The official trailer for Saban’s Power Rangers was unveiled last week, generating excitement for the 2017 blockbuster. The allure of this superhero reboot has many, particularly those who grew up with the “five superhero brothers,” on edge with anticipation.
The film series, which first debuted in 1993, follows the story of teenagers chosen to battle evil monsters. This fresh iteration is set to deliver an engaging narrative, complete with a modern twist on the classic premise, as the heroes confront formidable adversaries.
A New Take on the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers Series
The main focus of the film is on the Rangers as they face off against monstrous foes. These creatures will take on various forms, showcasing their immense power. This time, our heroes will summon giant robots known as Zords to combat these threats.
Filmmakers aim to preserve the essence of the original series while introducing new storylines that resonate with modern audiences. The new images of the Rangers in their formidable Zord forms have already sparked excitement among fans.
Gone are the days of the colorful costumes
In the original series, the Rangers were often depicted in vibrant costumes, even when they were “off-duty.” This characteristic is expected to be toned down in the new film, with characters wearing more subdued outfits that reflect their personal styles.
The Power Rangers as Unique High School Students
Jason’s father emphasizes the importance of education, saying, “You need to get good grades to be successful, along with those other things.” From this, we see that the Angel Grove High School, where the Rangers meet, becomes a backdrop for the characters’ personal struggles. Jason’s past includes conflicts with the police, while Kimberly struggles with bullying over her long hair.
Setting the Stage for a Franchise Revival
Lionsgate has emphasized that this installment has a larger cinematic scope, allowing for more character development
In this film, the main villains are Rita Repulsa and Goldar, but there are many other evil forces the Rangers will confront, such as Lord Zedd and Ivan Ooze. This ambitious plan can only succeed if the first installment resonates with audiences.
Unique Monsters to Challenge the Rangers
While Rita serves as the main antagonist, the unique monsters in the background are not to be overlooked. Each episode of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers featured a different monster for the heroes to battle.
As of now, there are no official confirmations from Lionsgate, but during the production of Power Rangers, a few paparazzi captured images of Jason battling various CGI monsters.
The “Romance” between Jason and Kimberly
This aspect is likely to be the most controversial element of the film. In the trailer, audiences see a tender moment between Jason (the Red Ranger) and Kimberly (the Pink Ranger), which may perplex long-time fans of the series.
This could be confusing for those fans who associate superhero stories with the traditional notion of romance, where the dynamics of the characters’ relationships are not as pronounced. However, considering the film’s genre, filmmakers are likely aiming to engage a broader audience while maintaining the action-packed narrative.
The Rangers’ Powers Evolve from Within
Once the Rangers discover their powers, they will be able to transform without the need for their iconic suits. This development marks a significant departure from the original series, where the characters relied on their costumes to access their powers.
In the new iteration, the characters will be more relatable, representing ordinary individuals who can tap into their inner strength to become heroes.
Tension and Humor in the Narrative
According to statements from the cast, this version of Power Rangers will retain the humor characteristic of the series, while also introducing darker themes to give the story more depth.
A Star-Studded Cast
Looking at the main cast, we see many familiar names. The role of Rita Repulsa is played by Elizabeth Banks (known for Hunger Games and Pitch Perfect), while Bill Hader lends his voice to the robot Alpha 5. Notably, Bryan Cranston, famous for Breaking Bad, takes on the role of the wise mentor Zordon.
Not the First Appearance of Superheroes
Many fans have speculated that Rita’s character might possess a semblance of the Rangers’ powers, hinting at a potential transformation into another form. While this remains conjecture, the idea that Rita could be the original Green Ranger adds an intriguing layer to the storyline.
Rita Repulsa claims to have defeated a team of superheroes once, setting the stage for a thrilling narrative where both Rita and Zordon are revealed as the first superheroes.
