Arne Olsen, the esteemed screenwriter known for his work on popular 1980s and 1990s films, passed away due to complications from cancer at the age of 64. His wife shared the heartbreaking news with Deadline on Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy of impactful storytelling that will be remembered for years to come.
At 21, Olsen made the bold move from his hometown of Vancouver to Los Angeles, determined to carve out a career in screenwriting. After completing his studies at the American Film Institute, he landed his first gig in 1988, kickstarting his impressive career with the action-thriller “Red Scorpion” and the comedy “Cop and a Half.”
Throughout his career, Olsen left his mark on various films, including “Black Ice,” “Final Round,” “Red Scorpion 2,” “All Dogs Go To Heaven 2,” and the TV movie “Escape from Atlantic.” His most recent work, “Distorted,” starring John Cusack and Christina Ricci, was released in 2018, showcasing his versatility as a writer.
One of Olsen’s most notable projects was “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: The Movie,” the first in the beloved film series. In a recent interview with Farrand on Film, Olsen shared insights into his writing process for the 1995 film, highlighting his meticulous research and understanding of the franchise’s characters.
The movie follows a group of teenagers with attitude as they battle the ancient villain Ivan Ooze, released by the malevolent Lord Zedd. Starring Karan Ashley, Johnny Yong Bosch, Steve Cardenas, Jason David Frank, Amy Jo Johnson, and David Yost, the film captivated audiences with its action-packed storyline and dynamic characters.
Beyond his work in the film industry, Olsen dedicated himself to mentoring aspiring writers and was an active member of the WGC and WGA. He also shared his knowledge as a teacher at Capilano University and Vancouver Film School. Olsen is survived by his wife, Dianne, and their two children, Ryan and Alyssa.
As we bid farewell to a talented storyteller and mentor, Arne Olsen’s impact on the world of cinema will be remembered for years to come, inspiring future generations of writers and filmmakers to follow in his footsteps.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.