Due in roughly one year, ‘Saban’s Power Rangers’ is ramping up production. With a cast in place, there are a few lingering questions. Reports have conflicted as to whether this was a brand new reboot or a continuation of the TV series which has been running nonstop since 1993. One report stated that this would continue the show’s storyline with the cast of the current TV version making an appearance. This contradicted earlier reports that this would be a return to basics, with a new take on the first incarnation of ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’. Finally, Lionsgate has released a synopsis that will hopefully lay those questions to rest.
Yes, this is a modern take on ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’. The characters’ names are Jason, Billy, Kimberly, Zack and Trini. They will not be battling underling Scorpina, but Rita Repulsa herself.
The following release includes not only the cast, but the principle crew as well. It doesn’t give much away about the plot, but this is ‘Power Rangers’ we’re talking about. I’m guessing Rita sends a monster to Earth, it grows, the Rangers form Megazord and danger averted. (Uh, spoiler alert?) It’s interesting that this required SIX writers, though.
Read Lionsgate’s full release below:
Saban’s Power Rangers follows five ordinary high school kids who must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove – and the world – is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threats. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover that they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so they will have to overcome their real-life issues and band together as the Power Rangers before it is too late.
The film stars Dacre Montgomery (A Few Less Men) as Jason the Red Ranger, RJ Cyler (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl) as Billy the Blue Ranger, Naomi Scott (The 33) as Kimberly the Pink Ranger, Becky G (Empire) as Trini the Yellow Ranger, Ludi Lin (Monster Hunt) as Zack the Black Ranger, and Elizabeth Banks (Pitch Perfect, The Hunger Games franchise) as Rita Repulsa.
Directed by Dean Israelite (Project Almanac),Saban’s Power Rangers is written by John Gatins (Kong: Skull Island, Real Steel), Burk Sharpless and Matt Sazama (Dracula Untold), Zack Stentz and Ashley Miller (X-Men: First Class, Thor), and Max Landis (Chronicle). Producers are Power Rangers creator Haim Saban, Brian Casentini (Power Rangers TVseries), Wyck Godfrey, and Marty Bowen (The Twilight Saga, The Fault in Our Stars, The Maze Runner franchise).
Allison Shearmur (The Hunger Games franchise; Rogue One: A Star Wars Story)and Brent O’Connor (Warcraft) serve as executive producers. Brian Tyler (Avengers: Age of Ultron; Now You See Me)is the composer and Kelli Jones (Straight Outta Compton, Sons of Anarchy)is the costume designer. Set decorator is Oscar-nominated Hamish Purdy (The Revenant) and stunt coordinator is Paul Jennings (Game of Thrones, San Andreas, The Dark Knight). Weta Workshop (The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, District 9) is in charge of suit design and visual effects. Andrew Menzies (Fury, X-Men)is the production designer and Director of Photography is Matt Lloyd (Daredevil, Cop Car).
‘Saban’s Power Rangers’ is ready to morph into theaters on March 24, 2017.
