In 2014, the fifth installment of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise hit the big screen, serving as a reboot. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the movie managed to surpᴀss expectations at the box office, grossing nearly $493 million worldwide. However, the film faced a major controversy that threatened its success.
Michael Bay Clarifies Alien Controversy
The producer of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, Michael Bay, found himself at the center of a storm after allegedly announcing that the Ninja Turtles were actually aliens. Fans of the franchise were outraged by this revelation, fearing a departure from the beloved origin story. Bay’s remarks ignited a mᴀssive backlash, putting the film’s future in jeopardy even before its release.
Fortunately, Bay quickly addressed the confusion and clarified his earlier statement. He explained that the Ninja Turtles’ origins would remain faithful to the original source material. The controversial comment turned out to be a misunderstanding, and the movie proceeded with its intended direction.
Megan Fox’s Response In The Movie
In a clever nod to the earlier controversy, Megan Fox, who played the character April O’Neil in the film, engaged in a conversation with her co-worker, Vern Fenwick. The dialogue took a dig at the initial plot twist involving the Ninja Turtles as aliens. When Fenwick asked if the turtles were aliens, O’Neil dismissed the idea, stating, “No, that’s stupid. They’re reptiles.”
This exchange demonstrated the filmmakers’ acknowledgment of the fans’ concerns and served as a way to address the controversy within the movie itself.
Commercial Success Despite Negative Reviews
Despite the negative reviews from critics, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie prevailed at the box office. With a budget ranging from $125 to $150 million, the film generated an impressive $493 million, exceeding its production costs. While critics may have criticized certain aspects of the movie, fans appreciated the visual effects and action sequences, contributing to its commercial triumph.
In conclusion, Megan Fox’s criticism of the initial plan to turn the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles into aliens sparked a significant backlash from fans. However, the controversy was quickly addressed by Michael Bay, leading to a successful movie release. Despite facing negative reviews, the film’s strong box office performance validated its appeal to audiences worldwide.
