Tanner Buchanan’s portrayal of Robby Keene in Cobra Kai has sparked widespread speculation and enthusiasm for him to take on the role of Tommy Oliver, the iconic Green Ranger, in a potential Power Rangers reboot. Buchanan’s performance as Robby shares similarities with Tommy’s character arc, particularly in terms of being a misfit who undergoes a redemption journey. Additionally, Buchanan’s martial arts background and his ability to perform his own stunts align well with the physicality of the Green Ranger role.
The idea of Buchanan as the Green Ranger gains further traction from his appearances wearing green in Cobra Kai, which further fuels fan speculation. However, it’s important to note that there are no official plans for a live-action Power Rangers project featuring Tommy Oliver at present, so all fancasts remain speculative.
Considering the legacy of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers franchise and the enduring popularity of characters like Tommy Oliver, any reboot featuring the Green Ranger would face significant challenges. Recasting such an iconic character would be difficult, especially given the attachment fans have to the original portrayal by Jason David Frank.
Nonetheless, there are still untold stories and potential avenues for Tommy Oliver within the Power Rangers universe. The BOOM! Studios Power Rangers comics, for example, have explored new narratives and introduced characters like Lord Drakkon, offering fresh perspectives on familiar concepts. Whether through comics or potential future adaptations, there remains a demand for new Tommy Oliver stories that honor the character’s rich history while exploring new territory.