Get ready for the Power Rangers cinematic universe. You heard that right, and it’s going to be happening on Netflix. As reported by Deadline, Hasbro and eOne have teamed up with the streaming service to usher in a new generation of the long-running franchise. We already knew a new movie was in the works, but it seems their plans are far more wide-reaching.
Michael Lombardo serves as Head of Television for eOne and Hasbro. In speaking with Deadline recently about the studio’s plans to turn Hasbro’s brands into various franchises, the Power Rangers news was revealed. Jonathan Entwistle (I Am Not Okay With This) is heading up the universe, in addition to directing the planned movie reboot. Bryan Edward Hill (Titans) is handling the screenplay. But that’s just the beginning, as it turns out.
Lombardo had this to say.
“Since we set up Power Rangers with Jonathan, we pitched really a whole-world approach. It’s not just one show, it is shows followed by films, some kids’ programming. We have found a great writing partner for him, they are off. Knock on wood, Netflix is excited, we’re excited, we hope to have some news soon.”
This is an interesting development. For one, this gives Netflix a new universe to play with as it looks to continue its dominance in the streaming world. There are over 600 episodes of Power Rangers, and it’s a truly enduring brand. Streaming may be the right fit for it though, which is why Netflix seems like a good home. Lionsgate attempted a big-budget movie reboot in 2017. It flopped at the box office and another entry has been slow going ever since.
Netflix had already been slowly committing to the franchise. Recently, it signed on to be the exclusive home of Power Rangers Dino Fury, the most recent interaction of the series. So the idea that they would gamble on a full-blown cinematic universe isn’t that surprising. Thanks to the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this is the biggest trend going on in Hollywood. Though it’s tough to find a brand capable of supporting an entire universe. This could be one of them.
There is no word yet on casting for the movie reboot, or when it will begin filming. With the script currently in the works, it seems like this is still in the relatively early stages. Also, with a larger universe being planned, it could take longer than usual to get things in order.
The Power Rangers reboot does not yet have a release date.
So what do you think? Are you excited about the idea of a Power Rangers cinematic universe? Do you think Netflix is a good fit for it? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!