Power rangers reboot: a $142 million misstep – and a potential second shot?
Dacre Montgomery, the face of the 2017 Power Rangers, isn’t letting the film’s spectacular failure fade into obscurity. The actor, currently starring in the unsettling Faces of Death reboot, revealed the project was initially envisioned as a four-picture franchise – a bold, ambitious gamble that ultimately fizzled.
A franchise dream derailed
Montgomery’s recollection, shared in an interview with MovieWeb, paints a picture of a studio eager to scale the Power Rangers concept into a blockbuster event, akin to the Hunger Games. The ambition, however, clashed with the film’s underwhelming performance at the box office. A $142 million worldwide gross on a hefty $100 million budget represents a significant loss for Lionsgate – a red flag that effectively extinguished any further plans for the series.
Lionsgate's hesitation
“It didn’t make enough on the investment that the studio had made to continue making more,” Montgomery stated bluntly. The studio's hesitation wasn’t surprising; the financial realities of Hollywood are brutal. But the story doesn’t quite end there.
A second chance?
Interestingly, whispers suggest a reboot is already in the works. Sources indicate that Saban Entertainment, the original owner of the Power Rangers IP, may have recently sold the rights. This potentially injects new life into the dormant property, fueled by a renewed sense of optimism. Montgomery, a dedicated fan of the franchise himself, expresses excitement about the future. “Power Rangers means a great deal to a lot of people,” he insisted. “I know that whoever steps into those shoes will be great.”
A cast of rangers
Alongside Montgomery, Naomi Scott, Becky G, RJ Cyler, and Ludi Lin brought their own brand of action to the 2017 film. Bill Hader, Elizabeth Banks, and Bryan Cranston rounded out a surprisingly strong supporting cast. Despite the financial outcome, the film remains available for rent or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the core concept – a sentiment Montgomery clearly shares.
Beyond the reboot
While the immediate future points to a reboot, don’t expect it to be a straight continuation. Disney’s upcoming adaptation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, spearheaded by the showrunners behind the acclaimed series, is moving forward independently. Details remain scarce, but the potential for a multi-faceted Power Rangers revival remains tantalizing. The original 2017 film earned a respectable $142 million, a stark reminder of how quickly box office fortunes can change.