Full Breakdown
The Unfulfilled Ambitions of the Power Rangers Reboot
4/13/2026, 11:50:19 AM
Overview of the Power Rangers Film Franchise
The 2017 film "Power Rangers," a reboot of the beloved 1990s television series, was intended to launch a multi-film franchise for Lionsgate, similar to its successful "Hunger Games" series. The film featured a cast that included Dacre Montgomery as Jason/Red Ranger, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Becky G, and Ludi Lin, alongside established actors like Bill Hader, Bryan Cranston, and Elizabeth Banks. Despite a promising start, the film ultimately underperformed at the box office, grossing approximately $142 million worldwide against a budget exceeding $100 million.
Financial Performance and Studio Expectations
Upon its release, "Power Rangers" opened with over $40 million domestically, but the momentum quickly waned, leading to a total domestic gross of $85 million and $57 million internationally. The film's mixed reviews contributed to an estimated loss of $74 million for Lionsgate. Dacre Montgomery revealed that the studio had ambitious plans, including a four-picture deal for the cast, which was indicative of their expectations for the franchise's growth.
The Ambitious Plans for Sequels
Montgomery expressed that Lionsgate had envisioned a cinematic universe with expansive storytelling possibilities, including sequels that would introduce iconic characters like Tommy Oliver and Lord Zedd. However, the financial reality of the film's performance led to the cancellation of these plans. Montgomery reflected on the experience, stating, "It was my first job. It was literally the most formative period of my life... It had a lot of ambitions... but it didn’t recoup or make enough on the investment that the studio had made to continue making more."
Future of the Power Rangers Franchise
Despite the disappointment surrounding the 2017 film, the Power Rangers franchise continues to evolve. Montgomery noted that there are ongoing developments, including a new reboot for Disney+. Previously, a series was in the works at Netflix, led by Jonathan Entwistle and Jenny Klein, but it was ultimately scrapped in 2024. Montgomery remains optimistic about the franchise's future, stating, "Power Rangers means a great deal to a lot of people. Whoever steps into those shoes, I know that they’ll be great."
Criticism of the 2017 Film's Approach
Critics have pointed out that the 2017 film's attempt to present a grounded superhero origin story did not resonate with audiences as intended. The film's tone diverged from the colorful and over-the-top charm that characterized the original series, leading to a perception that it was too similar to other franchise formulas. This misalignment may have contributed to its inability to capture the hearts of both new viewers and longtime fans.
Conclusion
The 2017 "Power Rangers" reboot was marked by high expectations and ambitious plans that ultimately fell short due to financial underperformance. As the franchise looks toward new adaptations, the legacy of the original series and the potential for future storytelling remain significant points of interest for fans and creators alike.
