Original Live-Action April O’Neil Actress Judith Hoag Nearly Reprised Her Role in ‘The Last Ronin’

Fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles got a bittersweet update recently when Judith Hoag opened up about a potential comeback. The actress, who first played reporter April O’Neil in the 1990 live-action film, shared the news during a convention panel alongside Ernie Reyes Jr., the stunt performer for Donatello in those early movies. Hoag revealed that producers had approached her to return as April in the planned adaptation of the acclaimed comic miniseries The Last Ronin. She sounded genuinely excited about the idea and described it as a perfect full-circle moment for her career.

Hoag spoke warmly about the opportunity, saying she had been contacted and would happily take the part if it moved forward. She called the comic story wonderful and full of depth, highlighting its emotional weight in a darker Turtle universe. At the same panel, she gently suggested that the executives who ultimately shelved the project should visit a comic convention to experience the passion fans still have for these characters. Her comments underlined how much the role still means to her after all these years.

The planned film was set to be a gritty, R-rated live-action take on The Last Ronin, directed by Ilya Naishuller, the filmmaker behind ‘Nobody’. Announced in 2024, it promised a dystopian future New York ruled by the grandson of Shredder, with Michelangelo as the lone surviving Turtle. In the story, he teams up with an older April O’Neil and her teenage daughter to lead a resistance against the Foot Clan. Many hoped the movie might even connect to the original 1990s films, giving Hoag’s return extra nostalgic appeal.

Unfortunately, the entire project fell apart in 2025 after the merger between Paramount and Skydance shifted studio priorities. What could have been a powerful bookend for Hoag instead became another what-if in Turtle history. Fans who loved the comic’s mature tone felt especially disappointed, as the adaptation seemed poised to bring that intensity to the screen. Hoag’s willingness to return showed how much respect she has for the source material and its devoted audience.

Looking back, Hoag’s journey with the franchise has had its ups and downs. She did not appear in the sequels after the 1990 film, largely because she raised concerns about working conditions during production. Long shooting hours, high levels of on-screen violence for a family movie, and safety issues for the stunt team all bothered her at the time. She felt the film suffered creatively from those choices and spoke up to producers, who then cast Paige Turco for the follow-ups.

Hoag later explained that the Hong Kong stunt performers faced particular risks without strong union protections. Injuries happened, and affected crew members were quickly replaced, creating an uneasy atmosphere on set. When the third movie came around, producers briefly considered bringing her back but decided against it, worried about confusing younger viewers with another cast change. Those experiences left a mark, yet her recent comments show she still cherishes the character and the fans.

The near-miss with The Last Ronin highlights how beloved the original live-action era remains. Bringing Hoag back alongside a darker, more adult story could have bridged generations beautifully. Her enthusiasm reminds everyone that great characters endure through the people who first brought them to life. Even though this particular reunion won’t happen, her openness keeps the conversation alive.

Would you have wanted to see Judith Hoag return as an older April O’Neil in a live-action Last Ronin film, share your thoughts in the comments.