Exciting news for fans of the iconic franchise: Power Rangers is gearing up for a thrilling live-action series, set to debut on Disney+. The Wrap has reported that the dynamic duo behind the successful Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz, are in discussions to take on the roles of writers, showrunners, and producers for this new venture, collaborating with Disney+ and 20th Century TV.
According to The Wrap, Hasbro, the current owner of Power Rangers, aims to revamp the beloved series to captivate a new generation of viewers while maintaining the loyalty of its existing fanbase. This strategic move underscores Hasbro's commitment to expanding the franchise's reach and appeal.
The original '90s TV show, The Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its teenage superheroes and their impressive mechs, which could combine to form an even larger mech. This nostalgia-fueled series has a special place in the hearts of many who grew up in that era.
In 2018, Hasbro acquired the Power Rangers franchise along with other brands from Saban Properties in a deal valued at $522 million. At the time of the acquisition, Hasbro's chairman and CEO, Brian Goldner, expressed enthusiasm about the franchise's potential, stating, "We see significant opportunity for Power Rangers across our entire Brand Blueprint, including toys and games, consumer products, digital gaming and entertainment, as well as geographically throughout our global retail footprint."
The acquisition followed the underwhelming performance of the 2017 Power Rangers movie reboot, which attempted a darker, grittier take on the series but failed to resonate with audiences, leading to the cancellation of planned sequels and the subsequent sale of the franchise to Hasbro.
Hasbro's portfolio of ambitious projects extends beyond Power Rangers. The company is also developing a live-action Dungeons & Dragons series titled The Forgotten Realms at Netflix, an animated Magic: The Gathering series, also at Netflix, and a cinematic universe based on Magic: The Gathering. These initiatives highlight Hasbro's broader strategy to leverage its iconic brands across various media platforms.
