Exclusive Interview – Brian Tochi Discusses Leonardo and the Legacy of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

      This past weekend’s Toronto Comicon honored the Heroes in a Half-Shell with stars from the 90s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, including Brian Tochi, Kenn Scott, Ernie Reyes Jr., and François Chau, who portrayed Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Shredder, respectively.

      We had the chance to speak with Tochi, who voiced Leonardo in all three original TMNT films, about the franchise’s enduring legacy, Leonardo's role as the turtles' leader, and the connection fans have with the characters. Alongside his work with TMNT, Tochi has appeared in the Revenge of the Nerds films and the Police Academy series, and lent his voice to numerous other projects.

      “It is absolutely amazing,” Tochi remarked about how the franchise continues to engage new fans. “We meet the most incredible people who have followed this franchise for over 35 years. It’s a wonderful time for us, and we appreciate everyone who comes by. I cherish the impact the Ninja Turtles have made on some of these families and individuals. Hearing their personal stories truly moves us. It’s such an honor and a privilege to be involved in this franchise; I can't express that enough.”

      Throughout the films, Tochi voiced Leonardo, the most disciplined and reliable of the turtles. He often served as the voice of reason among his brothers during their conflicts, particularly with his fiery brother Raphael, always looking out for them and guiding them through their challenges.

      Tochi shared his perspective on Leonardo and why he resonates with so many fans. “I believe Leonardo is a grounded individual. He has a deep love for his brothers, especially Raphael. In the first movie, during a fight, he tells Raph, ‘we don’t need you,’ but when the Foot Clan attacks and Raph is injured, he worries about whether his brother will survive. He doesn’t have the chance to apologize; he just waits by his side, hoping for his recovery. It’s the love these turtles share for each other that shines through. His love for Master Splinter and April is also significant. I think many people can connect with that.”

      With the TMNT franchise thriving even after 40 years—now with a sequel to the animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem in development and another live-action movie on the way—Tochi shared his views on the future of the franchise.

      “I genuinely believe a great direction is being taken with Kevin Eastman [TMNT co-creator] at the helm of The Last Ronin. If executed well, it could chart an entirely new course for the Ninja Turtles. We’ll see where that leads!”

      TMNT: The Last Ronin tells a story set in a not-so-distant future where the last remaining turtle returns to a dystopian New York City controlled by the Foot Clan, seeking to avenge his brothers and finally defeat the Foot. While an R-rated adaptation was in the works, with the original film’s Judith Hoag being approached to reprise her role as April O’Neil, those plans have been put on hold. Nevertheless, Eastman has stated that adaptation could still happen in the future.

      You can find our other interviews with the cast of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films, featuring François Chau, Kenn Scott, and Ernie Reyes Jr., on the Flickering Myth YouTube channel here…