Michael Bay Confirms 'Ninja Turtles' Reboot Title

Consider it official: the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" reboot is officially ditching the "Teenage Mutant" part.

Michael Bay has issued a new statement regarding his planned update on the heroes in a half-shell, confirming that the title for the reboot is indeed "Ninja Turtles" as was previously reported. Despite ditching "Teenage Mutant" from the title, however, Bay insists that the characters will remain faithful to the heroes fans remember so fondly.

"Paramount marketing changed the name," Bay wrote on his website to explain the title change. "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," the "Transformers" director continued. "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."

Bay has been on the defensive since word first leaked that "Ninja Turtles" would explore a new alien origin for the pizza-loving party dudes. That revelation prompted comments from several "TMNT" veterans, including co-creator Peter Laird and former voice actor Robbie Rist.

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