It was supposed to be the start of a massive, multi-film cinematic universe. Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer was famously quoted saying they could see making "five, six, or seven" of these things. Then the movie actually came out. Power Rangers the movie 2017 remains one of the most frustrating "what ifs" in modern blockbuster history, a film that tried to grow up with its audience but stumbled over its own tone and a crowded March release schedule.
Honestly, it's better than you remember.
Rewatching it now, the film feels less like a corporate cash grab and more like a moody, character-driven indie drama that accidentally inherited a $100 million budget and a giant robot. Dean Israelite, the director, clearly wanted to channel The Breakfast Club meets Chronicle. He spent nearly 90 minutes on the "teenagers with attitude" part and only about 15 minutes on the actual "Power Rangers" part. For some, that was a dealbreaker. For others, it made Jason, Kimberly, Billy, Trini, and Zack feel like actual human beings for the first time in the franchise's history.
The Gritty Reboot That Actually Had a Heart
The 2017 Power Rangers movie didn't just give the kids colorful suits; it gave them trauma. You had Jason Scott, played by Dacre Montgomery (before he became the breakout star of Stranger Things), dealing with the wreckage of a derailed football career. Naomi Scott’s Kimberly was navigating the fallout of "mean girl" social dynamics. Most notably, RJ Cyler’s performance as Billy Cranston—portrayed as being on the autism spectrum—was widely praised for its sincerity.
It was a bold move.
Traditional Power Rangers fans were used to the campy, bright, "monster of the week" vibe of the Saban era. Suddenly, they were watching a movie where the main characters spent most of their time sitting around a campfire talking about their feelings and the pressure of parental expectations. The "Mighty Morphin" branding was there, but the soul of the film was surprisingly heavy.
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Krispy Kreme and the Tonal Tug-of-War
We have to talk about the Krispy Kreme. If there is one thing that haunts the legacy of Power Rangers the movie 2017, it’s the blatant, almost aggressive product placement. The climax of the film literally revolves around the "Zeo Crystal" being buried underneath a Krispy Kreme doughnut shop in Angel Grove. Elizabeth Banks, playing a gloriously unhinged Rita Repulsa, even stops mid-rampage to eat a doughnut.
It’s weird. It’s jarring.
On one hand, you have this grounded story about lonely outcasts finding family. On the other, you have a gold-plated monster named Goldar who looks more like a melted candle than a general of evil, stomping toward a fast-food joint. This tug-of-war between "serious sci-fi" and "toy commercial" is ultimately what kept the film from finding a cohesive identity. Critics didn't know what to make of it, and the "Rotten Tomatoes" score settled into a mediocre 51%, though the audience score stayed significantly higher at 65%.
Why the Box Office Failed the Franchise
Money talks. Usually, it screams.
The film cost roughly $100 million to produce, not including the massive marketing spend. It grossed about $142 million worldwide. In the world of Hollywood math, that’s a loss. But why didn't it click?
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- Competition: It opened against Beauty and the Beast, which was a juggernaut.
- The "PG-13" Dilemma: It was too mature for very young kids (who are the primary toy buyers) but maybe not "cool" enough for the 18-35 demographic that grew up with the original 1993 show.
- International Markets: Power Rangers is a global brand, but the movie underperformed significantly in China, a market Lionsgate was heavily banking on.
Despite the lackluster theatrical run, the film became a cult hit on home video and streaming. The chemistry between the cast was undeniable. Ludi Lin (Zack) and Becky G (Trini) rounded out a diverse team that felt representative of the modern world without feeling forced. Trini’s character, in particular, was noted for a brief moment implying she was questioning her sexual orientation, making her one of the first LGBTQ+ superheroes on the big screen. It was subtle, maybe too subtle for some, but it was a step toward modernization.
Brian Tyler’s Score and the Visuals
One thing that doesn't get enough credit is the technical craft. Brian Tyler’s orchestral score is genuinely epic. He teased the classic "Go Go Power Rangers" theme just enough to satisfy the nostalgia junkies while building a new, heroic soundscape.
The suits, though? Those were polarizing.
Designed to be "alien armor" that grows onto the body, they moved away from the spandex of the 90s. Some fans loved the organic, bioluminescent look; others thought they looked like rejected Iron Man concept art. The Zords suffered a similar fate. They were massive and detailed, but in the final battle, the CGI became a bit of a "gray blur," a common complaint in the post-Michael Bay era of action cinema.
Yet, there’s a specific joy in seeing a big-budget Megazord transformation. The 2017 version tried to make it feel visceral. When the Zords combined, it wasn't just a clean "click-and-lock" sequence. It felt like heavy machinery colliding.
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The Tommy Oliver Tease We’ll Never See
The mid-credits scene was the ultimate gut punch for fans. An empty desk in detention, a green jacket draped over a chair, and the name "Tommy Oliver" called out by a teacher. It was the perfect setup for the Green Ranger saga, arguably the most popular storyline in the history of the franchise.
Fans spent months casting their ideal Tommy. Would it be a girl? A boy? A high-profile star?
We never found out.
Instead of a sequel, the rights to Power Rangers were eventually sold to Hasbro in 2018 for a cool $522 million. Hasbro had different plans. While they’ve continued the TV series and expanded the toy lines, the 2017 cinematic universe was effectively mothballed. There have been constant rumors of a total reboot—perhaps a more faithful 90s throwback or a high-energy "young adult" series for Netflix—but the Dacre Montgomery-led squad is officially a relic of the past.
What You Should Do Now
If you haven't seen it since 2017, or if you skipped it because of the mixed reviews, give it a second chance. It’s a fascinating snapshot of an era where every studio was trying to find their Guardians of the Galaxy.
Next Steps for the Power Rangers Enthusiast:
- Watch the Director's Cut/Deleted Scenes: There’s more footage of the team training and some additional character beats that make the pacing feel a bit more natural.
- Check out the Boom! Studios Comics: If you wanted the 2017 movie to be "more," the comic book series (specifically Mighty Morphin and Go Go Power Rangers) delivers the mature, deep storytelling the film was aiming for. It bridges the gap between the 90s camp and modern drama perfectly.
- Follow the Cast: Most of the 2017 rangers have gone on to huge things. Naomi Scott starred in Aladdin, Dacre Montgomery dominated Stranger Things, and RJ Cyler continues to be one of the most talented young actors in the industry.
The 2017 film might not have been the box office smash Lionsgate wanted, but it remains a bold, surprisingly emotional take on a franchise that is usually known for guys in rubber suits hitting each other with cardboard swords. It proved that Power Rangers could be more than just a toy commercial—it could be a story about finding your place when the rest of the world has already given up on you.