Power Rangers is reportedly in line for a reboot on Disney+, which presents an opportunity to learn from past mistakes, particularly those made during the production of Cosmic Fury. While Cosmic Fury is technically an addition to the established Power Rangers timeline that started back in 1993, it diverged significantly from earlier seasons. One of the first changes was the series’ length—consisting of just 10 episodes released simultaneously on Netflix, as opposed to traditional weekly television airing. Moreover, Cosmic Fury does not follow the classic Super Sentai adaptation model.
Instead of utilizing the iconic costumes from Uchu Sentai Kyuranger, Cosmic Fury introduced original suits crafted specifically for the American audience. Consequently, Power Rangers’ 30th season could not utilize Japanese footage for Ranger combat scenes, leading to a unique yet restrictive situation. Essentially, aside from the Megazord battles where Ranger appearances were not featured, all the footage seen in Cosmic Fury was entirely original, showcasing the limitations of this approach.
The New Power Rangers Show Needs Improved Costumes
Cosmic Fury’s Original Suits Were Lackluster
Initially, I was thrilled at the prospect of Power Rangers featuring an all-original costume lineup for the first time. Regrettably, the Cosmic Fury suits did not measure up to the high standards set by previous series, nor did they embody the quintessential aesthetics of a Super Sentai-inspired team. While the concept aimed for something akin to an American superhero flair, reminiscent of characters from The Flash or offerings within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the end result fell short of expectations.
The introduction of various shields was a creative idea; however, they did not integrate well with the overall costume designs. The materials used appeared less impressive on screen, which negatively impacted the enjoyment of the action sequences. As we look ahead to the upcoming Disney+ rendition of Power Rangers, my expectations for the costumes are cautiously optimistic. It’s worth noting that proper costumes can significantly influence the success and appeal of a Power Rangers series.
Power Rangers Without Super Sentai: A Risky Yet Promising Venture
Power Rangers Must Define Its Own Identity
Per Deadline, Toei’s absence from the new Power Rangers production signifies a departure from conventional expectations regarding costume design. This shift may pave the way for fresh interpretations of what a Power Ranger looks like, potentially raising production quality and ensuring that visual presentation is compelling.
Whether the new series will reboot the Mighty Morphin legacy remains to be seen. Should it revisit MMPR, the costumes will likely need to bear some resemblance to the iconic Zyuranger designs, albeit with a modern twist similar to the 2017 film adaptation. Conversely, if the series veers away from MMPR, there exists an exciting potential for an entirely original vision. Regardless of the direction taken, it is crucial that the new show preserves the essence not only of Power Rangers but also of the Super Sentai legacy that laid the foundation for its creation.
Source: Deadline