Screenwriter Arne Olsen, 'Power Rangers' Icon, Dies at 64

Olsen, known for family-friendly action films in the 1980s and 1990s, passed away from cancer complications.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:50am

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An abstract, minimalist composition of jagged, overlapping geometric shapes in bright red, yellow, blue, and black, conceptually representing the high-energy action and bold visual style of the Power Rangers franchise that screenwriter Arne Olsen helped bring to life.The vibrant, iconic visuals of the Power Rangers franchise were brought to life on the big screen through the screenwriting of Arne Olsen, a 1990s family entertainment pioneer.Vancouver Today

Arne Olsen, a Vancouver-based screenwriter who found success writing family-oriented action films in the 1980s and 1990s, has died at the age of 64 after battling cancer. Olsen was best known for penning the screenplay for the 1995 film 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie', which capitalized on the hugely popular 'Power Rangers' franchise of the era. He also wrote other well-known titles like 'Cop and a Half' and 'All Dogs Go to Heaven 2'.

Why it matters

Olsen's passing represents the loss of a creative voice from the era of family entertainment that defined many childhoods in the 1980s and 1990s. His work on beloved franchises like 'Power Rangers' cemented his place in pop culture history, and his willingness to mentor aspiring writers highlighted his commitment to passing on his knowledge to the next generation.

The details

Olsen's screenwriting career spanned the 1980s and 1990s, during which he specialized in action-oriented family films. He gained recognition for his work on projects like the 1988 film 'Red Scorpion', the 1993 comedy 'Cop and a Half', and the 1996 animated sequel 'All Dogs Go to Heaven 2'. His most enduring contribution, however, came with the 1995 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie', which he wrote based on a story co-credited with John Kamps. The film capitalized on the massive popularity of the 'Power Rangers' franchise at the time.

  • Olsen passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Vancouver.
  • His death was announced to Deadline by his wife, Dianne Olsen, on April 8, 2026.

The players

Arne Olsen

A Vancouver-based screenwriter who specialized in action-oriented family films in the 1980s and 1990s, including 'Red Scorpion', 'Cop and a Half', 'All Dogs Go to Heaven 2', and 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie'.

Dianne Olsen

Arne Olsen's wife, who announced his death to Deadline.

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What’s next

No further details have been released about any memorial or funeral plans for Arne Olsen.

The takeaway

Arne Olsen's passing marks the loss of a creative voice from the era of family entertainment that defined many childhoods in the 1980s and 1990s. His work on beloved franchises like 'Power Rangers' cemented his place in pop culture history, and his willingness to mentor aspiring writers highlighted his commitment to passing on his knowledge to the next generation.