The movie franchise game is a dog-eat-dog world, and one dog just ate another. Hasbro has agreed to a deal with Saban Entertainment and will be acquiring several of the company’s properties for $500 Million dollars according to a Reuter’s exclusive – and yes, this does include the Power Rangers. The deal also includes toy lines like Luna Petunia and Popples.
Hasbro has since confirmed the acquisition with an official press release.
“Shortly after entering into our licensing arrangement, it became clear that now was the time to begin investing in unlocking Power Rangers’ full potential,” Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner said in the official release. “We see significant opportunity for Power Rangers across our entire Brand Blueprint, including toys and games, consumer products, digital gaming and entertainment.”
The effects of such a move will almost certainly be felt across several industries. The acquisition may be primarily aimed to help Hasbro’s toy and merchandising division, which took a major hit as Toys ‘R’ Us shut its doors earlier this year. However, it also will have major effects on the film world, with 2017’s Power Rangers reportedly moving forward with a sequel film at Lionsgate. While we have no updates at this time on how this acquisition will affect that, it comes as Hasbro is trying to overhaul its film franchises as well.
The company confirmed at an investor meeting earlier this year that they aim to overhaul all of their film properties. The ultimate goal is creating one inter-connected cinematic universe, featuring the Transformers, G.I. Joe, Rom Spaceknight, Dungeons and Dragons and M.A.S.K. Now, that may include the Power Rangers as well.
