Shell Shocked

Meanwhile, Turtlemania has spread to the small screen.

“We’ve had literally dozens of requests,” says New Line Cinema marketing prez Sandra Ruch, for talk-show appearances by the turtles and their creators, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.

“They’re going to do as many as they can within reason,” Ruch says, “but they’re basically quiet and shy people who like to live quiet lives. This is all a little overwhelming.”

Upcoming: Connie Chung has taped a piece with Eastman and Laird for May airing and Arsenio Hall is planning a “TMNT” segment that will likely feature musical acts who contributed to the movie’s sound track, along with some combination of the creators.

SI Stacy Jenel Smith