Yes 90’s kids, they’re bringing back the Power Rangers to the big screen in an attempt to reboot the popular brand in theatrical form. Who’s bringing it back? Well, today Lionsgate and Saban Brands announced their partnership to move forward with a new live-action film and bring to the world something adults everywhere haven’t asked for, but maybe some kids?
In case you couldn’t tell, I’m personally a bit torn on this. I’m a huge fan of the Power Rangers and own a large box set of the entire Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers series but the idea that they are trying to revitalize this in theaters is a bit shocking. I know the TV series has evolved and is still running but do they plan on building off the existing TV show or is this going to be a complete reboot with a different style of ranger? The press release states that the new film will focus on “a group of high school kids who are infused with unique and cool super powers but must harness and use those powers as a team if they have any hope of saving the world,” so it really could be either, a re-introduction of the current incarnation or a whole new beast.
Here’s my dilemma. Firstly, nothing beats the 90’s series. That’s not just nostalgia talking, the series was a lot of fun and so were the first two films. Secondly, are the Power Rangers still popular? I feel like they’ve followed the Pokémon route, still popular, still has a child and a passive adult following, but it’s nowhere near the level it once was. Lastly, I’ve seen what happens when really popular brands get the film treatment and, for the most part, it hasn’t been kind. Just look at G.I. Joe, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles trailer, and even Transformers (which I find fun but it’s mostly robots). The coolest part of the new Power Rangers film will be when Megazord fights the giant monsters and that’ll be it, and that usually doesn’t happen until the end. Will it keep the corny nature of the show or will it go dark? Only time will tell but this is one reboot I’m not thrilled about regardless of my love of the Power Rangers.
Check out the full press release below and let us know if you’re ready for a new Power Rangers movie.
SANTA MONICA, CA, May 7, 2014 – Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), a leading global entertainment company, and Saban Brands, a strategic brand management company that acquires and builds global consumer brands, are partnering to develop and produce an original live action feature film based on the iconic Power Rangers property, it was announced today by creator of Power Rangers Haim Saban and Lionsgate Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer. The announcement marks another step in Lionsgate’s continued commitment to build a broad portfolio of branded properties and franchises with global appeal.
Saban launched Mighty Morphin Power Rangers as a live action television series more than 20 years ago, and the series has been in continuous production ever since. It has subsequently grown into one of the world’s most popular and recognizable brands, with toys, apparel, costumes, video games, DVD’s, comic books and other merchandise.
The two companies noted that, with an extensive and extremely devoted worldwide fan base as well as a deep and detailed mythology, the Power Rangers are primed for the big screen. The new film franchise will re-envision the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, a group of high school kids who are infused with unique and cool super powers but must harness and use those powers as a team if they have any hope of saving the world.
“Lionsgate is the perfect home for elevating our Power Rangers brand to the next level,” said Saban. “They have the vision, marketing prowess and incredible track record in launching breakthrough hits from The Hunger Games to Twilight and Divergent. In partnership with the Lionsgate team, we’re confident that we will capture the world of the Power Rangers and translate it into a unique and memorable motion picture phenomenon with a legacy all its own.”
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Haim Saban and his team to maximize the potential of this immensely successful and universally recognized franchise,” said Feltheimer. “The Power Rangers stories and characters have been embraced by generations of audiences for more than 20 years, and today they are more powerful than ever. We have the ideal partner and the perfect brand with which to create a motion picture event that will resonate with moviegoers around the world for years to come.”
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