Back to action!

-Jason Lee Scott, First Red Power Ranger, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

Back in mid-2015, a Power Rangers reboot film based off of the 1993 “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (MMPR) was announced. Film studio Lionsgate was set to produce, aiming for a 2017 release. Lionsgate closed out 2015 by announcing it’s principle cast, the titular “Power Rangers.” Consisting of mostly unknown actors, the announcement began with Naomi Scott as the Pink Ranger. Following soon was Dacre Montgomery, Ludi Lin, RJ Cyler, and pop star Becky Gomez cast as the Red, Black, Blue and Yellow Rangers, respectively.

2015 ended with concept art appearing on the internet. The art was reported to have been rejected by Lionsgate in favor of a more modern design.

Megazord fighting a giant monster

Megazord’s transparent cockpit

 

(From left to right: Cyler, Scott, Lin, Montogomery, and Gomez [below])

Elizabeth Banks was announced as the film’s villain: Rita Repulsa. In April 2016, People magazine revealed an exclusive first-look at Bank’s costume. With a more reptilian look compared to the original, “It’s definitely a modern and edgy re-imagining of the original Rita Repulsa,” says Banks.

Rita Repulsa 2017

Rita Repulsa 1993

With “Saban’s Power Rangers” slated for a March 24, 2017 release date, there is still more information to unfold in the next year. Until then, what do you think about the new look for Rita Repulsa? Leave your comments below!

 

Alex is a junior at Concordia University Chicago studying communications and journalism. Follow him on twitter @alexaguiluz_