Paramount Abandons ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ Despite Box Office Success and Planned Sequel

While Paramount continues developing new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies, video games, comics, and merchandise, the studio is now leaning into the franchise’s most iconic incarnation to drive its latest expansion.

For the last few years, Mutant Mayhem has been the centerpiece of the modern TMNT brand, generating a successful animated film, a television spin-off, extensive merchandise lines, and an upcoming theatrical sequel scheduled for 2027.

But when Paramount decided to launch the franchise’s first-ever themed restaurant, it didn’t choose the newer Turtles. Instead, it went back to the cartoon that started Turtle-mania.

Related: Universal Studios GB Could Host TMNT Themed Area Modeled Off 1987 Cartoon 

Paramount Ignores TMNT: Mutant Mayhem

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pizzeria opened in Santa Monica on June 20 and is themed entirely around the beloved 1987 animated series.

The project was developed by restaurateur Andy Nguyen in partnership with Paramount. Nguyen has spent years attempting to bring an official TMNT restaurant to life. Speaking to the outlet, he said he finally achieved that goal after partnering with the studio. “I finally got that green light,” he explained.

Nguyen celebrated the launch with a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying:

“New York pizza. LA energy. And we’ve been pouring everything into this. The first-ever official TMNT Pizzeria opens in Santa Monica on June 20th at 11AM — We’ve put our best into every slice detail of this experience. The first 100 supporters through the door get a special gift”

New York pizza. LA energy. And we’ve been pouring everything into this.

The first-ever official TMNT Pizzeria opens in Santa Monica on June 20th at 11AM — We’ve put our best into every slice detail of this experience. The first 100 supporters through the door get a special gift pic.twitter.com/xlnmLOEXmQ

— Andy Nguyen (@AndyTheNguyen) June 11, 2026

The restaurant’s design celebrates the bright colors and playful energy of the original cartoon rather than the darker Mirage Comics source material or more recent adaptations.

“I call it the ‘Millennial Turtles,'” Nguyen said. “Those original cartoons, the way they were drawn, there’s a sense of fun that just brings you happiness.”

Paramount appears fully committed to that nostalgic direction. Josh Silverman, president of global products and experiences, described the visual style of the 1987 series as “a keystone piece of creative” for the brand. “There’s a term we use: ‘new-stalgia.’ It’s new for kids but nostalgic for adults, often their parents,” he added.

The Santa Monica location won’t remain unique for long. Paramount is already planning two additional TMNT pizzerias in Monterrey, Mexico, and São Paulo.

Nearly 40 years after Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael first conquered Saturday mornings, the ’87 cartoon is once again helping shape the future of the franchise.

Are you a fan of the 1987 TMNT cartoon? Let us know below!