Thoughts on Splinter dying

*ToTheNines* · 06-08-2026, 04:42 PM

I know I took a liking to TMNT at a very young age and enjoyed the toys, video games and a few episodes of the cartoon. But the first time I remember it having a profound impact on me was when I saw the 1990 movie. Even though Splinter doesn’t die in that film, or any sequel, the idea of his impending death and the turtles’ need to prepare for that day is at the forefront of that story from his first scene until the end.

Coupled with great animatronics and a brilliant puppeteer/voice performance, that aspect remains my favorite part of that movie, even if they didn’t go all the way with it. I think it’s interesting that no writer ever killed him off until Peter Laird did in 2003. I know Mirage actually encouraged Image to kick off Vol. 3 with his death, and technically Murph had him die in the future timeline of TMNTA, but no one actually did it until part way through Vol. 4 (and it wouldn’t happen again for nearly another 15 years).

I’ll follow up with my thoughts on each different take later. Which version do you think handled it best?

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06-08-2026, 04:42 PM	#1
ToTheNines Col. Stinkmeaner Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 19,366	Thoughts on Splinter dying I know I took a liking to TMNT at a very young age and enjoyed the toys, video games and a few episodes of the cartoon. But the first time I remember it having a profound impact on me was when I saw the 1990 movie. Even though Splinter doesn’t die in that film, or any sequel, the idea of his impending death and the turtles’ need to prepare for that day is at the forefront of that story from his first scene until the end. Coupled with great animatronics and a brilliant puppeteer/voice performance, that aspect remains my favorite part of that movie, even if they didn’t go all the way with it. I think it’s interesting that no writer ever killed him off until Peter Laird did in 2003. I know Mirage actually encouraged Image to kick off Vol. 3 with his death, and technically Murph had him die in the future timeline of TMNTA, but no one actually did it until part way through Vol. 4 (and it wouldn’t happen again for nearly another 15 years). I’ll follow up with my thoughts on each different take later. Which version do you think handled it best?