‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ Experiences Robust Opening in U.S. Box Office

THE BIG PICTURE
Opening strong with $10.2 million, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is expected to rake in around $30-$40 million during its initial five-day release period. The film is earning high praise for its unique animation style, voice acting, and narrative quality, hinting at a possible revival of the TMNT franchise. With a relatively small $70 million budget, Mutant Mayhem aims to follow in the successful footsteps of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, maximizing profit while keeping expenses minimal.

In the wake of its most prominent film this year—Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One — being outperformed by “Barbenheimer,” Paramount is fielding another contender in a bold attempt at counter-programming, despite audience preferences for repeat viewings of Oppenheimer and Barbie. Like the seventh Mission: Impossible instalment, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is launching mid-week, boasting an extended five-day opening at the U.S. box office.

The animated film garnered $10.2 million on its opening Wednesday, including the $3.8 million made from Tuesday afternoon previews. This impressive start placed it second, surpassing the established hit Oppenheimer, but trailing behind Barbie. Despite the initial estimation of the movie grossing around $30 million during its first five days, positive reviews have led some to speculate a more optimistic $40 million haul. Contrary to the budget trends of most major animated films, Mutant Mayhem’s cost-efficient production budget of $70 million (excluding advertising) sets it apart. For context, the recent Pixar film, Elemental, reported a production budget of $200 million. Yet, Mutant Mayhem seems to be following the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse approach, focusing on an innovative animation style and keeping costs low, leading to a significant profit margin on the film’s worldwide earnings.

A Potential New Franchise is in the Making

Paramount has high hopes that Mutant Mayhem will breathe new life into one of its most profitable properties. Plans are already in motion for a sequel and a spin-off series slated for the Paramount+ streaming platform. The film’s animation style, voice acting, and script have garnered significant acclaim. Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez are the minds behind the script, with Jeff Rowe directing.

Image via Paramount

The seventh entry in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, Mutant Mayhem serves as a reboot for the series, following a dip in audience interest after a duo of live-action films — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows — released between 2014 and 2016. It is the franchise’s second animated film, following 2007’s TMNT.

Featuring voice talents such as Micah Abbey as Donatello, Shamon Brown Jr. as Michelangelo, Nicolas Cantu as Leonardo and Brady Noon as Raphael, with Jackie Chan as Splinter, and rounded off by an ensemble cast including Hannibal Buress, Ayo Edebiri, Ice Cube, John Cena, Rose Byrne, and others. Mutant Mayhem, influenced by coming-of-age films, offers an exciting new take on the franchise. You can check out our interview with the lead actors here and stay tuned to FilmSweep for more updates.

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More about TMNT franchise

• “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” Official Website
• Box Office Mojo: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Box Office Performance
• Variety: Review of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”
• IMDb: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” Page
• Screen Rant: How “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” Revived the TMNT Franchise
• The Hollywood Reporter: Paramount’s Plans for the TMNT Franchise After “Mutant Mayhem” Success
• Deadline: Creative Team Behind “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” Production Details