Power Rangers TV Series In Development For Disney+

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” showrunners Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz are in talks to write, showrun and produce a live-action “Power Rangers” series for Disney+ and 20th Century TV, TheWrap has exclusively learned.

Hasbro will produce the series, which will reinvent the franchise for a whole new generation of fans while delighting those who already know and love the world of Power Rangers.

The ’90s TV show, originally called “The Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers,” was inspired by a Japanese children’s show, “Super Sentai” (even using footage from that show). It featured five teenagers who gain the ability to “morph” into superheroes known as the Power Rangers, complete with their own mech fighters. A film version of the series that starred most of the original cast was released in 1995, with a second one in 1997 (this one featured only a few original cast members).

The series has had many different iterations throughout the past 25 years.

Lionsgate and Saban Film attempted to reboot the original “Power Rangers” franchise in 2017 as a gritty, YA adaptation. The film grossed only $142 million on a budget of around $100 million, scrapping hopes for a bigger franchise.

Hasbro then acquired Power Rangers in 2018 in a deal designed to capitalize on the franchise’s full potential across all of the company’s divisions. 

The development of “Power Rangers” is part of Hasbro Entertainment’s ongoing strategy to elevate storytelling and produce series based on Hasbro’s most iconic brands alongside the industry’s best talent, studios and distribution platforms. Beyond “Power Rangers,” Hasbro Entertainment’s active projects include a re-imagining of “Clue” across film and television with Sony’s TriStar Pictures and Sony Pictures Television; a live-action “Dungeons & Dragons” series “Forgotten Realms,” currently in development at Netflix with Academy Award nominee Shawn Levy executive producing; showrunner Terry Matalas’ animated “Magic: The Gathering” series, currently in production at Netflix; a major, live-action film and television universe adapted from “Magic: The Gathering,” produced alongside Legendary Entertainment; and game shows based on “Trivial Pursuit” and “Scrabble,” which both premiered on The CW this past fall.

Steinberg and is currently the co-creator, executive producer and showrunner of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” for Disney+, along with his producing partner Shotz. It just wrapped its second season and has been renewed for a third. Other credits include the critically acclaimed series “The Old Man,” starring Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow for FX. Both series are produced by 20th Television/The Walt Disney Company, where Steinberg and Shotz have housed their production company, Quaker Moving Pictures, since 2019.

GBA: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl + Rocket Power: Beach Bandits + Rocket Power: Dream Scheme + Rocket Power: Zero Gravity Zone + Sabrina The Teenage Witch: Potion Commotion

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

The game's plot takes place before the first film and follows Jack Sparrow in his adventures immediately after being marooned by Hector Barbossa on Rumrunner's Isle. He collects pieces of Barbossa's chart and pieces of Aztec gold so he can get revenge. While doing that, he searches for buried gold, steals ships, sacks Hispaniola, and does favors for the governor of Port Royal.

Rocket Power: Beach Bandits

The game begins with the characters of Rocket Power about to start their summer vacation. Suddenly, the characters realize the sand in Ocean Shores has been taken away by a mysterious criminal. After investigation, they find out a company called Golem Industries has stolen all of the sand and decide to stop them.

Rocket Power: Dream Scheme

There's trouble in Ocean Shores. Otto has a nightmare that Dr. Stimpleton captures his sister Reggie and friends Twister and Sam. This sends Otto on a wild chase to find the gang and stop Dr. Stimpleton from using his Stimpleton Device to turn Ocean Shores into a seaside polka resort. You can play as any of your favorite Rocket Power characters, including Otto, Twister, Reggie, and Sam. The game contains 20 levels, 30 areas, and four gameplay styles, including skateboarding, rollerblading, hockey, and pogo stick.

Rocket Power: Zero Gravity Zone

Rocket Power: Zero Gravity is based on the Nickelodeon show of the same name, and features 12 environments for characters Otto, Reggie, Twister, and Sam to skate through.

Sabrina The Teenage Witch: Potion Commotion

Sabrina The Teenage Witch: Potion Commotion is a 2D side-scrolling action/adventure based on the popular TV series. The player, with the help of Salem the cat, explore four worlds including the Spellman's house, a giant tree, the Pizzeria, and the school in search of items to help create a potion that will correct Aunt Hilda's errant spell and return the world to normal. 4 Minigames appear throughout the game.

For more games: click here 

April 2025 On Studio Universal Across Africa | Epic Easter Weekend Stunt With Channel Premiere Godzilla: King Of The Monsters | April Fools Action Stunt With Ride Along 2 | More

April Fools Action Weekend

5th & 6th April (double bills from 6pm)

Not everyone is born foolish. Some are born more foolish than others!

Rat Race

5th April at 18:00

An eccentric Las Vegas casino owner places six

gold coins in random slot machines and says that

whoever finds them could be in for a slice of $2

million. Chaos and hilarity ensue as the race is on to

find the cash stashed in a New Mexico locker. The

first rule is that there are no rules, as the participants do everything they can to bag the loot. The all-star cast includes Whoopi Goldberg, Seth Green, John Cleese, Cuba Gooding Jr and Amy Smart.

Chips

5th April at 20:00

Dax Shepard writes, directs and co-stars in this big-screen action comedy, loosely based on the 1970s TV series. An FBI agent (Michael Peña) goes undercover with the California Highway Patrol and is teamed with thirtysomething rookie Jon (Shepard). The agent wants to root out corrupt officers who have been robbing cash trucks, but first he’ll have to learn to cope with his partner’s physical and emotional problems. Strong support comes from Vincent D’Onofrio and Adam Brody.

Taxi

6th April at 18:00

A cop investigating a gang of Brazilian female bank

robbers hits a roadblock when he loses his driver’s

licence. Luckily, he encounters taxi driver Belle, who

not only knows New York’s streets like the back of her hand but moves through them at top speed. While she dreams of being a race-car champion, the cop authorises her to do whatever it takes to help him track down the criminals and bring them to book. Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon head the cast, along with supermodel Gisele Bündchen.

Ride Along 2

6th April at 19:45

This sequel picks up around a year after the first

movie, with Ben (Kevin Hart) on the cusp of his

wedding, tagging along with a reluctant James (Ice

Cube) on a trip to Miami. James is keen to follow up

on a lead linked to his latest narcotics case but ends

up butting heads with a homicide detective. The duo

also learns that a local businessman has deep ties

to the state’s drug trade, but convincing the

powers-that-be that he’s a deadly criminal proves to

be easier said than done.

Epic Easter Weekend

18th– 21st April (all day)

King of the Monsters, King Kong, King of the Apes, The Woman King… and much much more!

An egg-citing weekend of epic blockbusters and family favourites, on Studio

Kong: Skull Island

18th April at 19:45

A glittering cast leads this action adventure, in

which a group of soldiers, adventurers and

scientists head to an isolated Pacific location

known as Skull Island. However, shortly after

arriving, they are attacked by a giant gorilla, who

the inhabitants say is Kong, the last of his kind, and

believe to be their protector. Soon the group

discovers why the beast is alone and realises he

is not the only creature to fear on the island. Tom

Hiddleston, Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson star.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters

19th April at 19:45

Dr Emma Russell of Monarch is aghast when her

Orca technology awakes the Titans, but matters get

worse when she and her daughter are kidnapped

by a band of radical environmental terrorists. They

take control of Orca, aiming to use it to restore the

balance of nature, little realising the whole of

humanity is at stake. As the tensions rise and the

monsters increase, Godzilla faces the mother of all

battles – but what will victory bring? Vera Farmiga,

Millie Bobby Brown and Ken Watanabe star.

The Legend of Tarzan

20th April at 19:45

This twist on the jungle tale catches up with Tarzan

and Jane after they have left Africa for England. The

Belgian king asks John Clayton – aka Tarzan – to

go back to his former home to report on

development progress, but he politely refuses. He

changes his mind when a US envoy says the Belgians are committing atrocities, little realising

the deep wounds he is about to open and betrayals

he will face. Alexander Skarsgård stars, alongside

Margot Robbie and Samuel L. Jackson.

The Woman King

21st April at 19:45

Viola Davis and Lashana Lynch star in this

powerful tale, based on real events, about an

all-women squad of warriors called the Agojie, who

protected the African kingdom of Dahomey from

potential dangers. In the 19th century, General

Nanisca (Davis) prepares a new wave of recruits for

combat, despite knowing they will face an enemy that wants to wipe these women from the face of the Earth. Thuso Mbedu, John Boyega and Hero Fiennes Tiffin also feature.

Kidz Club

28th April– 4th May (all day, every day)

This Kidz Club, it’s the hunter vs the hunted: deadly wolves and angry lions versus…pink-haired babies and singing chipmunks!

Sing 2

28th April at 16:05

A galaxy of star voices assembles for this musical

sequel, including Scarlett Johansson, Bono and

Matthew McConaughey. Buster and his pals are a hit, but now the koala bear wants to aim even higher.

They impress entertainment mogul Jimmy Crystal at a chaotic audition, but one lie about knowing reclusive star Clay Calloway threatens to scupper Buster’s plans. Can he and the rest of the gang pull off a show to remember – and persuade a rocker who hasn’t performed for 15 years to join in the fun?

100% Wolf

29th April at 13:15

Freddy Lupin, the latest in a proud line of fierce

werewolves, can’t wait to be a full-on member of his

pack. Unfortunately, when he turns 13, instead of

becoming a snarling ball of fur and teeth, he turns into a cute white poodle. As if that wasn’t bad enough, he’s kidnapped and taken to Coldfax, the very last place any canine needs to be. Freddy makes friends with street dog Batty as he races to sort out his desperate situation. Ilai Swindells and Samara Weaving are among the voice cast.

Storks

2nd May at 15:45

Years ago, they delivered babies, but now storks

handle packages for a global online store. That is,

until feather-brained Junior accidentally triggers a

machine that creates a new baby girl. Together with

Tulip, the sole human on Stork Mountain, he races to

ensure the bundle of joy makes it to the right address before his boss finds out and he’s fired. Andy Samberg and Katie Crown head a star-studded voice cast that includes Jennifer Aniston, Kelsey Grammer, Awkwafina and Ty Burrell.

The Bad Guys

2ndbMay at 15:45

Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina and Craig Robinson are

among the vocal stars in this entertaining animation,

which follows a group of legendary criminals after

they are finally caught. To avoid spending years

behind bars, Mr Wolf, Mr Snake, Mr Piranha, Mr Shark and Ms Tarantula agree to ditch a life of crime and go straight. Under the eagle eye of Professor

Marmalade, the quintet appears to be committed to

staying out of trouble for good – but is everything

really as it seems?

BabyTV Unveils A Batch Of Programming To Commemorate 20 Years

BabyTV, the world’s first global dedicated television channel for babies and toddlers, marks its 20th anniversary this year. Over the past two decades, BabyTV has redefined early childhood entertainment with safe, high-quality and engaging content for children aged five and under, and has been a trusted partner for parents.

Founded in 2005, BabyTV was acquired by Fox International Channels in 2007, expanding its reach and solidifying its position as a trusted brand for parents worldwide. In 2019, The Walt Disney Company acquired 21st Century Fox, making BabyTV part of Disney’s global family of networks. This transition has further strengthened BabyTV’s ability to innovate and deliver premium content to families worldwide.

To celebrate this milestone, BabyTV is kicking off a special anniversary celebration starting April 1. Viewers can look forward to a festive programming lineup featuring birthday-themed episodes of beloved shows; a social media tribute to iconic moments, characters and series from the past 20 years; and exclusive collections on the BabyTV app and YouTube channels. Plus, plenty of surprises along the way to thank families for making BabyTV a part of their journey.

Co-founder Ron Isaak and the BabyTV team have also taken the milestone as an opportunity to introduce its latest productions:

• The Jungle Book – BabyTV’s unique take on The Jungle Book, featuring “Baloo’s Forest School,” followed by “Welcome to the Jungle,” a new song series exploring Mowgli’s first experiences in the jungle.

• Travelers – Join the level-headed Perry and the mischievous Harley as they discover that there’s more than one way to solve a problem.

• Olly – Meet Olly, a playful three-year-old monkey who loves dressing up with his toy friends — whether as a bus driver, doctor, or dancer!

• My Robot & I – Follow Kim and her robot friend Kit as they explore the world together.

• The Lollipops – A toddler pop trio whose upbeat songs and performances will get everyone singing and dancing along.

• Billy and Bam Bam DIY Song Series – Sibling duo Billy and Bam Bam turn everyday objects into imaginative play.

• Family Song Series – With Mom and Dad leading the way, Taylor (seven years old), Robbie (four) and Eddie (two) turn everyday moments into fun adventures.

• Charlie & Friends – A lively song series where Charlie builds friendships through music and play.

• Tulip’s Daycare – Ms. Tulip and her students care for their vegetable garden while finding creative ways to befriend hungry animal visitors.

ICASA Currently Reviewing Proposed Structure Of Canal+'s MultiChoice

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has published an application to transfer the control of Orbicom’s electronic communication and radio frequency spectrum licences to Canal+.

Orbicom is DStv owner MultiChoice’s signal distributor, and the move is a crucial step to progressing French media giant Canal+’s takeover of the company.

According to the regulator, Orbicom submitted applications on 28 November 2024 to transfer control of its Electronic Communications Service (I-ECS), Individual Electronic Communications Network Services (I-ECNS), and Radio Frequency Spectrum licences to Canal+.

Icasa will evaluate the licence control transfer based on the following criteria:

promotion of competition in the ICT sector;

interests of consumers; and,

equity ownership by Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDPs).

However, it noted Orbicom’s submission that HDPs hold 40% of Groupe Canal+’s shareholding.

“Any interested party is invited to lodge written representations to the application within fourteen (14) working days from the publication of this notice in the Government Gazette,” said Icasa.

For reference, the watchdog published the notice on Tuesday, 18 March 2025, giving interested persons until Monday, 7 April, to submit their written representations.

This latest move comes after Canal+ offered to acquire MultiChoice when it triggered South Africa’s mandatory offer threshold of 35% ownership.

The French media had gradually but steadily bought up MultiChoice shares on the open market since October 2020 before it hit the threshold in early 2024.

Canal+ offered R125 per share following a reprimand from the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP) and some back-and-forth with MultiChoice. The offer valued the company at more than R55 billion.

The deal will cost Canal+ over R30 billion in cash, and it has continued buying MultiChoice shares while its offer is under consideration.

The TRP’s latest report on Canal+’s shareholding was in May 2024, revealing a 45.2% shareholding.

While the French media giant was legally mandated to offer to acquire Multichoice, the deal must still overcome several regulatory hurdles.

This includes securing approvals from the Financial Surveillance Department, the JSE, TRP, and Icasa.

ICT policy legal expert Lisa Thornton mentioned that the deal’s success will depend on its structure.

The companies must find a way to continue limiting Canal+’s voting rights to 20% — a requirement for broadcasting licences under the Electronic Communications Act.

It will also have to meet Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) rules set out by Icasa, which stipulate that licensees must be 30% owned by HDPs.

To comply, MultiChoice will be carved out as an independent entity, dubbed LicenceCo, to hold South African operating licences.

LicenceCo will also contract with MultiChoice’s South African subscribers, and the remainder of the group’s video entertainment assets will remain with the MultiChoice Group.

MultiChoice Group’s shareholding in LicenceCo will ultimately give it a 49% economic interest and 20% share of voting rights.

“MultiChoice Group will retain its existing 75% direct interest in MultiChoice South Africa, which will exclude LicenceCo. Phuthuma Nathi will similarly retain its existing 25% interest in MultiChoice South Africa,” the companies explained.

“LicenceCo will enter into various commercial agreements with MultiChoice Group subsidiaries in relation to the services currently provided to LicenceCo by other MultiChoice Group entities.”

“These relate to, among other things, the provision of content, technology, subscriber management and support and other functions,” they said.

Regulators Might Impose Harsh Conditions On Canal+'s MultiChoice If Takeover Deal Is Approved

Canal+ is currently awaiting feedback from the Competition Commission regarding its proposed transaction to acquire full ownership of MultiChoice. This deal was scheduled to conclude in April 2025 but was pushed to October 2025 as it undergoes scrutiny by local legislation.

There is a reason why regulators are concerned about the deal cause although Canal+ had proposed launching a separate company LicenceCo. Several competitors including eMedia Investments had suggested a potential loophole in Canal+'s shareholding of MultiChoice despite the 20% cap.

Although LicenceCo would be majority owned by local parties that doesn't mean Canal+ would be helpless they could handle the content viewed on DStv and various other agreements. The other parties could as well give Canal+ creative control and try to be minimal on the basis of costs.

One of the reasons analysts feel that this transaction could be prolonged before reaching the finish line. With Canal+ being a foreigner, they could prioritize their own endeavours seen in France and Europe and leave very little to be desired in Africa one of the reasons regulators might come at them swiftly.

If the deal is approved, regulators could impose several conditions on Canal+ as seen with Walmart-Massmart deal in 2011.

They may ask LicenceCo to submit reports to local regulators to ensure that Canal+ or it's holding company MultiChoice is compliant with the 20% cap. With Canal+ walking away with a 100% stake in MultiChoice, they want to ensure that they'll some local input and not only foreign investment.

Getting onto investment, the purposed DStv spin-off means that MultiChoice wouldn't be a broadcaster but a content distributor. MultiChoice would make it's revenue through carriage agreements and regulators might require that a percentage of revenue goes toward funding the local landscape.

Especially with the proposed launch of LicenceCo, they ask that MultiChoice increase its local output for DStv and Showmax from the current 47%.

With it being deemed as a large merger, regulators could require Canal+ almost double it's investment toward the local landscape as seen with the Walmart-Massmart deal - one of the tricks to scare away some foreign investors.

Canal+ is looking to streamline MultiChoice once the deal moves ahead and regulators might put a lock on these endeavours for a stipulated period (3 to 5 years). They won't be able to reduce staff and likely sell non-core assets like NMIS Insurance Services and Namola.

Channel Premieres: Doodloopstraat Makes A Quick Debut On eExtra In April Followed By Een Wit Leuen In May On e.TV

eMedia Investments continues its repetitive slope in 2025 with more scraps from eVOD set to make a rollout on eExtra and e.tv in the coming months with Een Wit Leuen and Doodloopstraat. As it stands, the only premiere is Annekan Die Swa Kry and now that is set become a burial ground for these scraps.

As advised, Doodloopstraat will be airing on eExtra from 25 April replacing rebroadcasts of Vierspel Vuurspel while Een Wit Leuen replaces Annekan Die Swa Kry on both e.tv and eExtra from 5 May.

Synopsis for Doodloopstraat 

Cennet marries Yılmaz, whom she fell in love with, and comes to Istanbul from her village as a bride and as a result of their marriage, they have three children. Division ensues amongst the children as their dad is blamed for her death in a letter she had written prior to her passing which leds to a search for the truth and self discovery.

It starred Ayça Bingöl as Cennet Tekin, Alp Navruz as Halil Tekin, İrem Helvacıoğlu as Av. Zeynep Önder, Mesut Akusta as Yılmaz Tekin, Bihter Dinçel as Birsen Karataş, Dilara Aksüyek as Feride Büyükdere.

Synopsis for Een Wit Leuen 

Abandoned by his wife, Nejat is lying to his daughter not to be upset. But as Kayra grows, these lies become unbearable and as he is trapped in the corner meets Suna. With Suna's entry into their lives, both Nejat and Kayra's world is completely changed.

It starred Furkan Palali as Nejat Yilmaz, Asli Bekiroglu as Suna Dogan, Lavinya Ünlüer as Kayra Yilmaz, Gonca Sariyildiz as Hande Eymen, Asli Inandik as Saniye Dogan and Cem Zeynel Kiliç as Hayri Hicdurmaz.

Why DStv's Channel Expansions Have Lost Appeal?

During the week, MultiChoice unveiled the new DStv price adjustments which will take into effect from 1st April with a second increase scheduled for Worker's Day being May 1st. To ease the blow and retain more consumers, MultiChoice will be making more channels accessible to lower bouquets.

These include SuperSport Schools on DStv Easyview, Zee World and Nicktoons on DStv Access, Comedy Central and Disney Channel on DStv Family and lastly CBS Justice and Curiosity Channel on DStv Compact. 

At first glance, these channels open up a new world of entertainment and give these consumers content beyond their wildest imagination. Overtime this spark fades away not because E! still offers Keeping Up With Kardashians but rather they don't expand from what made them magical in the first place therefore the channel loses appeal.

Look at Comedy Central, when it was broadcast on Compact+ it offered Two And A Half Men, The Big Bang Theory and Modern Family. At first, this was a safe haven and if you were a kid (now adult) when it aired therefore it kind of helped you get through the hardships of life.

But the moment Comedy Central is stuck in an endless loop consumers get infuriated. This is what happened when E! made it to Access, Nickelodeon on Compact and will most definitely be what awaits Comedy Central on Family.

The sad reality is that MultiChoice remains powerless on the matter as they only serve as a distributor of content - nothing else. They could opt to remove these channels if they want to and risk losing consumers I mean look at happened when they removed eMedia's 4 channels and WildEarth.