Disney+ has officially pulled the plug on its highly anticipated live-action Power Rangers series, a project that had been quietly brewing for over a year. The news, first reported by Deadline, confirms that the streamer has decided not to move forward with the adaptation, which was being spearheaded by Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz, the creative minds behind Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
The series, which was set to be produced by 20th Television, had been in development for roughly 18 months. While the creative direction was reportedly solid, the project ultimately fell victim to financial realities. A high-end, live-action superhero series like Power Rangers demands a substantial budget, and since Disney and 20th Television do not own the underlying intellectual property—that remains firmly with Hasbro—the economics simply didn't add up for the streamer.
This cancellation is a significant blow to Hasbro's efforts to revive the franchise on television. Netflix had previously explored its own Power Rangers project several years ago, but those plans also fizzled out. For now, the future of the Mighty Morphin team on the small screen remains uncertain.
Interestingly, Disney+ has recently shown a willingness to develop projects based on outside properties, such as Ella Enchanted and Casper. However, the combination of a massive budget and a lack of ownership made Power Rangers a less attractive gamble.
For Steinberg and Shotz, this setback won't slow them down. The duo is currently wrapping up work on Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 3, which is slated to premiere on Disney+ on November 20. They also have several other projects in development through their overall deal with 20th Television.
Fans of the franchise may have to wait a while longer for a proper live-action comeback. In the meantime, they can revisit the classic series or check out other action-packed offerings on streaming platforms. For those who enjoy high-octane adventures, our list of jaw-dropping action movies might fill the void.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, it's clear that even beloved properties can struggle to find a home when the numbers don't align. Stay tuned for more updates on this story and other developments in the world of entertainment.
