Splinter's movie origin more closely followed the original Mirage Comics. Splinter was the pet rat of Hamato Yoshi in Japan who followed the teachings of his owner from his cage. Additionally the biggest change in the 1990 film, is that Splinter escapes from his cage during Hamato Yoshi's murder, and attacked Oroku Saki, clawing at his face while Saki sliced his right ear off in rage. It is suggested this is the reason Saki took the Shredder disguise, to hide his mutilation. After his master's death, Splinter found himself in the sewers of New York where he found four baby turtles.