The Daniels’ Mystery Sci-Fi Movie Is Reportedly Heavily Influenced by ‘Power Rangers’

A few days ago, Disney+ put the kibosh on its live-action “Power Rangers” series. No reason was given, but now we’re hearing the Daniels’ new movie — starring Matt Damon and Sandra Oh — is basically a “Power Rangers” movie… without the name (via The InSneider).

Plot details remain under wraps, at least officially, but the film, going by the working title “Thasnagar,” has had some leaks describing it as essentially a “superhero tentpole with global warming as the villain.” The story reportedly jumps between two timelines — one set in the 1980s and the other in the present day — with the ’80s storyline centered on a group of youngsters. Damon and Oh reportedly play the parents of one of the teens.

Now we’re hearing there’s a “Power Rangers” angle to it? The story apparently centers on a group of young characters decked out in color-coded outfits who join forces to take on kaiju, with Damon playing a superhero-like figure who helps guide them. His AI sidekick, meanwhile, is played by Oh. To be clear, the film is an entirely original property with no official ties to “Power Rangers,” but the influence is there.

The Daniels have been pitching the movie as “The Breakfast Club” meets “Inception” meets an anime film meets an episode of “The John Oliver Show.”

Let’s remember that Ryan Gosling exited the film, as did Keanu Reeves and Brad Pitt, before Damon signed on for the role. I’m not suggesting they all passed because of the script; it’s entirely possible the role simply didn’t offer enough screentime, especially since reports suggest the film is actually led by five young actors.

The ensemble also includes Charles Melton, Michael Gandolfini, and PinkPantheress, alongside the film’s five leads: Sean Kaufman, Silvia Dionicio, Jackson Kelly, Kerrice Brooks, and Thalia Dudek.

“Thasnagar,” if that is indeed its name, is scheduled to hit theaters on November 19, 2027, via Universal.