Fathom Entertainment, Saga Arts, and Warner Bros. announced that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze will return to theaters nationwide from March 13 through March 19, 2026, in a newly restored 4K format for its 35th anniversary.
The sequel to the massively successful 1990 live-action film will finally let fans experience Vanilla Ice’s iconic “Ninja Rap” performance on the big screen again, along with the chaotic battles against Tokka and Rahzar.
The announcement comes directly after the original 1990 TMNT film crushed expectations during its own 35th anniversary re-release in August 2025.
What started as a planned two-day theatrical event turned into a four-week run after the movie pulled in nearly $3.7 million domestically, landing at #8 on the domestic box office chart and becoming Fathom’s highest-grossing repertory title of 2025. That overwhelming response from fans made the sequel’s return inevitable.
Vanilla Ice, Mutant villains, and camp glory
Released on March 22, 1991, The Secret of the Ooze took the franchise in a lighter, campier direction compared to the darker tone of the original.
The plot follows Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael as they uncover the origins of the radioactive ooze that mutated them, while battling the Shredder, who’s learned the secret and created two new mutant villains: Tokka, a snapping turtle, and Rahzar, a wolf-like creature.
The climax famously features Vanilla Ice performing “Ninja Rap” at the Dockshore Club while Raphael crashes through mid-battle.
The film originally opened to $20 million and finished its theatrical run with $78.6 million domestically.
While critics gave it mixed reviews, calling it less dark and subtle than its predecessor, the sequel became a nostalgic touchstone for ’90s kids, thanks to Jim Henson’s Creature Shop animatronics, the introduction of fan-favorite characters, and that unforgettable musical number.
The re-release will include exclusive bonus content alongside the main feature.
Cowabunga comeback
Tickets for the March 2026 re-release will go on sale in early 2026 via Fathom Entertainment’s website and participating theater box offices.
Ray Nutt, Fathom Entertainment’s CEO, confirmed the company is thrilled to bring the sequel back after witnessing the passionate turnout for the original film.
Fans can sign up for notifications at fathomentertainment.com to be alerted the moment tickets drop.
The theatrical return of The Secret of the Ooze proves the enduring power of the Heroes in a Half Shell. Between the 4K restoration, the nostalgia factor, and the chance to yell “Go ninja, go ninja, go!” in a packed theater, this anniversary event is shaping up to be a total pizza party.
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