Synopsis

After defeating the Shredder, the four Turtles have drifted apart. Leonardo trains in Central America, Donatello and Michelangelo pursue civilian work, and Raphael secretly patrols New York as the masked Nightwatcher. When an ancient portal unleashes dangerous creatures and a wealthy industrialist seeks to control them, the brothers must overcome their personal divisions, restore their teamwork, and prevent a supernatural invasion.

Factoids & Trivia

• TMNT was the first feature film from Imagi Animation Studios, with much of the computer animation produced in Hong Kong and story development and post-production handled in the United States.

• The filmmakers deliberately pursued a darker, moodier style inspired by the original black-and-white Mirage comics, while retaining enough humor and adventure for a PG-rated family audience.

• The action choreography drew influence from Hong Kong martial-arts cinema. The production team also used films such as The Third Man as a visual reference for lighting and atmosphere.

• The movie was originally promoted for a March 30, 2007 release, a date that would have marked the 17th anniversary of the first live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. It ultimately opened in the United States on March 23.

• Voice performer Mako completed most of his work as Splinter before his death in July 2006. TMNT became his final theatrical film and was dedicated to his memory.

• The film was conceived as a continuation of the Turtles' earlier adventures rather than another origin story. Its central idea was that the heroes had lost their sense of purpose after defeating their most familiar enemies.

• Although TMNT earned more than its reported production budget worldwide, planned follow-ups were never made. Nickelodeon's 2009 acquisition of the Turtles property helped bring the franchise in a different direction.