Ever since we heard that Haim Saban was bringing back the Power Rangers in a new movie we've been wondering which era of the franchise's 22 years it would focus on. Thanks to a report from Collider, it looks like the movie will be going Mighty Morphin' and returning to the original characters of the series. Dean Israelite is all hands on deck as the film's director with the script being taken on by Ashley Miller and Zack Stentzh, both of whom worked on films such as Thor and X-men First Class.
According to Collider, sources close to the movie provided them with the names of the film's characters and they are all exactly the same as the original Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers. The list also reveals some description for each character which, if you're familiar with the original cast, will see it's spot on
- Jason – 17 years old, the makings of someone or something great if he would just get out of his own way. Jason was a legend of this town—a freshman quarterback with the skills to take him all the way. People knew his name. Children wore his jersey. Until, one night Jason wrapped his car around a pole and busted out his knee. Everything Jason was going to become ended in an instant. And with it, he lost himself. When we meet him at the start of the film, he’s a kid in need of redemption. By the end, he’ll be leading this disparate group of teens to shed their individual baggage and find who they truly are.
- Kimberly – 17 years old, unconventionally cool all in a way the popular girls wish they were. In fact, she was one of those girls, but isn’t anymore. Not since she’s returned to school after an absence of 6 months. Rumors are flying as to why; rumors she seems not to care about, because she’s come back with this new rebel-without-a-cause, edgy attitude. But the truth is, it’s all masking a deep secret that makes her feel profoundly vulnerable.
- Trini – 17 years old, mysterious and extremely bright. Her parents constantly move for work, making Trini the perpetual new girl to any school. A loner who owns it, Trini is self-sufficient, contemplative, but always observant. All she wants is to find her gang of friends, but she’ll never admit it – least of all to herself.
- Billy – 17 years old, slight and awkward. Billy is challenged in his abilities to communicate and interact socially. Whip-smart and sweet, but always odd. Sometimes in a fun way, sometimes not, Billy is a kid with no filter. Showing his emotions, understanding sarcasm, and dealing with his OCD is a constant challenge. Has never really had any friends and instantly gravitates towards Jason.
- Zack – 17 years old, always the life of the party. Filled with bravado and swagger, Zack’s tough and cool on the exterior. A charming guy who’s never had trouble with the one-liner, nor lacked confidence around women. A great athlete that’s never wanted to play on any team but his own. Zack advertises everything about himself, except the truth, which is that he lives in a trailer park with his single mom, and because of it, feels deeply inferior to all his peers.
Personally, I don't think there could be any better news for a Power Rangers movie reboot. After all, 22 years later and they are still the most famous and well known version of characters. Jason David Frank, the original Green Ranger (and also the white, red and black) is the face of the franchise and is also absent from the list. Of course, although he was in the first season he's not an "original" Ranger per-se as he was Rita Repulsa's henchman under a spell prior to losing his powers at the hands of the spell cursed, green flamed candle. He could always (and most likely will) make an appearance in the film I would imagine. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see any one of the actors return for an appearance with the exception of Thuy Trang (Trini) who unfortunately passed away in a motor vehicle crash.
What are your thoughts on this version being penned for the film's reboot? Let us know below.
