Disney+ Reboots Power Rangers With the Team Behind Percy Jackson
Disney is morphing the long-dormant Power Rangers back into action, tapping Percy Jackson and the Olympians duo Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz to helm a new live-action iteration after years on the sidelines.
Power Rangers is officially climbing back into the mainstream, and yes, it is happening at Disney+. Two guys who just shepherded Percy Jackson and the Olympians for the streamer, Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz, say they are steering the next live-action take on the long-running 90s-born franchise. Details, though? Basically locked up.
When pressed on whether this new show continues the decades-spanning continuity or wipes the slate clean, Shotz gave the kind of answer that says a lot by saying nothing:
"You are asking questions that you know I can't answer. Let's just say we very much hope to bring that story to life, so that's all I can say at this point."
(That was via MovieWeb.)
Vibes-wise, Steinberg and Shotz sound eager to actually make this thing for Disney+. That alone is notable given the IP’s recent history: the 2017 feature fizzled, the brand drifted into a niche lane, and while 2023’s Cosmic Fury kept the torch lit, it skewed heavily toward younger kids. This new series is being built to pull in a wider crowd, including the fans who grew up with it.
- Who is making it: Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) are leading the live-action series for Disney+.
- Where it stands: Early days. The duo has been busy with the next season of Percy Jackson, so don’t expect imminent reveals.
- What it is (and isn’t): Plot and timeline are under wraps. It’s unclear if this continues the existing TV canon or starts fresh.
- Target audience: Broader than recent entries. Reports say it’s designed to work for both kids and longtime fans.
- Why now: The brand hasn’t had true mainstream momentum since the underwhelming 2017 movie. Earlier this year, The Wrap reported Hasbro wants to reinvent the franchise for a new generation.
- Recent context: The last TV outing, Power Rangers Cosmic Fury, premiered in 2023 and focused primarily on younger viewers.
That’s the picture for now: a big swing at Disney+, veteran showrunners coming off a well-liked YA fantasy series, and a strategy to broaden the tent beyond Saturday-morning nostalgia. Whether it actually hits those 90s highs again is the big question, but if their Percy Jackson quality level carries over, fans could be in for a good time.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is streaming on Disney+ (USA).