Cowabunga! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Trailer Arrives

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been reimagined multiple times over the course of the past three decades. The latest reboot is in the form of an animated feature Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem. Despite the fact the film is due out this year we had little clue what to expect. That's all changed, however, with the release of the first teaser trailer and the announcement of casting.

The first thing you'll notice is the animation. The film is using a very stylised look that is reminiscent of Spider-Man Into The Spiderverse and The Mitchells Vs The Machines. And that's no coincidence, as this is directed by The Mitchell's Jeff Rowe, with Kyler Spears as co-director.

The film is being produced by "permanent teenager" Seth Rogen, alongside his longtime creative partner Evan Goldberg. The screenplay was penned by Brendan O'Brien.

Mutant Mayhem also features more distinct character designs to distinguish the brothers- who in some past incarnations could be told part only by the colour of their masks. And in another radical departure for the franchise, they've cast actual teenagers as the turtles. It seems that in this incarnation April O'Neil is closer to the half-shelled heroes in age too.

The teaser trailer gives us a lovely taste of the turtles' dynamic, with a real chemistry between them being noticeable. It also gives us a look at their sensei Splinter, villains Bebop and Rocksteady and some pretty great gags.

Brady Noon voices Raphael, Nicolas Cantu is Leonardo, Shamon Brown Jr is Michaelangelo and Micah Abbey is Donatello. Alongside these relative newcomers, a starry voice cast will bring to life the film's mutants. Seth Rogen will voice Bebop, John Cena is Rocksteady, Paul Rudd is Mondo Gecko, Giancarlo Esposito is Baxter Stockman, Rose Byrne is Leatherhead, Natasia Demetriou is Wingnut and Maya Rudolph is Cynthia Utrom. And in a perfect piece of casting, Master Splinter will be played by the legendary Jackie Chan.

Coming after Rise Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the most radical reinvention of the franchise so far, this looks no less of a departure. Turtles fans might have been sceptical when this was announced due to Rogen's involvement but this teaser might well win them over. This has shot right up our list of most anticipated films of the year.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is produced by Nickelodeon Movies, in association with Paramount Pictures and Seth Rogen's Point Grey Pictures. It is due to be released in cinemas from August 4, 2023.