Exciting news for fans of the iconic franchise: Power Rangers is set to make a triumphant return with a new live-action series slated for Disney+. The project is in the capable hands of Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz, the duo behind the successful Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, who are reportedly in talks to write, showrun, and produce the series in collaboration with 20th Century TV. This move signals a fresh chapter for the beloved franchise, as Hasbro, the current owner of Power Rangers, aims to revitalize the series for a new generation while ensuring it remains appealing to long-time fans.
For many, the '90s TV show The Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers was more than just a show; it was a cultural phenomenon that captivated a generation of kids with its teenage superheroes and their impressive mechs, capable of merging into a formidable giant robot. The franchise's enduring appeal led to its acquisition by Hasbro in 2018 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 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 less successful 2017 movie reboot, which attempted a darker, grittier take on the Power Rangers universe. Despite hopes of launching a series of sequels, the film's underwhelming box office performance led to the cancellation of those plans, paving the way for Hasbro to take over the franchise's rights.
Hasbro's ambitions extend beyond Power Rangers. The company is also developing other high-profile projects, including a live-action Dungeons & Dragons series titled The Forgotten Realms at Netflix, an animated Magic: The Gathering series also in development at Netflix, and a cinematic universe based on Magic: The Gathering. These initiatives highlight Hasbro's commitment to expanding its entertainment offerings and leveraging its iconic brands across various media platforms.
