Following a weekend filled with speculation, TV Line has confirmed that Hasbro's planned Power Rangers cinematic universe, which was expected to encompass both an original television series and new films, will no longer proceed with Netflix. This project had been in development for the past two years.
The initial scoop came from X user @Jinsakuu, who broke the story before it was officially confirmed by the trade. In their revealing tweet, the online insider explained, "Due to the lack of staff and the numerous departments and responsibilities Hasbro has had to take on, they are licensing Power Rangers Toys and Media to other companies. As we've seen with Playmates, who now own full control of the toys, Hasbro is doing the same with the show rights. They are trying to be as hands-off as possible while still owning the franchise's revenues. So, good news maybe?"
Primetime Emmy-nominee Jenny Klein, known for her work on Daisy Jones & The Six, Cloak & Dagger, Jessica Jones, and Supernatural, had been chosen as the showrunner for the TV series. Jonathan Entwistle, who gained acclaim for The End of the F***ing World, I Am Not Okay with This, and Hello Tomorrow!, was serving as the franchise overseer.
Although this particular iteration of the Power Rangers may be shelved, Hasbro remains optimistic about the franchise's potential. TV Line notes that the company is actively seeking a new creative direction for the series and is hoping to find a new partner to help develop the project.
The most recent series, Power Rangers Cosmic Fury, concluded in 2023. This series was intended to be the final installment in the franchise continuity that began with the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in 1993. A new series was expected to reboot the franchise in 2025, but these plans are now uncertain. It may be several years before fans see the colorful heroes back in action.
While a new season may be delayed, Netflix released the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always 30th Anniversary Special last year. The special was well-received by both critics and audiences, indicating that there is still interest in the franchise. Therefore, another movie project could be greenlit before Hasbro finalizes its revamped creative vision.
The 30th Anniversary Special featured a nostalgic return of several original cast members, including David Yost (Billy Cranston/Blue Ranger), Walter Jones (Zack Taylor/Black Ranger I), Steve Cardenas (Rocky DeSantos/Red Ranger II), Catherine Sutherland (Kat Hillard/Pink Ranger II), Johnny Yong Bosch (Adam Park/Black Ranger II), Karan Ashley (Aisha Campbell/Yellow Ranger II), Charlie Kersh (Minh Kwan), Richard Steven Horvitz (Alpha 5), and Barbara Goodson (Robo-Rita).
In conclusion, while the future of the Power Rangers cinematic universe at Netflix is uncertain, Hasbro's commitment to the franchise remains. They are exploring new creative avenues and partnerships to continue bringing the beloved Power Rangers to fans worldwide. The legacy of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers endures, with potential for new projects on the horizon that could once again ignite the excitement of fans both old and new.