10 Overly-Optimistic Attempts To Launch A Movie Franchise

Before Power Rangers was released, Haim Saban stated that he and Lionsgate already had a six-film story arc mapped out for the potential franchise, but a disappointing box office total of just $140.2 million seemingly nixed the idea. Which for a $100 million project with built-in name recognition and nostalgia appeal is a terrible number.

It was clear from the outset that the movie had no intention of even trying to tell a complete story in an effort to expand the mythology and nod to future installments, which is often the death knell for potential franchise starters when it turns out audiences just don't care enough about the concept to want to see it again.

However, in recent weeks the talk of potential sequels has started up again. Why? Because apparently sales of Power Rangers merchandise have gone through the roof. That's right, a movie that bombed at the box office and got tepid reviews could yet start a franchise entirely for the purpose of selling toys. What a time to be alive.

You can tell that Lionsgate had their eye on the long game because the movie is 90 minutes of exposition and setup with 30 minutes of generic action and Krispy Kreme product placement tacked on at the end. The need to take everything so seriously (apart from the scenery-chewing Elizabeth Banks) sucks the fun out of a movie that could have been so much better if it lightened up a bit.