‘Power Rangers’: Haim Saban Says Six-Movie Story Arc In Place

In the era of sequels, prequels, and revivals, moviegoers are finding that one movie can quickly turn into two, three, four, or more. Haim Saban, the man largely behind the rise of Power Rangers back in the 1990s, is producing the upcoming Power Rangers movie, and he has ambitious plans for the big-screen take on the original series. Speaking with Variety, Saban revealed that there is “a six-movie story arc” already in place for the Rangers.

“Think about movies like ‘Jungle Book’ and ‘Arrival.’ The effects are mind-boggling. So does the young audience expect more? You bet they do — and they will have it.”

Screenwriter John Gatins echoed Saban’s statement, expanding on it by reflecting on the movie’s characters – the Rangers.

“Making the effects state-of-the-art, that will be a big draw for the super-fans. They understand that there was a funny, kitsch quality about the old TV show. We had big aspirations of making a movie that was visually exciting.”

“The effects are only part of the movie,” he says. “We also are developing likable characters. They don’t take themselves too seriously, in terms of how they relate. I wanted the movie to say that losers or weirdos, by coming together, can realize the importance of the responsibility on their shoulders.”

Beyond the younger generation that Saban and others have in mind, there’s also the nostalgia factor that’ll draw in older viewers as well; viewers who enjoyed the original TV series when it first premiered. Director Dean Israelite isn’t counting this audience out.

“People who are 27-to-33, who grew up on the show, have a real fondness for it. They have a nostalgic feeling for it and, if they’re parents, they want to share that with their kids.”

Gatins also chimed in about the nostalgia factor and how he hopes older audiences will come together with newer audiences to experience the film.

“There’s been a lot of response on social media from people in their late 20s, since we announced the film. This is a part of their nostalgia. And, hopefully, today’s kids, who haven’t seen the Power Rangers before, will look at the ads and go, ‘Wow, that looks really cool.’”

If Power Rangers proves to be the success Saban thinks it will be, he and his team are ready to get back to the story ASAP.

“If this film is as successful as I hope on March 24, on March 25 we’ll have the first story meeting for Movie No. 2.”

Directed by Dean Israelite, Power Rangers stars Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Becky G, Ludi Lin, Bill Hader, Bryan Cranston, and Elizabeth Banks.

The film hits theaters this Friday, March 24.

Source: Variety