Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Officially No Longer Teenage Nor Mutant, Michael Bay Makes New Statement

Hollywood blockbuster mega-director Michael Bay continued his role as whipping post for uber-fans of the in-production Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles remake, releasing another statement Tuesday via his personal message boards. Last week, Bay, the December 2013 movie's producer, came under intense scrutiny from fans after announcing that his new version of shell-backed crime-fighters would be cast as aliens rather than mutants.

Bay said verbatim: When you see this movie, kids are going to believe, one day, that these turtles actually do exist when we are done with this movie. These turtles are from an alien race and they are going to be tough, edgy, funny and completely lovable.

For whatever reason Bay had chosen to do this, it was probably the worst-received announcement he's made since the words starring Shia LeBeouf left his lips. Bay's creative license on the Turtles incited the ire of more than just fans, though that was firey. Robbie Rist voiced the character of Michelangelo in previous TMNT movies. He attacked Bay in an open letter posted to his own Facebook page.

You probably don't know me but I did some voice work on the first set of movies that you are starting to talk about sodomizing, Rist wrote. I know believing in mutated talking turtles is kinda silly to begin with but am I supposed to be led to believe there are ninjas from another planet?

Bay also took a whipping from Peter Laird, one of the original creators of the franchise, wrote a slightly scathing blog, the New York Daily News reported: It's possible that with enough truly creative brainpower applied to this idea, it might actually work. I'm not saying it's probable, or even somewhat likely... but it IS possible.

At 1:37 a.m. Tuesday morning, Bay took to his own personal message boards dedicated to him and posted another statement. Not only did he confirm the previously milled rumors, he took things a step farther to try and simmer all the angry fans.

Paramount marketing changed the name. 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. 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 the director, is a major fan of the whole franchise. HE'S NOT GOING TO LET YOU DOWN.

MICHAEL