As reported back in March, a Michael Bay-produced reboot film of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has been underway. The film is to feature new Ninja Turtle origins — one in which the Heroes in a Halfshell are not actually mutants, but aliens.

“When you see this movie, kids are going to believe, one day, that these turtles actually do exist when we are done with this movie,” said Bay. “These turtles are from an alien race and they are going to be tough, edgy, funny and completely lovable.”

The initial reaction from fans was overwhelmingly negative, and while it is unknown whether it is due to this outrage, unforeseen budget problems, or any other reason, the film’s production has been shut down. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Paramount Pictures has shut down the reboot, tentatively pushing the December 2013 release date to May 2014. The studio has laid off pre-production staff for an “indefinite” work stoppage. (via Comic Book Resources)