Why TMNT: Mutant Mayhem Is Much Better Off Without Shredder

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem already has a lot of villains, but one is missing: Shredder. However, that's actually a good thing.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem hasn't yet confirmed if Shredder will appear in the movie - and it would actually be better off without him. While Shredder is a huge name in the TMNT universe, the upcoming animated film seems to be taking the franchise in a different direction. While it wouldn't be surprising if Shredder showed up eventually, the villain really isn't needed for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.

The multimedia TMNT franchise is massive, covering mediums like comics, TV shows, movies, video games, and more. Throughout the various iterations of the Heroes in a Half-Shell, the main villain of TMNT has always been Shredder. Shredder has been the primary antagonist of the majority of TMNT stories, even appearing in the live-action Michael Bay movies. Because of this, it is surprising that the character seemingly won't be in TMNT: Mutant Mayhem, the next big franchise reboot. However, choosing to sideline Shredder is a good idea for the film.

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The main reason that Shredder isn't needed in TMNT: Mutant Mayhem is that the film already has way too many villains. Baxter Stockman will most likely be the main villain, with him already being a huge character from the TMNT franchise. The iconic duo of Bebop and Rocksteady will also be appearing, alongside other mutants such as Leatherhead, Mondo Gecko, Wingnut, and more. On top of that, there are even hints that Krang could appear, with a character named Cynthia Ultrom teasing the appearance of the alien antagonist.

Related: 1 TMNT: Mutant Mayhem Casting Hints At Another Legacy Villain

With many of the most popular characters from the turtles' rogues' gallery already appearing in the film, there's just no room for Shredder. Throwing Shredder in could risk making the already jam-packed film seem overstuffed. Shredder would also distract from the other villains, with many of these characters getting the spotlight for the first time in TMNT: Mutant Mayhem. Shredder, on the other hand, has appeared in all kinds of TMNT stories, meaning that throwing him in would only make the film feel more generic.

Although Shredder hasn't been confirmed for TMNT: Mutant Mayhem, there still is the possibility that he makes a surprise appearance in the film. The most likely way would be to have Shredder show up in a post-credits scene, teasing that he could return in a TMNT: Mutant Mayhem sequel. The film could also feature the appearance of a younger Shredder, showing him as a Foot Clan ninja and setting up his future in the franchise.

Shredder could also secretly be the main villain of TMNT: Mutant Mayhem. While this may not be the best route, he could remain hidden until the very end of the film, revealing that he was behind everything. After all, Baxter Stockman often works for Shredder, and with the scientist being the film's main villain, it's possible that Shredder could be pulling the strings. However, having a TMNT film without Shredder would be the best option, with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem giving some lesser-known villains time to shine.

Robert Pitman is a Movies/TV features writer for ScreenRant and loves all things nerdy. He has had experience with editing and SEO in his time working at WVUA 90.7 FM, the University of Alabama's official student radio station. Robert is currently a junior at the University of Alabama and is doing a double major in Creative Media and General Business. Robert has been working with ScreenRant since January 2022, and in his time with the outlet has gone on to publish several articles that have found great success. At ScreenRant, Robert is currently a self-publishing Senior Core Features writer, with him covering a variety of topics. Robert mostly writes about perennial TV and movies, theatrical releases, and streaming releases, although he occasionally writes about other topics that he is knowledgeable about.