The Power Rangers franchise has captivated audiences for over three decades, evolving from a low-budget action series into a sprawling multimedia empire. With Disney now planning a fresh reboot for Disney+, there’s no better time to explore the rich history of this long-running franchise.
1. The Birth of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
When Mighty Morphin Power Rangers debuted in 1993, it was unlike anything Western audiences had seen before. Using footage from the Japanese Super Sentai series and splicing it with original American scenes, the show became an instant sensation.
Its mix of martial arts, giant robots, dinosaurs, and teen drama struck a perfect chord with young viewers, propelling it to massive success. The show dominated the toy industry throughout the early to mid ’90s, became a Saturday morning staple, and remains one of the most recognizable superhero franchises to this day.
2. Expanding the Power Rangers Universe
While the original series lasted three seasons, the Power Rangers brand didn’t stop there. Each subsequent iteration introduced a fresh team, setting, and theme while still retaining the core formula. Zeo brought new powers and enemies, Turbo introduced vehicles, and Power Rangers in Space wrapped up years of ongoing storylines.
From ninja warriors to time travelers, samurai to space police, the series constantly reinvented itself while keeping longtime fans engaged. Even after dozens of reboots, Power Rangers continued to honor its roots by bringing back veteran Rangers in crossover episodes and anniversary specials.
3. The First Big-Screen Adventure
In 1995, the franchise leaped to theaters with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie. Ditching the TV show’s spandex for sleek armored suits, the Rangers faced off against Ivan Ooze (Paul Freeman), a villain who never appeared in the series.
Despite mixed reviews, the film performed well at the box office and expanded the franchise’s popularity. Two years later, Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie attempted to repeat the success but failed to resonate with audiences. However, it did serve as a transition to the Turbo TV series, keeping the franchise alive.
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4. The 2017 Reboot That Never Took Off
Hoping to modernize Power Rangers for a new generation, Lionsgate released a big-budget reboot in 2017. This darker, more character-driven take on the original Mighty Morphin team starred Naomi Scott as Kimberly and Bryan Cranston as Zordon.
While fans appreciated the fresh approach and strong performances, the film underperformed financially, leading to the cancelation of planned sequels. Although it didn’t launch a new movie franchise, the 2017 film remains a bold and ambitious reimagining of the beloved series.
5. Power Rangers in the Comic Book World
Beyond television and film, Power Rangers has flourished in comics, particularly under BOOM! Studios. Since 2016, the publisher has expanded the mythology with new storylines, deeper character development, and crossover events.
One of the most notable additions was Lord Drakkon, an evil alternate version of Tommy Oliver (who was played by the late Jason David Frank AKA the Green Ranger and the White Ranger on screen). Even original Pink Ranger/Kimberly Hart actress Amy Jo Johnson contributed to the comics, co-writing “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return” in 2024, demonstrating the franchise’s continued ability to evolve in new mediums.
6. The Rangers Enter the Gaming Arena
From early side-scrolling arcade games to modern console releases, Power Rangers has had a steady presence in the gaming world. Recent titles like “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind” have embraced the franchise’s nostalgic roots, offering side-scrolling beat ‘em up action reminiscent of classic arcade games.
Much like “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge,” this latest game pays tribute to the Rangers’ earliest days while appealing to modern gamers.
7. A Nostalgic Return with Once & Always
In 2023, Netflix released Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always, a feature-length special celebrating the franchise’s history. The film reunited original cast members, including David Yost (Billy Cranston, the Blue Ranger) and Catherine Sutherland (Katherine Hillard, the second Pink Ranger), and paid tribute to past Rangers, including the late Jason David Frank and Thuy Trang, who played original Yellow Ranger, Trini Kwan.
It also struck an emotional chord with longtime fans while teasing the possibility of more legacy-driven Rangers stories in the future.
8. The Future of the Franchise Under Disney
Now that Disney is once again in control of the franchise, speculation is already running wild. While official details remain scarce, the new Disney+ series is expected to completely reboot the lore, reinventing classic characters and concepts.
Whether it sticks to familiar territory or takes the Rangers in a bold new direction, one thing is certain: Power Rangers is still going strong, and its next transformation could be its most exciting yet.
What are your thoughts on a Disney+ Power Rangers series? Let us know what you think in the comments down below!
