Paramount Pictures is gearing up for an ambitious holiday season in 2028 with the announcement of two highly anticipated franchise films: a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie and an untitled Sonic Universe Event Film. As Variety reported, The studio has confirmed that the TMNT film is scheduled for November 17, 2028, while the Sonic spinoff will follow on December 22, 2028. Both projects are shrouded in secrecy, with plot details, cast, and creative specifics yet to be revealed. What is clear, however, is Paramount’s determination to expand two of its most lucrative and beloved properties for global audiences.
The TMNT film, described as a live-action/CG hybrid, marks a continuation of the franchise’s evolution. Since the 2016 live-action reboot and the success of the 2023 animated Mutant Mayhem reboot, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have remained a recognizable cultural brand across generations. Paramount’s decision to pursue a hybrid format suggests an attempt to blend the charm of animation with the realism and spectacle of live-action filmmaking, potentially targeting both longtime fans and younger audiences discovering the Turtles for the first time. Neal H. Moritz, best known for producing the successful Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy, is attached to the TMNT project, signaling a strong studio commitment to quality production and blockbuster appeal.
The untitled Sonic Universe Event Film is slated for a prime December release, a window typically reserved for major franchise tentpoles. The Sonic series has proven to be a reliable global box office performer, with the first three films collectively surpassing significant milestones worldwide. With Moritz also producing, Paramount is clearly positioning the Sonic spinoff as another high-stakes venture designed to capitalize on the franchise’s established fanbase, while potentially expanding its universe for future cinematic installments. While plot and character details remain under wraps, the timing and scale of the release suggest a focus on big-screen spectacle and mass appeal.
In addition to these 2028 releases, Paramount has announced plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Top Gun with a re-release on May 13, 2026. This move underscores the studio’s strategy of leveraging legacy content alongside its modern franchises, appealing to both nostalgic audiences and new generations. By creating a mix of tentpole entertainment and heritage properties, Paramount aims to reinforce its presence in multiplexes and secure a competitive advantage in the increasingly crowded global box office landscape.
The 2028 release slate reflects a broader trend in Hollywood: studios are increasingly relying on established intellectual properties to drive audience engagement. Both TMNT and Sonic have multi-generational recognition, strong merchandising potential, and built-in fan communities, making them safer bets in an era where original content faces intense competition. For TMNT, the hybrid format offers an opportunity to innovate within a familiar framework, while Sonic’s spinoff could expand the franchise into a shared cinematic universe, potentially paving the way for crossovers, spin-offs, or event-style storytelling.
Fans of both franchises are already speculating about the creative direction of the films. For the Turtles, questions remain about whether the new film will tie into the animated Mutant Mayhem universe or establish a standalone continuity. For Sonic, the nature of the “Universe Event Film” is unclear — whether it will continue the narrative from the third film, introduce new characters, or launch an entirely new storyline. Paramount’s careful handling of these projects suggests the studio intends to build anticipation and maintain fan engagement leading up to the releases.
Paramount’s dual focus on TMNT and Sonic also highlights a strategic effort to dominate the lucrative holiday season. November and December are prime periods for family-friendly and franchise films, and positioning both releases in this window could maximize box office potential while creating significant media buzz. For audiences, the combination of nostalgia, high-quality production, and the promise of spectacle makes the 2028 holiday season one to watch.
While details remain limited, the announcements reaffirm Paramount’s commitment to leveraging beloved franchises and major intellectual properties to appeal to a wide spectrum of audiences. The upcoming TMNT and Sonic films promise to combine adventure, visual spectacle, and character-driven storytelling, building on decades of legacy while embracing contemporary cinematic technology. As the studio continues to expand these universes, fans worldwide can expect a new era of action-packed, family-friendly entertainment that honors the past while charting a course for the next generation of moviegoers.