After a lackluster box office performance, despite fairly solid reviews from fans and critics alike, Saban/Lionsgates’ “Power Rangers” reboot film from 2017 marked the beginning and end of what was a planned revival for the franchise. Since then, the rights have been sold to Hasbro, who then purchased the eOne production company. And now, it appears “Power Rangers” is ready to be revived again.
According to THR, eOne has brought on filmmaker Jonathan Entwistle to spearhead not only a new film based on the “Power Rangers” brand but also an entire cinematic universe that will also include TV series. The new franchise is obviously based on the insanely popular ‘90s action TV franchise that featured a diverse group of teens given the power to “morph” into Power Rangers and fight evil monsters.
Entwistle is probably best known for his recent TV work, which includes the series “The End of the F***ing World” and “I’m Not Okay With This,” both of which have been released on Netflix. This isn’t the first time that Entwistle has been associated with “Power Rangers,” as the filmmaker was originally attached to write and direct a new film for the franchise when it was set up at Paramount. Apparently, Hasbro is so keen on his idea, the company is bringing him over to the franchise, even though it’s now produced by eOne.
“This is an unbelievable opportunity to deliver new ‘Power Rangers’ to both new and existing generations of awaiting and adoring fans,” said Entwistle. “We’ll bring the spirit of analog into the future, harnessing the action and storytelling that made this brand a success.”
“Jonathan has an incredible creative vision for this iconic and hugely successful franchise, and is hands down the right architect to join us as we reimagine the television and film worlds of this property,” said eOne’s film president Nick Meyer and global television president Michael Lombardo. “Across our slate, we are looking forward to working with the most talented storytellers as we take on Hasbro’s rich fan-favorite brands and build entertainment universes around them.”
As mentioned, this is now a much bigger opportunity for Entwistle than when he was working on the franchise at Paramount. Now, he’s not only attached to direct a film, but he’ll be the creative mastermind of a new cinematic universe that will include TV series. Hopefully, for Hasbro’s sake, this time the “Power Rangers” revival will work.