The Power Rangers Franchise That Could Have Been: A Reflection on Hollywood's Ambition and Reality
What if I told you that the 2017 Power Rangers movie was supposed to be the first chapter in a sprawling, Hunger Games-style franchise? It’s one of those Hollywood what-ifs that makes you pause and wonder about the paths not taken. Dacre Montgomery, the actor who played the Red Ranger, recently revealed that the film was originally part of a four-picture deal with Lionsgate. Personally, I think this is a fascinating glimpse into the industry’s ambition—and its occasional disconnect from audience expectations.
The Ambition Behind the Megafranchise Dream
One thing that immediately stands out is how studios often chase the next big franchise without fully understanding what makes a property resonate. Lionsgate clearly saw Power Rangers as a golden ticket, aiming to replicate the success of The Hunger Games. But here’s the thing: Power Rangers has always been a niche property, rooted in nostalgia and a very specific brand of campy, colorful action. What many people don’t realize is that translating that into a billion-dollar franchise requires more than just a big budget and a recognizable name.
From my perspective, the 2017 film’s failure to meet box office expectations wasn’t just about the numbers. It was about a mismatch between the studio’s vision and the audience’s connection to the material. The movie tried to be gritty, serious, and modern—a far cry from the lighthearted, over-the-top tone that fans adored in the original TV series. If you take a step back and think about it, this raises a deeper question: Can every beloved property be transformed into a blockbuster franchise? Or are some things better left as they are?
The Financial Reality of Hollywood Dreams
Let’s talk numbers for a second. The 2017 film brought in $142 million worldwide against a $100 million budget. In Hollywood terms, that’s not just a flop—it’s a cautionary tale. What this really suggests is that studios often overestimate the global appeal of certain properties. Power Rangers might have a dedicated fanbase, but it’s not a household name on the scale of Marvel or Star Wars.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Montgomery framed the situation: “What can you do, right?” There’s a resignation there, a recognition that in Hollywood, even the best-laid plans can crumble under the weight of financial expectations. It’s a reminder that filmmaking is as much about business as it is about art—and sometimes, the business side wins out.
The Future of Power Rangers: Reboot or Bust?
Here’s where things get intriguing. Despite the 2017 film’s underperformance, Montgomery hinted that the franchise isn’t dead yet. There’s talk of another reboot, possibly separate from the upcoming Disney TV series. Personally, I think this is both exciting and risky. On one hand, Power Rangers has a rich mythology and a dedicated fanbase that deserves more stories. On the other hand, how many times can you reboot a property before it loses its identity?
What makes this particularly fascinating is the cultural staying power of Power Rangers. It’s not just a show—it’s a phenomenon that spans generations. For many, it’s a nostalgic touchstone, a reminder of Saturday mornings spent glued to the TV. But nostalgia alone isn’t enough to sustain a franchise. The next iteration will need to strike a balance between honoring the past and offering something fresh.
The Broader Implications for Hollywood
If you ask me, the Power Rangers saga is a microcosm of Hollywood’s larger struggle with franchises. Studios are constantly searching for the next big thing, often at the expense of originality and creativity. The push to turn every property into a multifilm saga can feel forced, especially when the audience isn’t on board.
One thing I’ve noticed is that the most successful franchises—think Marvel or The Lord of the Rings—aren’t just about money. They’re about world-building, character development, and a genuine connection to the audience. Power Rangers could have had that, but it got lost in the shuffle of studio expectations and financial pressures.
Final Thoughts: What Could Have Been—And What Still Could Be
As I reflect on the 2017 Power Rangers movie and its unfulfilled franchise dreams, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and curiosity. What if it had succeeded? Would we be talking about a Power Rangers cinematic universe right now? Or was it doomed from the start by its own ambition?
In my opinion, the real lesson here is that not every property needs to be a franchise. Sometimes, it’s okay to let things stand on their own. But for Power Rangers, the story isn’t over yet. Whether it’s a reboot, a TV series, or something else entirely, I’m hopeful that the next chapter will capture the magic that made the original so beloved. After all, as Montgomery said, Power Rangers means a great deal to a lot of people. And in the end, isn’t that what matters most?
