Power Rangers is a cultural pillar. Since launching in 1993, the franchise has had 29 television seasons of 21 different shows and three feature films, with the latest being in 2017. It’s so ingrained in popular culture that even people who didn’t grow up with it can recognize it, and understand references to the titular group.
That being said, Power Rangers is making a big change. According to 1 News, the franchise will be moving production out of New Zealand for the first time in two decades. Power Rangers was a joint venture between the United States and Japan for the first ten years of its production, but it moved to New Zealand in 2002 to reduce costs and maximize profits.
The decision proved mutually beneficial. Power Rangers was made at a cheaper cost, and New Zealand was blessed with a steady stream of income. It’s estimated that the franchise generated a whopping $340 million for the economy during its time in New Zealand. It’s also given stunt actors and behind-the-scenes talent a chance to make international connections and embark on successful industry careers.
Is Power Rangers filmed in New Zealand?
While it’s unclear what led Power Rangers to move production out of New Zealand, some have attributed it to the country’s tax rebate. The rebate is currently 20 percent, with an extra 5 percent depending on the conditions of each film/TV production. This was a number that was actually in jeopardy in 2022, but the government decreed that it would stay the same.
Mladen Ivancic, the acting chief executive of the NZFC, told Variety that great efforts were made to preserve the rebate, so as to draw in international live-action productions. “It’s important to ensure stability and certainty for the screen sector through all phases of this project,” he explained. “Productions will continue to have access to the existing NZSPG and we will be working closely with Ministries and industry to ensure a smooth transition.”
As of right now, a new filming location has not yet been announced, but we’ll be sure to loop you in as soon as more information is known. As far as international locations go, New Zealand is one of the most celebrated. Peter Jackson chose it as the location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and it was also used during crucial scenes in the latest James Cameron epic, Avatar: The Way of Water (2022).
The final Power Rangers season to be shot in New Zealand has already been completed, and will be released later this year. A spokesperson for Hasbro has said that they wish the best for New Zealand, and will continue to keep the country in mind for other projects.
“We’ve been in communication with teams to ensure they are set up for success in their next adventures,” the spokesperson told 1 News. “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.”
While it’s undoubtedly sad to see a parting of the ways between the franchise and the people who have spent years working on it, we are hopeful that both parties will continue to be successful.