Power Rangers, a beloved childhood series that has been a pop-culture staple for decades, is getting a fresh new reboot, and this time, it’s taking a multiverse approach. The upcoming series will breathe new life into a franchise that has spanned generations, all while attracting a new audience and rekindling the nostalgia of fans from the original run.
A Timeless Franchise, Ready for a Modern Twist
Originally based on the Japanese series Bioman, Power Rangers made its American debut in 1993 and quickly became a fan favorite. With its colorful team of superheroes, each with their own powers and personalities, the show captured the hearts of viewers young and old. Over the years, it produced 23 seasons, the latest being Power Rangers Cosmic Fury, which aired on Netflix in 2023.
The series’ success, lasting for multiple decades, is a testament to its longevity. But, like any major franchise, it’s never immune to the call for reinvention. That’s why, after so many years, Disney+ has decided to take the series in a bold new direction, reimagining it for today’s audience. The project will be helmed by the showrunners of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz, under the direction of 20th Century Fox. While this reboot is still in the works, it promises a fresh take on a franchise that many of us grew up with.
A Multiverse Vision That Never Came to Be
Interestingly, there was another reboot idea in the works before Disney’s version. Jonathan Entwistle, known for his work on The End of the F**ing World* and Karate Kid Legends, had originally been tapped to create a new vision for Power Rangers back in 2018. His plan centered around the concept of a multiverse, which was all the rage at the time.
“I had envisioned a completely new universe for the Power Rangers,” he shared in a recent Reddit post. “Tommy Oliver would have been at the center of this world, and the entire mythology would have revolved around him, especially since we all know where his story would eventually go. It was going to be a huge story with time travel and the fight to stop Drakkon from taking over everything.”
While the concept was intriguing—a mystical, magical take on the Power Rangers with elements reminiscent of Arthurian legend—it sadly never came to fruition. Entwistle mentioned how the scriptwriter Jenny Klein had also come up with a brilliant twist, involving the different colors of the Power Rangers being conscious entities in their own right. Despite these exciting ideas, the project was ultimately scrapped.
“I would have loved to see that universe come to life,” Entwistle said, expressing his disappointment over the cancellation. Still, his multiverse vision adds an interesting layer of what could have been, and fans can only wonder what it might have looked like.
A Power Rangers Movie and the Challenge Ahead
In 2017, a Power Rangers movie was released, attempting to reboot the franchise with a more modern feel. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite resonate with audiences and suffered from a disappointing box office performance. The film’s failure has left fans curious about how Disney+ will tackle this iconic series.
The world of Power Rangers has evolved quite a bit since its inception. With the multiverse twist now being introduced, it’s clear that Disney is aiming to breathe new life into the brand while tapping into the current fascination with alternate realities. Whether this reboot will capture the same magic that made the original show a cult classic remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it’s bound to be an exciting ride.
So, if you grew up shouting “Go Go Power Rangers!” or if you’ve just discovered the franchise, this reboot promises to be an engaging blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling. Only time will tell if Disney+ can make this new chapter the beginning of another successful Power Rangers era.