Exciting news for fans of the iconic franchise: Power Rangers is reportedly gearing up for a new live-action series on Disney+. According to The Wrap, the showrunners behind the upcoming Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz, are in discussions to helm the project. They are set to write, showrun, and produce the series for Disney+ in collaboration with 20th Century TV.
Hasbro, the current owner of Power Rangers, aims to revitalize the beloved franchise for a new generation while keeping its existing fanbase engaged. This strategic move is designed to breathe new life into the series, which has a rich history dating back to the '90s.
The Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers TV show became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s, captivating young audiences with its teenage superheroes and their impressive mechs that could combine into an even larger mech. This nostalgic appeal continues to draw fans to the franchise.
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 optimism 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 disappointing performance of the 2017 Power Rangers movie reboot, which attempted a darker, more mature take on the franchise. Despite plans for multiple sequels, the film's poor box office results led to the cancellation of the follow-ups, prompting Saban to sell the rights to Hasbro shortly thereafter.
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 at Netflix, and a cinematic universe for Magic: The Gathering. These initiatives highlight Hasbro's commitment to expanding its entertainment offerings across various platforms.