The Power Rangers franchise has a long global history and is continuously defined as one of the most iconic superhero series on TV. There's already been an attempt to take this shared universe and move it to the big screen, but is this actually a wise decision, or should Power Rangers stay where it started?
There are plenty of arguments for and against the move to the cinema, but it's hard to deny how compelling the characters really are. As the series evolves, gains new fans and continues to honor its own legacy, the path forward could really take a turn at any moment into new, riskier areas. The big vs. the small screen is really the major debate for these vigilantes.
Stay On TV: Failed Attempt
The fact is, Power Rangers have already had an opportunity to move to the big screen and squandered it. While the fan reception to the project was mixed, the commercial and critical flop of this movie was definitely evident to see. The team behind the production perhaps didn't quite capture the essence of the original.
Maybe there's no greater argument to staying on TV than sticking to what one knows to avoid other flops like this film. Yet, there are some intriguing creative choices here and some quality work put into the Power Rangers film.
Cinematic Universe: Huge Potential
While there were some major similarities and differences between the original shows and the 2017 film, the cinematic project definitely demonstrated it had potential. Of course, it did throw out previous continuity which might have been a mistake long term.
The casting was pretty brilliant though and the performances overall fit the production well. The visual designs were also unique and perhaps not what fans were expecting, but at least brought some originality to the franchise. There's definitely potential for Power Rangers to have a second go at getting it right in a different format.
Stay On TV: Established Universe
After years of series, a number of different takes, and a growing fan base, Power Rangers has set itself as one of the largest and most well-established fictional universes out there. In fact, there have been countless crossovers throughout the show's timeline and a continued continuity.
It's pretty fun to see different Power Rangers from various eras team up and there's already an established visual language for the universe. Wiping the slate clean would definitely be a mistake, even if it's through the lens that new fans could come aboard by starting over.
Cinematic Universe: Could Keep Continuity
An option for a new cinematic take on the universe is to just continue on the same continuity. While it might make the overall aesthetic a little shinier for a new audience and a bigger platform, it could certainly nod to the universe that currently exists on TV.
This would give fans hope that some of their favorite characters (Tommy of course) may turn up down the line. While a new movie would probably introduce a range of different characters, it might even be fun to see a proper spin-off of the show, featuring heroes from across the various versions of the Power Rangers.
Stay On TV: Ongoing Fanbase
There's already a well established fanbase for the TV series and to move from this platform to the big screen permanently would be incredibly damaging. Both could co-exist at the same time of course but there's always a fear that if successful, one may replace the other.
What's more, if the Power Rangers make the move to cinema long-term then there will be fans who come along for the ride. Younger viewers will be excited for any new aspect of the brand, although older and more experienced fans will perhaps long for a bygone era throughout any changes.
Cinematic Universe: Appetite For It
There really is an appetite for this kind of big-screen franchise right now. The newer film has its fans and they will continue to support any new project. Looking at the cinematic landscape, in general, makes it's clear there's a bit of a gap in the market.
Superhero movies are all the rage now, but team films are far less common. Combine this with the monsters from the show and the fact that the Kaiju genre is pretty popular currently and there's really a recipe for success waiting to be capitalized on.
Stay On TV: Constant Evolution
At the heart of this franchise is the fact that it was originally designed for kids. This always remains throughout the core DNA of the production resulting in sometimes silly or over-the-top episodes. However, something quite mature about the Power Rangers is its continued evolution.
The show actually embraces change, consistently bringing in new characters, new colored rangers, or shifting the world entirely to take on different threats. From Mystic Force to SPD, Dino Charge, or Zeo, there are so many different combinations that really only works on TV.
Cinematic Universe: Time For Change
The series has been running for so long that perhaps it really is time for a change. While evolution is celebrated, there is also only so much that the show can do before it moves too far away from its main concept. In some ways, it's limited by its own premise.
A move to the big screen might change that. Taking the franchise out of TV circulation for a while and focusing on a cinematic universe might give Power Rangers a bit of a kick-start (not that it necessarily needs one). Regardless, a fresh take would perhaps be well regarded.
Stay On TV: Iconic Franchise
Power Rangers is one of the most iconic kid's TV shows in all of television history. There are very few that can boast the number of episodes that this does, nor that has had both its critical and commercial success. Not only this, but the series has expanded into games, movies of its own, toys, and comics.
The formula is definitely working so is there really any need to move in yet another new direction? The answer is probably not, considering that fans will continue to love this series which both holds so much nostalgia and yet so much more potential.
Cinematic Universe: Budget And Scale
While the Power Rangers show has a really unique aesthetic, it's certainly not one of the most expensive-looking series on TV right now. This continued look has been present since the origins of the production though and isn't likely to shift anytime soon.
A big screen update might be able to up the budget slightly and perhaps higher the production value a little as well. This might not be important to some fans, but it also has the potential to make some of the conflicts far more epic.