Mutant Mayhem’s Sequel And Series News Is A Huge Shift For Paramount

In a separate chat with Variety, Paramount Pictures CEO Brian Robbins opened up about the future of his company’s animation division. “We’re not going to release an expensive original animated movie and just pray people will come,” Robbins said regarding the planned Paramount+ release for “Under the Boardwalk.” One benefit of streaming is that audiences can discover original projects, like “Under the Boardwalk” over time. In an age where IP and franchises dominate the box office, it makes sense that Robbins wants his theatrical slate to emphasize his company’s legacy, especially with a brand as storied and beloved as “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

Variety says that upcoming animated efforts will focus on IP and franchises, highlighting “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Avatar: The Last Airbender” flicks. Robbins is so confident in “The Last Airbender” as a franchise that Paramount has set up Avatar Studios, a division that focuses solely on projects set in the “Avatar” universe. Robbins notes that the animated landscape has changed, saying, “It’s not about Disney and Pixar anymore.” Robbins isn’t wrong – Disney and Pixar’s recent theatrical outputs have been financial misfires. Illumination and Sony Pictures Animation are dominating 2023, releasing “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” respectively. Both “Mario” and “Spider-Verse” are based on IP, with their success confirming that audiences are interested in animated movies if their favorite childhood characters are in them. 

With the announcement of a “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” sequel and spin-off series, Paramount Pictures is simply following the trend of capitalizing on IP. Will it work out for Paramount? Maybe. “Mutant Mayhem” is already on track to be one of August’s biggest successes at the box office.