Paramount’s big-budget live-action, Michael Bay-produced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot has run into some budgetary obstacles, reports Nikki Finke, with production delayed in order to shave down the film’s budget to the reported target of $125 million. This means the heroes on a half shell won’t hit screens until five months beyond their initial Christmas 2013 date, moving to May 2014 — if a satisfactory budget is reached, that is. Are the Turtles in trouble? Over at THR , a report puts it in more definite, less hopeful terms, citing sources who say the studio has shut down prep on the film “indefinitely”: The issue is said to be the script. Paramount has delayed several big movies from this year to 2013, including G.I. Joe: Retaliation and Brad Pitt’s World War Z , leaving it with a spotty pipeline for the current year. Now it has halted work on its planned holiday movie for 2013, temporarily laying off preproduction staff and informing those prepping the film that the work stoppage is “indefinite,” according to sources. Another source close to the production says the movie has been pushed by ten weeks. [ Deadline , THR ]
‘I’d be all over that,’ the rapper told MTV News about the upcoming ‘Turtles’ reboot. By Josh Wigler, with reporting by Jim Cantiello Vanilla Ice Photo: MTV News There’s a lot happening within the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” universe that’s rubbed fans the wrong way. Chief among their grievances is a change to the Turtles’ origin: These heroes in a half-shell are no longer simply the mutated product of an ooze spill on some unwitting turtles — they’re now creatures from a different planet. But there’s at least one carryover from the original film trilogy that should put a smile on fans’ faces: Vanilla Ice is back, back, baby … maybe. MTV News caught up with the rapper during his Sneak Peek Week appearance for “That’s My Boy” ahead of Sunday night’s MTV Movie Awards , and he teased that he may very well be involved with the Michael Bay-produced “Ninja Turtles” reboot. “I can’t say anything,” Ice grinned when asked if he would be involved with the return of the Turtles. “I know that they’re not from the sewers now. They’re aliens now or something.” Ice, who famously performed “Ninja Rap” in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze,” is a committed fan of Splinter’s reptilian warriors. Like, seriously committed, to the extent that he’s tattooed their likeness to his own shin. “I don’t mess around,” he said of his “TMNT” pride. “I’m still a Ninja Turtles fan.” And to that end, Ice said he’s very much interested in continuing his relationship with the fan-favorite franchise. Whether or not he’s actually involved with Bay’s planned reboot remains a mystery for now, but the rapper is wide open to the possibility at the very least. “Absolutely,” he said when asked if he’d want to join in on the new-age “Turtles” fun. “I’d get a tattoo of it. I’d be all over that. Aliens, sewers, whatever: They’re still Ninja Turtles, and I’m a ninja, so I get in where I fit in.” Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live this Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. Related Videos Behind The Scenes At The 2012 MTV Movie Awards Related Artists Vanilla Ice
‘Everything that is near and dear to fans will still be there,’ director Jonathan Liebesman tells MTV News after producer catches flak for reboot. By Kara Warner Michael Bay Photo: Dr. Billy Ingram/WireImage Who could have predicted that a Michael Bay-produced re-imagining of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” would cause such a stir? While fans were largely onboard for a reboot, the tide turned when Bay recently announced that he would give our half-shell heroes an alien origin story. Fan reaction to the news has been negative, to say the least. So much so that Bay has already twice taken to his Shoot for the Edit message board to tell fans that the reboot will not disappoint. On Tuesday (March 27), Bay hit the boards again, promising that the new movie will include “everything you remember” from the original; he also explained why the film’s name is “Ninja Turtles,” not “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” “Paramount marketing changed the name. They made the title simple,” he wrote. “The characters you all remember are exactly the same, and yes they still act like teenagers,” he added. “Everything you remember, why you liked the characters, is in the movie. This script is being developed by two very smart writers, with one of the original creators of Ninja Turtles. They care VERY MUCH about making this film for the fans. Everyone on this team cares about the fans. Just give them a chance. Jonathan [Liebesman], the director, is a major fan of the whole franchise. HE’S NOT GOING TO LET YOU DOWN.” Speaking of Liebesman, MTV News caught up with the director as he promoted his latest, “Wrath of the Titans,” and he seemed to share Bay’s sentiment, saying the new version will preserve “the essence” of the original. “What’s important to me are the characters that Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird created, the essence is preserved, and we’re true to that,” Liebesman said. “And everything that is near and dear to fans will still be there, every new thing we think of is tied into the mythology. We’re not going to betray anything that has been there before — I’m a fan myself.” “Ninja Turtles” is due in theaters Christmas 2013. Check out everything we’ve got on “Ninja Turtles.” For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Wrath Of The Titans’
“Highlights of Battleship partnerships include (in alphabetical order): CHEVRON EXTRAMILE — Chevron’s ExtraMile convenience stores will feature a Battleship instant-win game that will be promoted via radio, in-store game cards, as well as online with banner ads at Chevronextramile.com. In-store signage will include pump toppers, pump posters, door decals, counter cards and employee buttons.” [ Deadline ]
Can you guess the most-rented DVD of 2011? Hint: It wasn’t the most-bought DVD of 2011, but you probably already knew that . Another hint: Despite all odds, it doesn’t star Danny Trejo . Give up? Don’t we all! Per the LAT : The Bruce Willis action-comedy Red was the most rented DVD of 2011 but wasn’t even close to the top of the sales charts. The most rented movies are a mix of films that largely enjoyed solid but not spectacular runs at the box office. They seemed to leave theaters with good word-of-mouth, leading people to sample the films via rental. Among the most bought DVDs, meanwhile, are many of the top-grossing hits of last year. Animated films sold particularly well. Since children often watch their favorite animated movies multiple times, making a purchase was more economical than rental. No. 1 on the list was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 , while other big sellers included Deathly Hallows: Part 2 , Tangled , Transformers: Dark of the Moon and The Help . The only film to make both Top 10 lists: breakout comedy Bridesmaids . So if there’s any doubt that the bulk of midgrade theatrical releases are just commercials for DVDs that studios don’t really want you to rent anyway, and/or that better blockbusters have the potential to influence stronger DVD sales, let it be put to rest. [ LAT ] Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
The Ninja Turtles Culture War just gets better : “Paramount marketing changed the name. They made the title simple. The characters you all remember are exactly the same, and yes they still act like teenagers. Everything you remember, why you liked the characters, is in the movie. This script is being developed by two very smart writers, with one of the original creators of Ninja Turtles . They care VERY MUCH about making this film for the fans. Everyone on this team cares about the fans. Just give them a chance. Jonathan the director , is a major fan of the whole franchise. HE’S NOT GOING TO LET YOU DOWN.” [ Shoot For the Edit ]
After begging and pleading with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan community to please, please not engage in preemptive flame warfare over the rumors and vagaries surrounding the reboot of their beloved franchise, I now recognize the futility of my attempts at diplomacy. This comes after the film’s attached director Jonathan Liebesman — also of this week’s Wrath of the Titans and last year’s eminently regarded ( ahem ) Battle: Los Angeles — only complicated matters with his comments about the kerfuffle. And then there’s the movie’s reported name change. Liebesman toed the company line at last weekend’s Titans junket, urging TMNT devotees to calm down about producer Michael Bay’s proposed alien-turtle-ooze influence — which apparently “comes straight from the series.” I can’t believe I just wrote that, or this: “Look, it’s so funny — if everyone was such a die-hard fan, they would know that the TCRI canisters where the ooze comes from. That is alien ooze. Now I’m not saying what Michael said is exactly what the movie is, because we’re sitting in a room now figuring everything out. So we don’t know, but we are like Michael said: we’re expanding it, and the expansion will be true to the mythology. I promise you: fans will love it.” Even if those fans are to take Liebesman at his word, there’s also this reported nugget that no doubt have them soiling their Donatello jammies: Bleeding Cool has verified that the working title of the upcoming Paramount-Nickelodeon Turtle movie from producer Michael Bay and director Jonathan Libesman is going by the working title of Ninja Turtles . We know all too well where the “Mutant” bit went, but now it seems we’re also losing “Teenage.” We haven’t been able to get a definite statement as to why this title change is occurring, and our sources are not 100% clear on whether or not the Turtles will indeed be adolescents. One of our sources has said: “It seems to be driven by marketing. Think of John Carter and how Disney wouldn’t allow for a title with either ‘Princess’ or ‘Mars.'” Whatever. See you at the refugee camp! I hope they have wi-fi. [ Collider , Bleeding Cool via AICN ] Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
After begging and pleading with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan community to please, please not engage in preemptive flame warfare over the rumors and vagaries surrounding the reboot of their beloved franchise, I now recognize the futility of my attempts at diplomacy. This comes after the film’s attached director Jonathan Liebesman — also of this week’s Wrath of the Titans and last year’s eminently regarded ( ahem ) Battle: Los Angeles — only complicated matters with his comments about the kerfuffle. And then there’s the movie’s reported name change. Liebesman toed the company line at last weekend’s Titans junket, urging TMNT devotees to calm down about producer Michael Bay’s proposed alien-turtle-ooze influence — which apparently “comes straight from the series.” I can’t believe I just wrote that, or this: “Look, it’s so funny — if everyone was such a die-hard fan, they would know that the TCRI canisters where the ooze comes from. That is alien ooze. Now I’m not saying what Michael said is exactly what the movie is, because we’re sitting in a room now figuring everything out. So we don’t know, but we are like Michael said: we’re expanding it, and the expansion will be true to the mythology. I promise you: fans will love it.” Even if those fans are to take Liebesman at his word, there’s also this reported nugget that no doubt have them soiling their Donatello jammies: Bleeding Cool has verified that the working title of the upcoming Paramount-Nickelodeon Turtle movie from producer Michael Bay and director Jonathan Libesman is going by the working title of Ninja Turtles . We know all too well where the “Mutant” bit went, but now it seems we’re also losing “Teenage.” We haven’t been able to get a definite statement as to why this title change is occurring, and our sources are not 100% clear on whether or not the Turtles will indeed be adolescents. One of our sources has said: “It seems to be driven by marketing. Think of John Carter and how Disney wouldn’t allow for a title with either ‘Princess’ or ‘Mars.'” Whatever. See you at the refugee camp! I hope they have wi-fi. [ Collider , Bleeding Cool via AICN ] Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
Lil Wayne’s “The Carter IV” album cover has leaked. As we previously reported, the album has already been pushed back to June 14th from a May release date. What do y’all think? Is the album cover a pass or fail? Let us know in the comments box! We wonder if that track list that has leaked is the official final? Spotted @ TheSocietyOnline.biz RELATED: Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter IV Pushed Back To June RELATED: Lil Wayne’s UNOFFICIAL Tracklisting For Tha Carter IV RELATED : Lil Wayne’s Security Guards Arrested For Impersonating Police Officers RELATED: Lil Wayne Performs “Look At Me Now” At Philips Arena [VIDEO] RELATED: VIDEO: What Set Is Lil Wayne Claiming?
Growing up in the 80s, we were fully aware of the government’s “war on drugs.” Programs like D.A.R.E. and First Lady Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” campaign were staples of our everyday life. But none of the anti-drug propaganda spread around in the 80s was as effective (or entertaining, depending on your perspective) than the anti-drug public service announcements that frequently popped up on television. Kid Cudi: “I Don’t Smoke Weed Anymore” We’ve collected here a few of our favorite PSAs that aimed to keep us all off of drugs. I Learned It From Watching You! This legendary PSA was probably one of two that immediately popped in your head when you clicked into this post. A teenaged kid is chillin’ in his room when his dad comes in after finding his son’s weed stash. After inquiring where he got the drugs from and who taught him how to use the stuff, the kid reveals that he learned it from watching his accuser. What they didn’t show you in this commercial is that father and son later enjoyed a nicely rolled spliff to calm their nerves down before discussing punishment. This Is Your Brain On Drugs… This short PSA was probably the other one you thought of when clicking this post. A man drops an egg into a sizzling frying pan and says that the egg represents your brain on drugs. So apparently drugs are high in cholesterol and rather tasty with a little bit of hot sauce. We’ll keep that in mind. This Is Your Brain On Drugs… The Sequel Actress Rachel Leigh Wood starred in this spot which continues where the last one left off. It was a rather impactful ad, and by impactful we mean the impact of a frying pan against various kitchen objects. Pee Wee Herman Speaks Out Against Crack There is no PSA more bizarre than this overly dramatic spot featuring Pee Wee Herman. We think nothing better exemplifies what the 80s were about than Pee Wee Herman holding a vial of crack cocaine. Is That A Blunt In OchoCinco’s Ashtray? [PICS] When I Grow Up… When we were young, we had dreams of our cushy jobs and big houses and nice cars that were waiting for us when we grew up. Instead we were greeted by a couple of wars, a crumbling economy with matching job market, and reality television. This PSA should’ve warned us in advance that things are gonna suck, not just for the drug addicts, but for everyone when we all grow up. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Think Drug Dealers Are Dorks Pee Wee Herman wasn’t the only celeb asked to do a PSA in the 80s and 90s. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles got in on the action too. However, looking back, a bunch of talking turtles who love eating pizza and are guided by a talking rat make us wonder just who exactly needed the anti-drug message more. Cowabunga! Photo Of Whitney & Bobby’s Daughter Bobbi Kristina Snorting Coke Surfaces; She Responds I’m Melting!!!! This recent PSA can best be summed up by a comment left on the video’s YouTube page: “Shes boring? You’re boring for having nothing better to do than sit aroud and watch her melt.” Snake, The Drug Dealer The only thing this PSA taught us was to not buy drugs off of anyone that morphed into a snake before our very eyes. Whoopi Goldberg Reveals Past Battle With Drug Addiction A Father’s Regret In this PSA, a father stands at his 13-year-old son’s grave crying because he hadn’t thought to talk to him about the dangers of drugs. Is this an anti-PSA ad or a bad parenting PSA? Brain Activity In this PSA, a machine reads the brain activity of both a normal 14-year old and that of a 14-year-old pot smoker. The non-smoker’s brain functions at a rapid pace, while the smoker’s brain moves slowly. We just hope they didn’t actually give a 14-year-old a joint just for the sake of this commercial. Maia Campbell Before The Drugs [PHOTOS] HONORABLE MENTION: Marijuana Kills! This fake PSA comes from the stoner comedy Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle . It’s a hilarious spoof on the golden age of anti-drug PSAs. We dare you not to laugh at the intentionally bad acting!
