BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The UnderDog”, a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Turtles Ninja, Slated for Global Premiere This Fall
In a surprise announcement that has set social media ablaze, Netflix has officially unveiled “The UnderDog”, a brand-new, original documentary chronicling the origins, rise, and cultural impact of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—the unconventional heroes that have dominated pop culture since the late 1980s. The documentary is set for a global premiere on October 10, 2025, and is already being hailed as one of the most ambitious projects ever produced by the streaming giant.
From Sewer to Spotlight: The Story Behind “The UnderDog”
According to Netflix, “The UnderDog” offers an “unfiltered, emotionally charged, and never-before-seen look” at how four anthropomorphic turtles—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael—captured the imagination of millions across generations. More than just a retrospective, the film dives deep into the social, artistic, and commercial impact of the franchise, interweaving interviews, rare footage, and commentary from those who shaped the legacy.
The documentary is directed by Ava DuVernay, who described the project as “a love letter to every misfit, every creative who dared to believe in the impossible.” DuVernay, known for her work on Selma and 13th, takes a sharp yet affectionate approach to dissecting what made the turtles more than just Saturday morning cartoon characters—they became global symbols of resilience, loyalty, and brotherhood.
> “This is not just a story about pizza-eating ninja turtles,” DuVernay said during a Netflix press event. “It’s about outsiders who changed the mainstream, creators who went broke before they struck gold, and fans who made the turtles immortal.”
A Franchise Born in a Basement
The film opens with an evocative black-and-white reenactment of that now-legendary night in 1983 when Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird created the first sketches of what would become the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The documentary gives rare insight into their unlikely friendship, forged over shared passions for comic books, martial arts films, and satire.
With only $1,200 in funds and no publisher, Eastman and Laird self-published the first comic in 1984 under Mirage Studios, a name chosen because, as the film humorously points out, “the studio didn’t really exist.” The film tracks their meteoric rise, from humble Xeroxed pages at comic conventions to a multi-billion-dollar franchise spanning animation, live-action films, toys, video games, clothing, and even Broadway shows.
Interviews with industry legends, including Frank Miller, Todd McFarlane, and Stan Sakai, highlight how the TMNT phenomenon was a pivotal moment in indie comic history. As Sakai notes in the film, “They blew open the doors for creator-owned comics. Everyone saw it and thought—maybe we can do this too.”
Never-Before-Seen Footage and Behind-the-Scenes Drama
“The UnderDog” doesn’t shy away from conflict. The film details the creative disagreements, legal battles, and corporate pressure that nearly tore the franchise apart. Rare footage shows a visibly emotional Peter Laird reflecting on the moment he sold his share of the franchise to Viacom in 2009, while Kevin Eastman discusses how he struggled with depression and alienation after losing creative control.
The documentary also revisits the 1990 live-action film, hailed by fans and critics as a cult classic. Director Steve Barron, along with original costume designers from the Jim Henson Creature Shop, break down the challenges of bringing mutant turtles to life with no CGI and limited animatronics. “It was chaos. Beautiful chaos,” Barron recalls.
Fans will also enjoy newly recovered footage from the “Coming Out of Their Shells” tour—a bizarre yet beloved stage show that saw the turtles go on a nationwide musical tour. Netflix secured rights to several unreleased songs and outtakes, including a rock version of “Pizza Power” that had never aired.
Celebrity Voices and Lifelong Fans
One of the more heartfelt segments in “The UnderDog” focuses on celebrities who grew up idolizing the turtles. Seth Rogen, who is currently producing a TMNT animated reboot, talks about their influence on his childhood. Megan Fox, who played April O’Neil in two recent live-action films, opens up about the pressure and pride of stepping into such a storied universe.
Even NBA superstar LeBron James makes a cameo, revealing his collection of vintage TMNT action figures and recalling how the turtles helped him deal with loneliness and pressure as a young boy growing up in Akron. “They were my brothers when I didn’t have any,” LeBron says.
Vin Diesel, who lends his voice to Raphael in an upcoming animated spinoff, also appears in the documentary. His presence marks a major nod to the future of the franchise and underscores Netflix’s commitment to revitalizing the TMNT universe.
Cultural Impact: From Cartoons to Canvas
Perhaps the most impressive achievement of “The UnderDog” is its exploration of how the turtles transcended entertainment. Art critics and sociologists weigh in on how the TMNT became symbols of subversive culture, bridging gaps between Eastern philosophy and Western consumerism.
The film documents how their unique blend of martial arts, Italian Renaissance names, and New York street smarts made them a mirror for American youth searching for identity in the late 20th century. In one touching segment, a New York public school teacher recounts how her students, many of whom struggled with reading, became obsessed with TMNT comics and used them as a gateway to literacy.
Pop culture historian Dr. Regina Mallory provides fascinating context about the Turtles’ place in the “mutant boom” of the 80s and 90s. “They came at the perfect time—when kids were angry, inspired, and eager to believe in heroes that didn’t look like the Avengers,” Mallory says.
A Franchise Reborn?
“The UnderDog” concludes by looking ahead. With new animated projects in the works, a rumored Netflix-exclusive live-action series, and growing popularity on streaming platforms, it seems the turtles are poised for yet another renaissance.
Netflix confirmed during the press conference that “The UnderDog” is not just a standalone documentary—it is also the launchpad for a new TMNT cinematic universe, with Ava DuVernay signed on to executive produce the first phase of interconnected films and series. The upcoming slate, tentatively titled “TurtleVerse”, includes:
“Shadows of the Foot” – a gritty crime-drama focusing on the Foot Clan’s rise in modern-day NYC
“Shell Shock” – a psychological character study of Raphael
“April: City’s Voice” – a limited series following journalist April O’Neil’s origin story
A teaser for “Shadows of the Foot” was shown exclusively to press, sparking fan speculation that Giancarlo Esposito may be playing Shredder.
Fan Reactions and Early Reviews
Even before its wide release, “The UnderDog” has received rave early reviews from critics lucky enough to attend private screenings. Rotten Tomatoes currently shows a 98% approval rating based on advance critic reviews, with praise directed at its emotional depth, journalistic rigor, and nostalgic flair.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit have shared overwhelming excitement:
> “I cried. I laughed. I cheered. The UnderDog is the TMNT tribute we never knew we needed.” — @ShellHead1987
> “This is more than a documentary. It’s a cultural revelation.” — @MutantMayhemFan
Several TMNT fan pages are organizing global virtual watch parties, with cosplay competitions, pizza-eating livestreams, and trivia nights to celebrate the release.
The Underdogs Who Became Legends
In the end, “The UnderDog” is more than just a documentary. It’s a bold, beautiful narrative about what happens when passion meets perseverance. It’s about misfits who found their place and brought millions along for the ride.
Whether you’re a longtime fan who collected every Playmates figure or a newcomer curious about the green-clad heroes who live in a sewer, this film is a must-watch. As Leonardo says in a newly recorded voiceover at the end of the film, “We were never meant to be heroes—but we became legends.”
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“The UnderDog” premieres October 10, 2025, exclusively on Netflix. Cowabunga, indeed.
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