After 20 Years, 'Power Rangers' Will No Longer Be Produced In New Zealand
Image Source: Hasbro
There are a lot of changes happening in the world of Power Rangers. It seems the only thing consistent in the franchise is change. Now, Power Rangers is undergoing its biggest change in 20 years. The show will no longer be filmed in New Zealand. This was reported on a local television station through 1News. Hasbro released a statement regarding the show’s departure from the country:
"We are committed to keeping Power Rangers fresh by reimagining the brand and how we bring our entertainment content to life for our consumers.”
The show’s American footage was filmed in Los Angeles, California, from 1993-2002. When Disney bought the brand as part of their purchase of Fox Family Worldwide, they did not initially have any intentions to continue the series and instead planned on airing the then at the time 10 seasons in reruns. However, the members of the production team that was carried over from MMPR Productions and Saban convinced Disney to continue the show by moving to New Zealand to make filming cheaper. Power Rangers Ninja Storm was the first season filmed in the country.
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Sally Martin, who played the blue ranger Tori Hanson, has this to say regarding her time on the show:
”I was the only female ranger in my series and one of two Kiwis. I'd worked for a few years within the industry, but nothing could prepare me for that kind of schedule and style of shooting.”
This move is a huge blow to the film industry in the region. Teuila Blakely, who plays Commander Shaw in Power Rangers Dino Fury and the upcoming Power Rangers Cosmic Fury, said that he is “gutted to see it leave our shores production-wise," stating that he’ll cherish the bonds he has forged between the cast and crew. It is unknown why production is moving away from New Zealand or where it will go next, but it is speculated that the show is leaving the country due to the new tax rebate. Hasbro had this to say regarding the departing New Zealand cast and crew:
"We've had the pleasure of working with such incredible and talented teams in New Zealand and plan to keep close for any future projects that may be a fit for Power Rangers or across any other of our future entertainment productions"
Power Rangers Cosmic Fury, the final season filmed in New Zealand, will premiere on Netflix later this year.
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Source: 1News
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