Kat Graham, Ant Ward & Andy Suriano

Ant Ward and Andy Suriano, animators and Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles executive producers, and actress Kat Graham talk to TV Kids‘ Kristin Brzoznowski about what separates this latest iteration of the TMNT franchise from those that have come before.

Ward and Suriano also talk about the series’ unique look and feel and finding the perfect April O’Neil in Kat Graham. Graham, best known for playing Bonnie Bennett on The Vampire Diaries, shares why she was drawn to the project and what is—and isn’t—different about being voice talent.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is Nickelodeon’s reboot of the 35-year-old Ninja Turtles franchise. The 2D animated series brings back the four mutant turtle brothers—Leo, Mikey, Raph and Donnie—who have a new look, new weapons and new powers. As they battle mutants in New York’s Hidden City, they once again find a friend and ally in April O’Neil—and still manage to take their famous pizza breaks. The show, which is currently still airing its debut season, has already been renewed for a season two.