Original TMNT Movie Star Judith Hoag Eyed for Cancelled R-Rated 'The Last Ronin' Film

The live-action adaptation of the fan-favorite TMNT comic was shut down by Paramount last year.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Judith Hoag, who played April O'Neil in the original 1990 live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, revealed that she had been approached to appear in the now-cancelled R-rated adaptation of the TMNT comic book series 'The Last Ronin' before the project was shut down by Paramount last year.

Why it matters

The Last Ronin was highly anticipated by TMNT fans as a gritty, R-rated take on the beloved franchise, but Paramount ultimately decided to pivot to a more family-friendly Ninja Turtles film instead. Hoag's involvement would have provided a direct connection to the original TMNT movie and characters.

The details

During a panel at Big Lick Comic-Con, Hoag shared that she had been approached to appear in The Last Ronin before the project was cancelled. She expressed hope that the film might eventually be revived, calling the comic 'a wonderful story.' Hoag suggested that the Paramount executives who shut down the film didn't understand the passionate fanbase for the property.

  • The Last Ronin comic book miniseries was published in 2020.
  • The live-action film adaptation was first announced to be in development in 2024.
  • The project was quietly shut down in 2025 following the Paramount-Skydance merger.

The players

Judith Hoag

The actress who played April O'Neil in the original 1990 live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie.

Kevin Eastman

One of the original creators of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book series.

Peter Laird

One of the original creators of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book series.

Ilya Naishuller

The director who was in talks to helm the cancelled live-action The Last Ronin film.

Neal H. Moritz

The producer who is now overseeing a new, more family-friendly Ninja Turtles film for Paramount.

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What they’re saying

“Yes, I've been approached, and I'd be happy. It would be a great bookend for me. And maybe that happens and maybe it doesn't. We'll see.”

— Judith Hoag (Collider)

“Maybe you need to go to a comic con and spend some time with the fans.”

— Judith Hoag (Collider)

What’s next

It remains to be seen if the R-rated The Last Ronin project will ever be revived, as Paramount has opted to move forward with a new, more family-friendly Ninja Turtles film instead.

The takeaway

The cancellation of the R-rated The Last Ronin film highlights the challenges of adapting beloved niche properties for mainstream audiences, as well as the importance of understanding a franchise's passionate fanbase when making creative decisions.