Although reviews for the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot were not particularly kind, it went on to become one of the highest grossing movies of the year, earning $477 worldwide. Paramount was quick to announce a sequel immediately following the film’s huge opening weekend and they seem to be making it a priority. This week they have announced that Jonathan Liebesman will not be returning to the director’s chair and instead will be replaced by a slightly less experienced, but somewhat promising up and coming filmmaker. What’s more, it looks like some familiar characters from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series will probably be making an appearance in the next film as well. Hit the jump for more details.

According to Variety, Earth to Echo director David Green is currently in talks to direct Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 for Paramount Pictures. One of the reasons that Jonathan Liebesman is not returning is because he is busy directing a 10-part mini-series based on Terry Brooks’ Shannara fantasy books, but Paramount also wanted to take a “new approach” whatever that means. Josh Applebaum and Andre Nemec (Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol) are returning to pen the script.

Michael Bay remains on board as producer along with his Platinum Dunes partners Brad Fuller and Andrew Form, and according to Collider, they recently revealed that Bebop and Rocksteady will be in the film along with Casey Jones, if they can fit him in. While that might get some fans excited, I’m not sure that it will be enough to change the perception of this new take on the Turtles. On the other hand, perhaps David Green’s experience crafting an Amblin-esque sci-fi film on a miniscule $13 million budget will be a good thing. Are you looking forward to the next TMNT film?