Hasbro picks up Saban’s Power Rangers

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was created in 1993 by Haim Saban

Hasbro is acquiring Power Rangers and several other entertainment brands owned by Saban Properties in a deal valued at US$522m.

The long-running action franchise will become part of toyco Hasbro’s portfolio, alongside other Saban properties such as My Pet Monster, Popples, Julius Jr, Luna Petunia and Treehouse Detectives.

Created by Haim Saban and launched in 1993, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers quickly became a pop culture phenomenon, spawning numerous series and feature films, most recently in 2017 with Power Rangers.

It is one of the longest running kids’ live-action series in television history, with nearly 900 episodes produced to date, airing in 150 markets around the world.

The TV series, currently in its 25th season, titled Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel, follows the adventures of a group of ordinary teens who morph into superheroes and save the world from evil.

The deal follows Hasbro taking over master toy licensing duties from Saban’s long-term partner Bandai earlier this year.

Brian Goldner, Hasbro’s chairman and CEO, said Haim Saban will hold a consulting role to “further guide our development of this valuable property for the next generation of Power Rangers fans.”

He added: “Shortly after entering into our licensing arrangement, it became clear that now was the time to begin investing in unlocking Power Rangers’ full potential. We see significant opportunity for Power Rangers across our entire brand blueprint, including toys and games, consumer products, digital gaming and entertainment, as well as geographically throughout our global retail footprint.”

“Hasbro’s leadership in innovation, storytelling and brand stewardship make it the perfect company to further develop the global reach and appeal of the Power Rangers property. I look forward to working with Brian and the team in the years to come,” said Saban, founder of Saban Brands.