The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) have been a beloved franchise for decades, captivating audiences with their heroic adventures and witty banter. But have you ever wondered where the magic of the Turtles’ world was brought to life? In this article, we’ll take a journey to explore the filming locations of the TMNT movies, from the sewers of New York City to the streets of Los Angeles.
Where Was Ninja Turtles Filmed?
The first TMNT film, released in 1990, was primarily filmed in New York City. The iconic sewer lair of the Turtles was built on a soundstage in Brooklyn, while the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn were used to film many of the exterior scenes. The film’s director, Steve Barron, chose to shoot on location to capture the gritty, urban atmosphere of the city.
New York City Filming Locations
Some of the notable filming locations in New York City include:
- The Brooklyn Bridge
- Times Square
- Central Park
- The New York City Subway
The success of the first film led to the creation of two sequels, which were also filmed in New York City. The third film, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III,” was the first to venture outside of the city, filming scenes in the streets of Los Angeles and the Japanese countryside.
Los Angeles Filming Locations
The third TMNT film was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, with scenes shot in various locations throughout the city. Some notable filming locations include:
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- The Griffith Observatory
- The Los Angeles River
- The Japanese American National Museum
In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the filming locations of the TMNT movies, exploring the iconic places that brought the Turtles’ world to life. From the streets of New York City to the streets of Los Angeles, we’ll take a journey through the making of the TMNT films and discover the secrets behind their enduring popularity.
Where Was Ninja Turtles Filmed?
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise has been a beloved part of many people’s childhoods, with the first film released in 1990. The original film was a commercial success, and since then, there have been numerous sequels, reboots, and spin-offs. But have you ever wondered where the iconic scenes from the TMNT films were actually filmed? In this article, we’ll take a journey to explore the filming locations of the Ninja Turtles. (See Also: What Flowers Can Box Turtles Eat)
Los Angeles, California
Many of the exterior scenes in the original 1990 film were shot on location in Los Angeles, California. The city’s diverse architecture and urban landscape provided the perfect backdrop for the Turtles’ adventures.
- New York City’s iconic skyscrapers were replicated in the LA skyline, specifically in the scene where the Turtles first appear.
- The famous Times Square scene was also filmed in LA, using a combination of real buildings and set pieces.
- The Turtles’ sewer lair was built on a soundstage in LA, but the exterior shots of the lair were filmed in an abandoned subway tunnel.
New York City, New York
New York City played a significant role in the filming of the TMNT franchise, with many scenes shot on location in the Big Apple.
- The iconic Statue of Liberty scene was filmed in New York Harbor, with the Turtles scaling the statue’s exterior.
- The scene where the Turtles first encounter the Foot Clan was filmed in Chinatown, with the Turtles’ Footmobile driving through the crowded streets.
- The Turtles’ battle with the Foot Clan in the sewers was filmed in an abandoned subway tunnel beneath the city.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago was another key location for the TMNT franchise, with many scenes shot on location in the Windy City.
- The scene where the Turtles first meet April O’Neil was filmed in the Chicago River, with the Turtles’ Footmobile driving across the river.
- The Turtles’ battle with the Foot Clan in the city streets was filmed in the Loop area, with the Turtles jumping and flipping through the streets.
- The scene where the Turtles say goodbye to April was filmed in the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), with the Turtles standing on the rooftop.
Other Locations
While Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago were the primary filming locations for the TMNT franchise, other locations were also used to bring the Turtles’ world to life.
- The scene where the Turtles first encounter the Kraang was filmed in a abandoned warehouse in Long Beach, California.
- The scene where the Turtles battle the Kraang in the city streets was filmed in the city of Pasadena, California.
- The scene where the Turtles say goodbye to Splinter was filmed in a Japanese garden in San Diego, California.
Recap
In conclusion, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has been filmed in a variety of locations around the world, including Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, and other locations. From the iconic skyscrapers of LA to the bustling streets of New York City, each location has played a significant role in bringing the Turtles’ world to life. Whether you’re a fan of the original 1990 film or the more recent reboot, the TMNT franchise has something for everyone. So next time you’re watching a TMNT movie, take a closer look at the filming locations and see if you can spot any of the real-life locations that brought the Turtles to life. (See Also: Will Turtles Eat Snails)
Key Points:
* The original 1990 TMNT film was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California.
* New York City played a significant role in the filming of the TMNT franchise, with many scenes shot on location in the city.
* Chicago was another key location for the TMNT franchise, with many scenes shot on location in the city.
* Other locations, such as Long Beach, Pasadena, and San Diego, were also used to bring the Turtles’ world to life.
* The TMNT franchise has been filmed in a variety of locations around the world, each playing a significant role in bringing the Turtles’ world to life.
Here are five FAQs related to “Where Was Ninja Turtles Filmed”:
Where Was Ninja Turtles Filmed?
What city was the main filming location for the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie?
New York City was the main filming location for the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, released in 1990. The city’s streets, buildings, and landmarks were used to create the Turtles’ world.
Where were the scenes with the Turtles in the sewers filmed?
The scenes with the Turtles in the sewers were filmed in the Los Angeles River in California. The river’s tunnels and concrete walls were used to create the Turtles’ underground lair.
Were any scenes filmed in Canada?
Yes, some scenes for the 1990 movie were filmed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The city’s streets and buildings were used to create the cityscape of New York City. (See Also: Why Do Turtles Line Up On Logs)
What about the more recent Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies?
The more recent Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies, including the 2014 and 2016 films, were primarily filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The city’s streets, buildings, and studios were used to create the Turtles’ world.
Were any scenes filmed on a soundstage?
Yes, some scenes for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies were filmed on soundstages in Los Angeles and Vancouver. These scenes included interior shots of the Turtles’ lair, the Foot Clan’s hideout, and other locations that couldn’t be filmed on location.
