After nearly 30 years of Power Rangers, I’m surprised it took the creators this long to come up with a reboot. Oh sure, there were certain seasons that had their own continuity away from the main universe (hi RPM I love you), and an attempt at a reboot with the 2017 film, but none it ever stuck. The series was always quick to just keep moving on with each season doing its own thing and called it a day. But since Hasbro announced they will no longer be working with Toei to create the series, it’s been unclear what Hasbro’s plan has officially been for Power Rangers moving forward. Well, now we know what those plans are and they’re… not all that special honestly.
While an upcoming reboot film is in development, one that will be helmed by Jonathan Entwistle of End of the F****** World fame, Entwhistle will also be leading a live-action show simultaneously, effectively giving Hasbro a shared universe. In theory, events that happen in the TV show will influence events in the film series and vice versa. Think how Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D was always reacting to events in the mainline MCU and you’ll have the general concept.
“This is an unbelievable opportunity to deliver new Power Rangers to both new and existing generations of awaiting and adoring fans. We’ll bring the spirit of analog into the future, harnessing the action and storytelling that made this brand a success,” said Entwhistle.
While I’m still not a fan of the series no longer using suits and costumes from Toei, the new plans announced by Hasbro don’t really change all that much. The implication is that Power Rangers was never an interconnected franchise… except it has been for decades. Crossovers happen in a majority of seasons, events in certain series directly inform what happens in others, there is a handful of sequel seasons, and characters from all across the franchise constantly reappear in major climactic battles. Power Rangers does have a shared continuity, albeit one that does not cross over with film too often.
I’m concerned that this is going to lead us to a series where no previous Ranger team or cast members are ever mentioned and the legacy of the show won’t be acknowledged. Petty concern most likely, but something that is genuinely concerning is that the creative team at Hasbro will just settle with reusing the Mighty Morphin characters instead of developing new characters will new powers and new villains. I’ve made it no secret that fact that I don’t care for MMPR, but seeing a new batch of heroes and villains every season was one of the main points that drew me into the show growing up. We’ll have to see once a trailer or casting decision is made to see how this will all shake out.
The next season of Power Rangers, Dino Charge, will launch on Nickelodeon in 2021.
Source: Comicbook.com
