Last week, we brought you the news when producer Michael Bay, who’s company Platinum Dunes is heading up production the new TMNT film, to be directed by Jonathan Liebesman (Wrath of the Titans) let it slip that the new Turtles will be from an alien race.

After much fan groaning, Bay took to his own website to tell fans to “take a breath, and chill“. Shortly thereafter, the fine folks over at BleedingCool got a tip that that they were changing the name of the film from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the marketing friendly and simpler Ninja Turtles.

After that report, Bay unfortunately confirmed that the title would indeed be changed:

“Paramount marketing changed the name. They made the title simple. The characters you all remember are exactly the same, and yes they still act like teenagers. Everything you remember, why you liked the characters, is in the movie. This script is being developed by two very smart writers, with one of the original creators of Ninja Turtles. They care VERY MUCH about making this film for the fans. Everyone on this team cares about the fans. Just give them a chance. Jonathan the director, is a major fan of the whole franchise. HE’S NOT GOING TO LET YOU DOWN.

MICHAEL”

Ninja Turtles is slated to hit theaters on December 25th, 2013.