Donatello Actor Reveals Grueling Filming of First 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Movie

Ernie Reyes Jr. discusses the physical demands of portraying the character in the 1990 film.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Ernie Reyes Jr., who played Donatello in the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, recently discussed the grueling physical challenges of filming the movie at a comic convention panel. Reyes described the intense heat, sweat, and high body temperatures he experienced while wearing the heavy Turtle costume on set in Wilmington, North Carolina. Despite the difficulties, Reyes said he approached it with a martial arts mindset and was determined not to let the conditions break him.

Why it matters

The 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie was a surprise box office hit, becoming the most successful independent film of its time. However, the behind-the-scenes experience for the actors portraying the Turtles was far from easy, shedding light on the physical demands and sacrifices required to bring these iconic characters to life on the big screen.

The details

Reyes wasn't fully aware of what he was getting into until he visited the Jim Henson Creature Shop and saw the advanced animatronics being used for the Turtle costumes. Filming in the sweltering North Carolina heat proved to be an excruciating experience, with Reyes' body temperature reaching 102 degrees Fahrenheit every day. As the in-suit actor responsible for the fight scenes, Reyes had to draw on his martial arts training to push through the discomfort. He noted that it took a team of four people to portray each Turtle, with Reyes as the actor, a stunt performer, a puppeteer, and a voice actor.

  • The 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie was filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina.

The players

Ernie Reyes Jr.

The actor who portrayed Donatello in the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie.

Jim Henson Creature Shop

The special effects company responsible for constructing the advanced animatronic Turtle costumes used in the film.

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What they’re saying

“It was hot and sweaty, and my body temperature would get up to 102 degrees every single day.”

— Ernie Reyes Jr., Actor who portrayed Donatello (Collider)

“I was like...this is not going to break me. And I actually thought to myself by the end of the movie, like, I could control my body temperature by just being relaxed. And that was really what is really happening inside for me.”

— Ernie Reyes Jr., Actor who portrayed Donatello (Collider)

The takeaway

The grueling physical demands faced by the actors portraying the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the 1990 film highlight the sacrifices and dedication required to bring these beloved characters to life on the big screen, even as the movie went on to become a surprise box office hit.