What kung fu movies influenced the TMNT?

Ville Leskinen · 08-28-2014, 08:06 AM

I've read it many times that Peter and Kevin were very much influnced by 70's kung fu movies when creating the TMNT but has it ever been discussed / asked what these movies were?

*Powder* · 08-28-2014, 09:15 AM

Well, Bruce Lee has been mentioned by name on many occasions. The turtles even fought alongside him in a comic.

Ville Leskinen · 08-28-2014, 09:41 AM

Thanks Powder! Is there a direct quote on Bruce Lee somewhere to be found?

This is something that has been on my mind for some time now. It just seems weird that such an important part of TMNT would not have been explored more in-depth...

Ville Leskinen · 11-08-2014, 12:38 PM

Bump. Doesn't this interest the "turtle historians" out there?

*Jephael* · 11-09-2014, 01:12 PM

The TMNT were influenced mostly by comic book characters like Daredevil and the X-Men. Kung Fu movies may've played a part, but I have a feeling they played a very small contribution.

Ville Leskinen · 01-13-2015, 04:24 AM

So continuing this, I found a discussion board that has listed kung fu movies that were played on tv at the time (1981 -> onwards). As I'm sure many of you older members have been in contact with Laird and Eastman, what would be the most likely way to reach them to ask about this? Please note that I'm from Finland so a trip to a convention IS out of the question. Hopefully someone else finds this interesting.

08-28-2014, 08:06 AM	#1
Ville Leskinen Foot Soldier Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 120	What kung fu movies influenced the TMNT? I've read it many times that Peter and Kevin were very much influnced by 70's kung fu movies when creating the TMNT but has it ever been discussed / asked what these movies were? __________________

08-28-2014, 09:41 AM	#3
Ville Leskinen Foot Soldier Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 120	Thanks Powder! Is there a direct quote on Bruce Lee somewhere to be found? This is something that has been on my mind for some time now. It just seems weird that such an important part of TMNT would not have been explored more in-depth... __________________

11-08-2014, 12:38 PM	#4
Ville Leskinen Foot Soldier Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 120	Bump. Doesn't this interest the "turtle historians" out there? __________________

11-09-2014, 01:12 PM	#5
Jephael That whack job behind you Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Carlisle, Pennsylvania Posts: 8,143	The TMNT were influenced mostly by comic book characters like Daredevil and the X-Men. Kung Fu movies may've played a part, but I have a feeling they played a very small contribution. __________________ "I like it. Simple, but effective!" Raphael; The Mean Machines - 1988

01-13-2015, 04:24 AM	#6
Ville Leskinen Foot Soldier Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 120	So continuing this, I found a discussion board that has listed kung fu movies that were played on tv at the time (1981 -> onwards). As I'm sure many of you older members have been in contact with Laird and Eastman, what would be the most likely way to reach them to ask about this? Please note that I'm from Finland so a trip to a convention IS out of the question. Hopefully someone else finds this interesting. __________________

08-28-2014, 09:15 AM	#2
Powder 40 Years of TMNT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Shell-Ri-La Posts: 26,945	Well, Bruce Lee has been mentioned by name on many occasions. The turtles even fought alongside him in a comic.