As the Power Rangers franchise looks toward its cinematic future, there’s an opportunity to address a long-standing oversight from its history. The previous film adaptation, Power Rangers, released in 2017, struggled at the box office, dampening hopes for subsequent sequels. Although the idea of a Power Rangers cinematic universe following that reboot was enticing, the franchise has since pivoted away from that iteration, focusing instead on television shows and special releases. With the conclusion of Power Rangers Cosmic Fury providing some closure, the time seems ripe for a new beginning.
The franchise’s current hiatus might be the perfect moment for a fresh reboot, whether on the big screen or in a new TV series. This revival could allow for a significant reimagining of Power Rangers, potentially distancing itself from past narratives. It is crucial that any forthcoming reboot learns from the missteps of the 2017 film, aiming to truly capture the essence of the franchise. A compelling approach would be to draw inspiration from the popular BOOM! Studios comics.
The Next Power Rangers Movie Should Be Inspired by the Comics’ Green Ranger Narrative
Lord Drakkon’s Tale Could Create an Exciting Power Rangers Film
The BOOM! Studios Power Rangers comics, while rooted in the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series, have carved out their own narrative territories. One standout series, “Shattered Grid,”reinterprets the original Green Ranger’s journey. This narrative commences directly after the saga of “Green With Evil”but ventures into an alternate universe where Tommy Oliver remains a villain rather than joining the Rangers. This exceptional storyline opens the door to exploring the Power Rangers multiverse, showcasing various iterations of Rangers, including the intriguing World of the Coinless timeline.
| Power Rangers’ Theatrical Movies | Release Date | Budget | Box Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie | June 30, 1995 | $15 million | $66.4 million |
| Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie | March 28, 1997 | $8 million | $9.6 million |
| Power Rangers | March 24, 2017 | $100-105 million | $142.3 million |
The character of Lord Drakkon, an evil incarnation of Tommy Oliver, presents a captivating possibility for the franchise. The “Shattered Grid” arc serves as a robust launch point for a new movie, introducing a broader multiverse that could delve into the extensive history of the Power Rangers. Such an epic narrative—starting with familiar characters and exploring deeper lore—would be perfect for the next Power Rangers film.
The Iconic Green Ranger Was Absent From the Movies
Tommy Was Already Introduced as the White Ranger in 1995
The question of whether to reboot the Mighty Morphin storyline is complex. Although the franchise has expanded beyond the original series, Mighty Morphin holds a treasured place in the hearts of fans. A properly executed reboot centered around this iconic team could reignite interest, especially since crucial aspects—such as Tommy’s Green Ranger transformation—have not yet been thoroughly explored on the big screen.
Notably, Jason David Frank made a brief appearance in Power Rangers (2017), alongside Amy Jo Johnson, but that cameo did not feature their original Ranger forms. While Frank was a key figure in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995), Tommy had already transitioned to the White Ranger by that time. Similarly, by the era of Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie, the characters were already established as the Zeo team. Remarkably, the original Green Ranger—Tommy’s first iconic form—has yet to make an appearance in any theatrical film, even though he is arguably the most recognized figure in the franchise.
“Shattered Grid”Represents the Epic Narrative Needed for a Power Rangers Reboot
Power Rangers’ Next Movie Should Make a Bold Statement Following the 2017 Reboot’s Shortcomings
The 2017 iteration of Power Rangers faltered in delivering the thrilling action and adventure anticipated by long-time fans. In contrast, the comics have significantly broadened the Power Rangers universe while maintaining the charm of the original series. An adaptation like “Shattered Grid,” featuring elements of time travel and multiversal exploration, could propel a new resurgence of the franchise with heightened action and poignant nods to its roots if executed correctly.
While a reboot doesn’t need to strictly adhere to comic narratives, the stories found within them highlight the franchise’s rich lore and potential for more mature themes. This offers ample opportunities for thrilling sci-fi elements and superhero action. Whether or not the character of Lord Drakkon or the complexities of the Power Rangers multiverse make it to theaters, the ways to effectively revitalize the franchise for a reboot are plentiful.
Leave a Reply