Exciting news for fans of the iconic franchise: Power Rangers is gearing up for a live-action series on Disney+. According to The Wrap, Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz, the masterminds behind the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, are in discussions to helm this project as writers, showrunners, and producers. The collaboration between Disney+ and 20th Century TV aims to bring a fresh take on the beloved series.
Hasbro, the current owner of Power Rangers, is looking to reimagine the franchise for a new generation while ensuring that the existing fanbase remains engaged. The company's vision includes revitalizing the series to capture the hearts of both new and long-time enthusiasts.
The Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, which first aired in the '90s, became a cultural phenomenon, captivating a generation of children with its teenage superheroes and their impressive mechs. These mechs could combine to form an even larger mech, adding to the excitement and appeal of the show.
In 2018, Hasbro acquired the Power Rangers franchise from Saban Properties in a significant deal valued at $522 million. At the time of the acquisition, Hasbro's chairman and CEO, Brian Goldner, expressed enthusiasm about the brand's potential. "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," Goldner stated.
This acquisition followed the disappointing performance of the 2017 movie reboot, which attempted a darker and grittier take on the franchise. The reboot's failure to resonate with audiences led to the cancellation of planned sequels, prompting Saban to sell the rights to Hasbro.
Hasbro's ambitions extend beyond Power Rangers, with other notable projects in development. These include a live-action Dungeons & Dragons series titled The Forgotten Realms, currently in the works at Netflix, alongside an animated Magic: The Gathering series and plans for a Magic: The Gathering cinematic universe, both also set for Netflix.