Mae Whitman: 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Premieres TODAY!

Mae Whitman hangs out with her four favorite reptiles — the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — in this new shot from Nickelodeon.

The 24-year-old actress voices April O’Neil in the new series, which premieres TODAY on the network.

“Yes, I actually had to audition, but I’ve been friends with Nickelodeon, and I love working with them on everything – they’re just the coolest people ever,” Mae told IGN of the new role.

She added, “From my perspective, with April being younger, I really like the idea of girls being able to relate to her and look up to her as a role model, because she is very smart and independent. I hope that girls see that and want to watch the show. That’s one side of it that I think is really cool. Also, the show is so funny — that’s one thing I’ll tell you. I think what’s incredible about this version is that it is really, truly funny. Every time I read a new script, I just find myself laughing out loud, a lot.”

In the premiere episode, “Rise of the Turtles,” Master Splinter allows his teenage sons, the Mutant Ninja Turtles, to visit the surface for the first time, however they are given strict instructions to remain unseen. But when they spy a group of thugs attempting to kidnap a teenage girl (April O’Neil) and her father, the Turtles must leap into action.

“Rise of the Turtles” premieres TODAY @ 11AM ET/PT on Nickelodeon. Bigger pic inside…