The world of Power Rangers has always been a captivating one, and the 2017 reboot, with its ambitious plans, is a fascinating case study in Hollywood's high-stakes game. Personally, I find it intriguing to delve into the behind-the-scenes of such projects and uncover the stories that could have been.
The Power Rangers Reboot: A Missed Opportunity?
The 2017 Power Rangers reboot had all the ingredients for a successful franchise: a talented cast, an iconic IP, and a studio's faith in its potential. Dacre Montgomery, who portrayed the Red Ranger, recently revealed that the initial plan was to create a four-picture deal, with at least three sequels already envisioned. This is a bold move, especially considering the risks associated with rebooting a beloved franchise.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the insight into the studio's strategy. By structuring the deal similarly to the successful Hunger Games franchise, Lionsgate clearly had high hopes for Power Rangers. However, as Montgomery points out, the business side of things didn't pan out as expected. The film's disappointing box office performance put a halt to those ambitious plans.
The Cast's Perspective
For the actors involved, especially those early in their careers, this must have been a rollercoaster ride. Montgomery describes the experience as "formative," highlighting the impact such an opportunity can have on an actor's life. The cast, including Becky G, Naomi Scott, Ludi Lin, and RJ Cyler, were all future stars in the making, and the potential for a long-running franchise must have been exciting.
What Could Have Been
The first film laid the foundation for an expanded universe, introducing new elements like Rita Repulsa's Green Ranger origins and more intricate alien designs. With three sequels planned, the story could have taken many interesting turns. The Green Ranger, Tommy Oliver, was teased as a major addition, and his presence in the second film would have undoubtedly shaped the narrative. One can only imagine the creative directions the franchise could have taken, with the Thunderzords and Lord Zedd potentially making an appearance.
A Franchise's Future
Despite the reboot's setbacks, Power Rangers remains a beloved IP. Montgomery's optimism about the franchise's future is heartening. With talk of another reboot, the question arises: can lightning strike twice? Will the new iteration capture the magic that the 2017 reboot aimed for? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Power Rangers universe has a dedicated fan base eager to see their heroes on the big screen again.
In my opinion, the 2017 reboot's story serves as a reminder of the risks and rewards of Hollywood's franchise game. It's a fascinating glimpse into the industry's hopes, dreams, and sometimes, disappointments. It raises a deeper question: what other potential blockbuster franchises have fallen by the wayside, and what stories remain untold?
