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 a fascinating 'what-if' scenario that Dacre Montgomery, the actor behind the Red Ranger, recently shed light on. Personally, I think this revelation is more than just a behind-the-scenes tidbit—it’s a window into Hollywood’s relentless ambition and the harsh realities of the box office.
The Grand Vision That Never Was
Montgomery revealed that the 2017 film was intended to kick off a four-picture deal with Lionsgate. In my opinion, this is a classic example of studios betting big on nostalgia. Power Rangers has been a cultural staple since the 1990s, and it’s no surprise that Lionsgate saw dollar signs in a modern reboot. But here’s the thing: what makes this particularly fascinating is how quickly the dream unraveled. Despite a star-studded cast and a $100 million budget, the film only grossed $142 million worldwide. From my perspective, this isn’t just a failure—it’s a cautionary tale about overestimating the power of nostalgia in a crowded market.
One thing that immediately stands out is how the studio aimed to replicate the success of The Hunger Games. That franchise was a cultural phenomenon, but it had a unique blend of dystopian storytelling and social commentary that resonated deeply with audiences. Power Rangers, on the other hand, is a campy, colorful action series with a very specific appeal. What many people don’t realize is that not every property can be scaled into a blockbuster franchise, no matter how much money you throw at it.
The Human Factor: Why the Cast Wasn’t Enough
Let’s talk about the cast for a moment. Montgomery, Naomi Scott, Becky G, RJ Cyler, and Ludi Lin brought fresh energy to the roles, and heavyweights like Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Banks added credibility. But here’s the kicker: even with all that talent, the film couldn’t overcome its own identity crisis. In my opinion, the 2017 Power Rangers tried too hard to be serious, losing the charm that made the original series so beloved.
If you take a step back and think about it, the success of a reboot often hinges on its ability to honor the source material while offering something new. This film felt like it was trying to appease both die-hard fans and general audiences, ultimately satisfying neither. What this really suggests is that Hollywood’s formulaic approach to franchises doesn’t always work, especially when the source material is as niche as Power Rangers.
The Future of Power Rangers: A New Hope?
Montgomery mentioned that the franchise isn’t dead yet—there’s talk of another reboot, possibly under new ownership. Personally, I’m intrigued by the idea of a fresh start, but I’m also skeptical. The property has been rebooted multiple times, and each attempt seems to struggle with the same issues: how to modernize the concept without losing its essence.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the mention of a potential TV series helmed by the Percy Jackson showrunners. Television might actually be the perfect medium for Power Rangers. With longer storytelling arcs and a lower budget, a series could recapture the campy, episodic fun of the original show. This raises a deeper question: why do studios keep trying to force Power Rangers into a cinematic mold when its roots are so firmly planted in television?
The Broader Implications: Hollywood’s Franchise Obsession
The story of the 2017 Power Rangers movie is part of a larger trend in Hollywood: the relentless pursuit of franchises. Studios are so fixated on creating the next Marvel Cinematic Universe that they often overlook the unique qualities of individual properties. In my opinion, this one-size-fits-all approach is stifling creativity and leading to a glut of mediocre reboots and sequels.
What makes this particularly frustrating is that there’s a clear appetite for original storytelling. Look at the success of films like Everything Everywhere All at Once or The Whale—audiences are hungry for fresh, bold ideas. Yet, studios continue to play it safe with established IPs. If you ask me, Hollywood needs to rethink its strategy and stop treating every property like a potential franchise.
Final Thoughts: Lessons from the Mighty Morphin’ Crew
As I reflect on the 2017 Power Rangers movie and its unfulfilled potential, I’m reminded of the fine line between ambition and overreach. The film had all the ingredients for success—a talented cast, a massive budget, and a beloved source material—but it still fell short. What this really suggests is that sometimes, less is more.
Personally, I think the future of Power Rangers lies in embracing its roots rather than trying to compete with the likes of The Hunger Games. Whether it’s through a new TV series or a more modest film reboot, the franchise needs to reconnect with what made it special in the first place: its heart, its humor, and its unapologetic campiness.
So, here’s my takeaway: Hollywood, take note. Not every property needs to be a franchise. Sometimes, it’s okay to just tell a good story. And for Power Rangers, that might just be the morphin’ moment it needs.
