Power Rangers wasn’t exactly a flop at the box office, but it probably wasn’t the hit that Lionsgate were hoping for. Its domestic total of $85 million was below it’s $100 million investment, and a poor opening in China meant it only earned $140 million worldwide. As such, news spread that sequels to the movie (seven were planned at one point) were to be scrapped.
However a new report from Toy News (via Den of Geek) might bring some good news for fans of the franchise. According to the site, sales figures for Power Rangers toys show a growth of 122% year to date, and April’s sales figures were up 185% from 2016, making the toyline the number one action figure brand.
“These are fantastic results testament to the strength of the Power Rangers brand, which at the end of April, ranks 11th across all toy properties,” said Tess Parsons–Broome, marketing manager at master toy partner, Bandai. “Power Rangers has proven its position not only as a classic brand but as a must-have toy in such a competitive market place.”
As noted by The New York Times, with ticket and DVD/Blu-Ray sales dropping thanks to the rise in VOD and streaming services, movie studios will be looking to recoup expenses via action figure tie-ins. Disney’s push on merchandise has risen from $1 billion to $2 billion thanks to titles like Frozen, Star Wars the MCU, and Warner Bros. saw their profits rise 47% on 2015 thanks to Wonder Woman, Scooby Doo and Harry Potter. Studios will release 25 films this year with toy tie-ins, up from the 8 in 2016.
SEE ALSO: Original Power Rangers stars share their issues with the big screen reboot
Saban’s POWER RANGERS follows five ordinary teens who must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove — and the world — is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so, they will have to overcome their real-life issues and before it’s too late, band together as the Power Rangers.
Power Rangers stars Becky G as the Yellow Ranger, Ludi Lin as the Black Ranger, Naomi Scott as the Pink Ranger, Dacre Montgomery as the Red Ranger, R.J. Cyler as the Blue Ranger, Bryan Cranston as Zordon, Bill Hader as Alpha 5 and Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa.
