

[CyberCubed]

After the Nick cartoon ends they'll probably let it rest for about 5 years before starting again.

The IDW comic will continue to go on itself until sales get so low they have to end, but that probably won't happen for a while. IDW TMNT is probably going to outlive the Nick cartoon by years.

[sdp]

This has been my concern since they bought them and I've posted many times about this here. Viacom is not a afraid of shelving evergreen properties after they already got everything from their initial investment. Right now they're licensing tons of stuff and we have new movies/comics/shows but once this dies down I don't think they'll just reboot it in 5 years.

[Leo656]

What I HOPE they'd do: Sell it to someone who can take care of it better.

What they'll probably do: Shelve it for 5-10 years until there's a new generation of nose-pickers to sell plastic to, then do a relaunch that's exactly as juvenile and kiddified and half-assed as what we have now.

But we've definitely seen the highest heights that this franchise will ever see. Hold no illusions about that.

[CyberCubed]

In another decades time the IDW comics will have over 100+ issues to mine story material from.

The next cartoon should be an adaption of the IDW comics into episodes. Maybe with some changes here and there like 4kids did with Mirage, but bring the IDW stuff to animation.

[Leo656]

I'd honestly be pretty surprised if IDW someday starts heavily influencing canon. For one thing, not a lot of people are aware of it, still. Secondly, it's not Fred Wolf, which has been preordained to be the template all future TMNT works are derived from.

I mean maybe, I guess, I just doubt it. Maybe an anime-inspired cartoon would take the reincarnation angle. And maybe a few characters from the book might sneak into a cartoon in name-only form. But that's really all I can see.

[CyberCubed]

Most of IDW is essentially a mature take on the Fred Wolf series mixed in with Mirage and 4kids. The series has Krang, Bebop/Rocksteady, Rock Soldiers and Neutrinos, Dimension X, the Technodrome, a whole bunch of mutants from the Archie and original series like Slash and Mondo Gecko, tons of random references to the 80's show, and so forth.

Only difference is they also have a lot of Mirage and 4kids elements too like Hun, Karai, Baxter, Rat King, Leatherhead, Fugitoid, Triceratons, Angel, Purple Dragons, Foot Soldiers are human ninja, etc.

IDW is basically a mix of everything.

[Leo656]

But again, if someone uses Bebop and Rocksteady in a future version, even if they more resemble the IDW version of the characters, it's STILL primarily a reference to FW because that's where it started.

The fact that IDW is, at best, "a blend of everything" is all the more reason why its own mythology will never supercede those others.

The most prominent thing IDW brings to the table all its own is the reincarnation origin, and that can only work in very, very selective circumstances. Not that it couldn't ever be attempted, but really, that's the only thing IDW has of its own, independent from any other version. I can see characters like Aloplex showing up in other versions, but they'll probably be "In Name Only" like Karai and others have been.

[Aaronardo]

The characters may be used in other incarnations, but we have to remember that IDW has its own stories, which is why it got the (albeit small) fame that it got. I'm pretty sure there's enough material in there for a series.

[plastroncafe]

I was going to say, "Give it the Teen Titans GO! treatment," but they've already done that too.

Probably drop it like a bad habit.

[d_osborn]

I don't see the franchise remaining dormant for long. Especially as long as the industry is so IP-focused. Nick bought it to exploit and milk as hard as possible. I don't see it coming out of the "kids property" focus anytime soon, though.

Personally, I feel that Viacom is missing out by not having a more mature-focused series of media to accompany the current stuff. Something like what DC is doing with the animated movies.

[Powder]

Personally, I feel that Viacom is missing out by not having a more mature-focused series of media to accompany the current stuff. Something like what DC is doing with the animated movies.

You are not alone in this. Doesn't seem likely we'll get something like that, though, even if there's plenty of material ripe for an animated feature.

[plastroncafe]

You are not alone in this. Doesn't seem likely we'll get something like that, though, even if there's plenty of material ripe for an animated feature.

Maybe by the time the current target demographic is in their late teens the pendulum will swing the other way, and we'll get a return to Mirage. In an effort to cash in on their nostalgia, while limiting the cringe factor

[Zak The Neutrino]

I never saw the details of the Viacom deal or if they ever released the details. Do they have it indefinitely or was it a timed contract type of thing or do we not know?

[Powder]

They own it, period.

[CyberCubed]

I'd love to see the IDW comics adapted into a direct-to-DVD mini-series in 1:1 adaption with no filler. Just the exact stories in animation, no changes, no filler, and using the main Mateus Sato designs.

It would probably only take one 26 episode season to adapt all 50+ issues of IDW right now including all the mini's. About 3 comics can become 1 episode.

[Sabacooza]

I'd love to see the IDW comics adapted into a direct-to-DVD mini-series in 1:1 adaption with no filler. Just the exact stories in animation, no changes, no filler, and using the main Mateus Sato designs.

It would probably only take one 26 episode season to adapt all 50+ issues of IDW right now including all the mini's. About 3 comics can become 1 episode.Now this I could totally get behind. This is the exact kind of thing I'd want to see. The only other thing is I'd like to also have it released on Bluray. Something that good needs to be experienced in the best possible visual clarity.

[Aaronardo]

Now this I could totally get behind. This is the exact kind of thing I'd want to see.

Which is probably exactly why Viacom's never going to do it. I won't lie, I want to see this too, but dear god are they terrible when it comes to figuring out what the fans want. Just look at the 2003 DVD releases. *shiver*

[GoldMutant]

In all honesty, if we had a new cartoon I'd want it to be a brand new original story that utilizes elements of everything before it, like Spectacular Spider-Man.

[Sabacooza]

Which is probably exactly why Viacom's never going to do it. I won't lie, I want to see this too, but dear god are they terrible when it comes to figuring out what the fans want. Just look at the 2003 DVD releases. *shiver*You're probably right. I'm surprised we're even getting a game based on the IDW comics. I just hope that's a sign that we might be getting more IDW based products.

[TigerClaw]

a little off topic, but I heard the chairman of Viacom is going to have a mental health exam.
http://money.cnn.com/2016/01/23/news/companies/sumner-redstone-mental-exam-viacom/index.html

[Aaronardo]

a little off topic, but I heard the chairman of Viacom is going to have a mental health exam.
http://money.cnn.com/2016/01/23/news/companies/sumner-redstone-mental-exam-viacom/index.html

Why am I not surprised?

[CyberCubed]

Why am I not surprised?

???

What are you implying here? You know the chairman of Viacom?

[IndigoErth]

I'll refrain from saying it, it's just too easy, and I don't know what role he actually plays in any decision making that matters to us...

[TigerClaw]

I'll refrain from saying it, it's just too easy, and I don't know what role he actually plays in any decision making that matters to us...
Plus the dude is like 92 years old.

[Aaronardo]

???

What are you implying here? You know the chairman of Viacom?

Hey, I don't know the guy, but if he's the same guy who makes the decision to go to YouTube for aspiring animators and comes back, not with a talented couple of animators (such as the people behind the well-done Tarboy short), but with the Breadwinners, and turns that into a SHOW... I mean, I'm just saying, I'm not surprised.

[ABrown]

Flush it down the toilet. But since TMNT is gold, people will still eat it up regardless of whatever fish Viacom/Nickelodeon puts out.

[Jephael]

Nickelodeon isn't the only network Viacom owns. If they want, they can give MTV's animation department a crack at doing something with the TMNT. Hopefully it'll be something in the vain of some of a wild animated shows that came out back in the 1990s. They weren't just known for Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-head.

[LeotheLateBloomer]

They'll likely have a new cartoon once the Nick series finishes. Hopefully we'll get a reboot film series as well. They spent a lot of money on this property. They won't easily let it die off.

[Papenbrook]

What I HOPE they'd do: Sell it to someone who can take care of it better.

What they'll probably do: Shelve it for 5-10 years until there's a new generation of nose-pickers to sell plastic to, then do a relaunch that's exactly as juvenile and kiddified and half-assed as what we have now.

But we've definitely seen the highest heights that this franchise will ever see. Hold no illusions about that.

You mean like the Sonic franchise? (It is in zombie status as of late.)

[thundermaster612]

...after the current generation is over?

I think Viacom will take a break from creating new TMNT content for the rest of the decade. In the 2020's though, I think they will try to revive the franchise through different methods, such as gaining adult viewership/attention, creating more serious stories, etc.

That is my take on it. What is yours? Discuss below.

I agree with you, but they would probably reboot it some time before 2020. The adult viewership would be cool, just hope they don't make it too much.
and they better not turn it into one of their live action bullsh*t shows
or i'll go right up to the nick offices and shove slime down their throat...

I have no soul...

[Papenbrook]

It turns out that you were right.

Just not in the way that you expected.

[D-ray]

...after the current generation is over?

I think Viacom will take a break from creating new TMNT content for the rest of the decade. In the 2020's though, I think they will try to revive the franchise through different methods, such as gaining adult viewership/attention, creating more serious stories, etc.

That is my take on it. What is yours? Discuss below.
Another serious series will be a dream come true.

[AquaParade]

Nickelodeon isn't the only network Viacom owns. If they want, they can give MTV's animation department a crack at doing something with the TMNT. Hopefully it'll be something in the vain of some of a wild animated shows that came out back in the 1990s. They weren't just known for Mike Judge's Beavis and Butt-head.

Now that is an interesting thought...

[Sumac]

I feel like it won't be good: Viacom clearly wanted more from TMNT franchise, but failure of the movies and, if I am not mistaken, lukewarm reception of RTMNT, might sour them on a perspectives of the franchise.

Which means we'll get some cheap(er) series or nothing at all.

[Andrew NDB]

Which means we'll get some cheap(er) series

A cheaper movie series would be a very good thing... they can take more chances with it, worry less about trying to please everyone and CGI spectacle. Not that I trust they'd recruit anyone with any kind of vision, let alone one that's not horrible.

[pferreira]

A cheaper movie series would be a very good thing... they can take more chances with it, worry less about trying to please everyone and CGI spectacle. Not that I trust they'd recruit anyone with any kind of vision, let alone one that's not horrible.How could they do a cheaper series? I mean using CG Turtles is costly and animatronic costumes is time consuming to film and costly in the long run as well.

[Andrew NDB]

How could they do a cheaper series? I mean using CG Turtles is costly and animatronic costumes is time consuming to film and costly in the long run as well.

Suits with CGI augments in the face (blinking eyes, moving mouths). Not costly.

[neatoman]

There are several solution to cutting the corners. Andrew already pointed out one, here are a few others.

Entirely animated movies. CGI on the cheaper side will be less noticable if not used as SFX in live-action movies.
You don't have to make new CGI models from scratch, you could modify the ones from OotS, even if that does mean near identical designs.
You could once again put more focus on the humans, thereby reducing the amount of CGI needed.
Some practical effects will be quite costly themselves and some things are easier to animate, so the movie could be less action heavy.

And there are probably even more ways.

[CyberCubed]

Between Rise not doing well and the current economy and covid-19, I think they'll be a long hiatus till the next show, whatever that is. Which is fine, let the franchise rest for a bit before it comes back.

We'll probably get a sequel movie to the Batman/TMNT crossover next at the least.

[pferreira]

Suits with CGI augments in the face (blinking eyes, moving mouths). Not costly.The CGI involved with that would be cheap however maintenance of the suits across a series would be expensive. Then take into account sets for every week, mutant characters...

[Sumac]

They could just avoid using mutants and make TMNT enemies humans (Purple Dragons, Foot Clan).

Maybe add some creatures, like Leatherhead or Utroms, but without "mutant of the week" thing.

[neatoman]

They could just avoid using mutants and make TMNT enemies humans (Purple Dragons, Foot Clan).

Maybe add some creatures, like Leatherhead or Utroms, but without "mutant of the week" thing.

This is a good answer.

[PurpleMusic]

There are several solution to cutting the corners. Andrew already pointed out one, here are a few others.

Entirely animated movies. CGI on the cheaper side will be less noticable if not used as SFX in live-action movies.
You don't have to make new CGI models from scratch, you could modify the ones from OotS, even if that does mean near identical designs.
You could once again put more focus on the humans, thereby reducing the amount of CGI needed.
Some practical effects will be quite costly themselves and some things are easier to animate, so the movie could be less action heavy.

And there are probably even more ways.

Every one of those points sounds like a glaring flaw from a mile away. If their priority is to cheapen it from the outset, they're better off not doing anything at all. They've been consistently failing for nearly a decade now and I don't understand how they just don't go anywhere near a proper design aesthetic or animation/effect style

[pferreira]

Every one of those points sounds like a glaring flaw from a mile away. If their priority is to cheapen it from the outset, they're better off not doing anything at all. They've been consistently failing for nearly a decade now and I don't understand how they just don't go anywhere near a proper design aesthetic or animation/effect styleI can see where Neatoman is coming from but these ideas do make a potential series look cheap. Either go in or not at all.

[Andrew NDB]

The CGI involved with that would be cheap however maintenance of the suits across a series would be expensive. Then take into account sets for every week, mutant characters...

Yeah, there shouldn't be any other mutants. Only suuuuuper rarely, if ever.