For fans of the legendary 1990s franchise, the 2017 cinematic reimagining of Power Rangers felt like the beginning of a new era. However, years after its release, the truth behind the lack of sequels for the film has finally come to light, revealing a missed opportunity for a sprawling cinematic universe.
Dacre Montgomery, who portrayed Jason (the Red Ranger), recently confirmed that the original plan for the film was far more ambitious than a standalone release. According to Montgomery, he and his fellow cast members had actually signed four-picture deals with Lionsgate, indicating that the studio intended to build a “tetralogy” of films.
The revelation comes as Montgomery promotes the remake of Faces of Death, reflecting on the formative experience of landing his first major role. The actor noted that the structure of the deal was similar to what the studio had previously implemented for The Hunger Games, suggesting a strategy to lock in talent for a multi-film arc that would have expanded the intellectual property creatively.
Financial Hurdles and the ‘Four-Picture’ Ambition
Despite the high hopes for a franchise expansion, the financial reality of the 2017 film made sequels impossible. Lionsgate’s Power Rangers was produced with a budget of $100 million per IGN. While the film saw a strong domestic opening of over $40 million, the momentum failed to sustain itself.
The movie ultimately earned $85 million in North America and $57 million overseas, bringing the global total to $142 million. Given the production and marketing costs, the film reportedly lost the studio an estimated $74 million, effectively killing any plans for the promised sequels.
Montgomery described the situation as a matter of “big business,” stating: “It was going to be a whole big thing, but what can you do, right? We’re talking about money and big business, and it didn’t recoup or develop enough on the investment that the studio had made to continue making more.”
The 2017 cast featured a mix of rising stars and established talent, including Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Becky G, and Ludi Lin, supported by veterans such as Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Banks, and Bill Hader.
The Shifting Landscape of the Power Rangers IP
While the film sequels never materialized, the Power Rangers brand has continued to seek a foothold in modern media through various reboot attempts. The transition of the intellectual property has been marked by several high-profile developments, and setbacks.
In 2020, a TV series reboot was slated for Netflix, with Jonathan Entwistle (Karate Kid: Legends) and Jenny Klein (Daisy Jones & The Six) serving as showrunners. However, that project was scrapped in development in 2024.
More recently, reports indicate a new direction for the franchise. Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz, the duo behind Percy Jackson and the Olympians, are said to be handling a TV series version intended for the Disney+ service.
Montgomery expressed optimism regarding these new directions, noting that Saban may have sold off the IP. “I hear they’re rebooting it again… I’m excited for the future of that. Power Rangers means a great deal to a lot of people,” he added.
Key Franchise Timeline and Developments
| Year/Period | Project/Event | Status/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Lionsgate Feature Film | Released; failed to recoup investment |
| 2017-2020 | Proposed Tetralogy | Cancelled due to financial losses |
| 2020-2024 | Netflix Series Reboot | Scrapped in development |
| Recent | Disney+ Series | In development via Steinberg and Shotz |
The failure of the 2017 film to launch a cinematic universe serves as a cautionary tale in the era of “franchise fatigue,” where even established 1990s nostalgia cannot always guarantee a return on a $100 million investment. For the cast, however, the experience remained a career highlight. Montgomery emphasized that the project was the most formative period of his life, coming after a decade of attempting to break into the industry.
As the franchise moves toward a potential Disney+ home, the industry will be watching to see if a streaming format can achieve the “creative expansion” that the original four-picture deal promised but never delivered.
We want to hear from you—do you think the 2017 cast should have returned for a sequel, or is a complete reboot the right move? Share your thoughts in the comments below.