Will Arnett premiered the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film trailer this morning on the Today show (he brought them pizza).
The Michael Bay-produced film’s trailer begins with a voiceover from William Fichtner (who’s playing Shredder) as he’s talking to reporter April O’Neil (Megan Fox) about how New York City is overrun with crime and he and her father sought to “create” heroes (because they aren’t “born”).
You’ll be quick to notice some deviation from the show’s original canon as there’s no mention of Master Splinter (in the trailer at least, he’s supposed to be played by Seinfeld’s Anny Woodburn) and the origin story is a bit off with Shred-head having a hand in creating the mutagen (aka the ooze) along with April’s dad (this bit might have to lend itself with the 2012 TV series remake). Also, the turtles are pretty massive (mainly the shells). The witty comments are still there (“batter up”) and April’s got a yellow coat, which is a bit comforting. As for Arnett, he’s playing Vernon Fenwick, April’s cameraman.
Bay’s involvement with this franchise has been highly worrisome, so this trailer is a bit of a relief as many fans of the original were worried ager Bay made some comments about how the turtles would be aliens instead.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles opens in theatres on August 8, 2014.
Here’s an official plot synopsis from Paramount:
The city needs heroes. Darkness has settled over New York City as Shredder and his evil Foot Clan have an iron grip on everything from the police to the politicians. The future is grim until four unlikely outcast brothers rise from the sewers and discover their destiny as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Turtles must work with fearless reporter April and her wise-cracking cameraman Vern Fenwick to save the city and unravel Shredder’s diabolical plan.
