Get ready—Turtle Power is back, and this time, the adventure takes an unexpected detour! Just before the eagerly anticipated sequel to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem hits theaters on September 17, 2027, fans will get a fresh animated treat: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2: Lost in New Jersey. This new short film is set to premiere on December 18, 2025, right before The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie: Search for SquarePants, giving the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles a prime platform to reconnect with audiences. But here’s where it gets intriguing—and maybe a little controversial—they’re heading straight to New Jersey.
Earlier today, Paramount Pictures released an exclusive first look at this upcoming short. The sneak peek introduces us to the four iconic turtles—Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo—as they navigate the bustling streets of New York City dressed in civilian outfits. Their mission? To find the perfect holiday gift for their wise mentor, Master Splinter. While dodging traffic and weighing their gift options, the brothers come across a commercial showcasing "Tubular Tortoise Karate Warriors." This discovery sends them on a not-so-pleasant journey to Newark, New Jersey, home to the Authentic Imitations Toy Company. Yes, it’s the Garden State, and yes, the turtles are ready to bring some holiday cheer—in their own unique, action-packed style.
Kent Seki directs this latest TMNT short, with a script penned by Andrew Joustra. The talented voice cast features Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Beck Bennett, and Zach Woods leading the ensemble. Behind the scenes, producers Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Jeff Rowe, and Ramsay McBean have teamed up, while Josh Fagen serves as executive producer.
Bringing back this fresh iteration of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ahead of the sequel’s launch is a strategic and smart decision. In today’s fast-paced entertainment world, audiences often move quickly from one hit to the next, so this short provides a golden opportunity to keep the excitement alive. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem was hailed as the best Turtles film since the original—which sparks plenty of debate, especially from fans who champion Secret of the Ooze for the runner-up spot. Either way, showcasing this short before a major family movie like SpongeBob’s sequel ensures the turtles remain front and center in the minds of both new and longtime fans alike.
But seriously, sending them on a mission to New Jersey? That’s a bold—and dare I say mischievous—move. While the turtles could easily take the underground routes they so often favor, imagining them dealing with the chaos of the New Jersey Turnpike or cracking jokes about the infamous Garden State smells adds a comedic angle many fans will appreciate. What do you think—cruel or clever?
Now, here’s a fun detail—the title, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2: Lost in New Jersey, is a playful nod to the classic Home Alone: Lost in New York. It’s sure to bring a smile or even a chuckle to viewers familiar with that beloved holiday movie.
So, what are your thoughts on this first look at the new TMNT short? Does the New Jersey setting excite you, or do you think the turtles belong only in New York City? And how do you feel about the Home Alone homage in the title? Dive into the conversation and share your views in the comments below. Let’s see if the turtles’ holiday adventure sparks some heated debate!
Source: Paramount Pictures
About the Author
This piece was crafted by a seasoned News Editor and Columnist who loves diving into the quirks of film and pop culture. Some favorite movies include Death to Smoochy, The Big Lebowski, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and The Princess Bride, among many others. When not behind the keyboard, this author enjoys immersing in the sounds of serious headphones, exploring comic book lore, savoring a fine whiskey, and the simple pleasures of pancakes, bacon, and long beach walks.
