Exciting news for fans of the iconic franchise: Power Rangers is reportedly gearing up for a thrilling live-action series on Disney+. According to The Wrap, the talented duo behind the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz, are in discussions to helm this new venture as writers, showrunners, and producers in collaboration with Disney+ and 20th Century TV.
Hasbro, the current owner of the Power Rangers brand, aims to revitalize the series for a fresh audience while maintaining the loyalty of long-time fans. This strategic move reflects Hasbro's vision to expand and reimagine the franchise, ensuring it resonates with both new and existing enthusiasts.
Power Rangers, a staple of '90s television, captivated a generation with its portrayal of teenage superheroes and their impressive mechs. The Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers became essential viewing, inspiring countless children with its tales of heroism and teamwork.
In 2018, Hasbro acquired the Power Rangers franchise from its original owner, Saban Properties, in a landmark 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, 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."
This acquisition followed the 2017 movie reboot, which attempted to give Power Rangers a darker, more mature tone. Despite plans for a series of sequels, the film's disappointing box office results led to the cancellation of those plans, prompting Saban to sell the rights to Hasbro shortly thereafter.
Hasbro's ambitious plans extend 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, and a cinematic universe based on Magic: The Gathering, showcasing their commitment to expanding their beloved brands across various media platforms.