"Power Rangers Series on Disney+ to Revamp Franchise for New Fans" - News

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 dynamic duo behind Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz, are in discussions to take on the roles of writers, showrunners, and producers for this highly anticipated project, set to be developed in collaboration with 20th Century TV.

Hasbro, the current owner of the Power Rangers franchise, is aiming to revitalize the series for a new generation of fans while ensuring that the existing fanbase remains engaged and excited. This strategic move follows Hasbro's acquisition of the Power Rangers brand, along with other properties, from Saban Properties in a significant $522 million deal back in 2018. At the time of the acquisition, Hasbro's chairman and CEO, Brian Goldner, expressed enthusiasm about the "tremendous upside potential" of the Power Rangers brand across various platforms, including toys, games, consumer products, digital gaming, and entertainment.

Power Rangers was essential viewing for a generation of kids in the '90s. Photo by Fox/Getty Images.

The original '90s TV show, The Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, captured the hearts of a generation with its teenage superheroes and their impressive mechs, capable of merging into an even more formidable giant robot. This nostalgic appeal is something Hasbro hopes to leverage as they plan to expand the franchise's reach globally.

The acquisition came shortly after the 2017 movie reboot, which attempted a darker and grittier take on the Power Rangers but ultimately failed to resonate with audiences, leading to poor box office results and the cancellation of planned sequels. This prompted Saban to sell the rights to Hasbro, who now sees a fresh opportunity to bring the Power Rangers back to the spotlight.

Hasbro is not stopping at Power Rangers. The company is also developing other ambitious projects, such as 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 broader Magic: The Gathering cinematic universe. These initiatives showcase Hasbro's commitment to expanding its entertainment offerings and engaging fans across multiple genres and platforms.