As rumors circulate about a new Power Rangers film in the works, it’s crucial for the franchise to learn from past mistakes. The 2017 movie’s lackluster performance provides valuable insights that the creators need to consider to steer clear of another setback.
It’s clear that the Hasbro-owned entertainment franchise has been putting in a lot of effort to regain its past popularity and significance. With almost 30 different series, including themes like Mighty Morphin, Dino Thunder, and SPD, Power Rangers has a treasure trove of nostalgia to draw from. However, despite this rich history, the show’s cultural impact hasn’t been sufficient lately to attract the attention of major players like Marvel or Disney.
Is Power Rangers Rebooting?
Potential Paramount-Led Project In The Works
According to a report from industry insider DanielRPK, which hasn’t been confirmed yet, the Power Rangers franchise is poised for a complete reboot. Paramount is expected to back this initiative with a budget of over $100 million. It’s still unclear if this reboot will manifest as a film or a series, but it may face tough challenges in breaking even, given the franchise’s history. However, the intention is clear: to reclaim its older fanbase while also drawing in a new generation of younger fans to keep the franchise thriving.
No matter what the budget, format, or storyline of this rumored project may be, there’s one crucial aspect the creators need to nail down—the tone and vibe. Power Rangers was never meant to be a serious endeavor or a blockbuster franchise. It was a fun, campy classic from the ’90s, filled with heart and quirky action that resonated with its time. The new project should steer clear of a serious approach and instead reconnect with the essence of the original TV shows to grasp what truly captivated the audience.
What Happened To The 2017 Power Rangers?
Past Mistakes Might Haunt New Reboot
Not too long ago, Haim Saban, the creator of the franchise, made an effort to breathe new life into Power Rangers. The 2017 movie, helmed by Dean Israelite and produced by Lionsgate, seemed to have everything needed for success. With a star-studded cast that included Naomi Scott, Bill Hader, Bryan Cranston, and Elizabeth Banks, it even drew inspiration from the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers pilot episode. However, despite a hefty budget of $100 million, the film only managed to earn $142.5 million globally, falling short of what was anticipated.
It was meant to be the starting point for a film series similar to Star Wars, with a number of sequels planned. However, the film’s poor performance resulted in the cancellation of those ideas, leading Saban to sell the franchise rights to Hasbro. The new Power Rangers reboot is expected to have a comparable high budget, as its producers are going all out for a fresh start. They must, however, be cautious to avoid previous pitfalls and develop their own distinct voice to prevent the franchise from declining further.
Power Rangers Should Take Notes From Cobra Kai
How The Netflix Show Revived Karate Kid
The future of Power Rangers isn’t entirely grim. The franchise just needs to find inspiration in the right areas. In the past, it may have overreached in trying to build a cinematic universe similar to the MCU. A more fitting example to draw from is Cobra Kai, which successfully revitalized the Karate Kid series.
The Netflix series that combines martial arts with comedy and drama has done a fantastic job of leveraging its unique strengths. By fusing exciting action scenes with a playful, campy humor that resonates with fans, it taps into the nostalgia of Karate Kid. Any upcoming Power Rangers project could easily adopt this Cobra Kai approach, focusing on fun rather than overly dramatic stakes to attract viewers. It’s important to keep in mind that the original series was designed for kids, featuring plenty of cheesy lines and exaggerated, silly action.
The Problem With The Power Rangers Franchise
Less Drama, More Campy Action
The issue with the earlier film was its attempt to start as a teen drama, concentrating on the characters’ journey to discovering their powers. However, it eventually lost its tonal consistency by shifting into a conventional Kaiju-style Power Rangers Zords climax. While the film aimed for a grounded, MCU-like feel with its usual one-liners, it would have been better suited to embrace a hyper-stylized approach without holding back. Director Dean Israelite discussed his vision in a 2016 interview with CinemaBlend.
It’s important for writers to strike a balance between character development and keeping characters engaging. They should focus on creating exciting action and fun, much like Sonic the Hedgehog, rather than delving into the intricate relationships found in The Avengers. Furthermore, another origin story for the Power Rangers might not resonate well, as the audience is more invested in their standalone confrontations with villains than in everyday drama or personal issues.