As New York Comic Con drew near, Power Rangers was far and away one of the most buzzworthy films on the docket, with moviegoers chomping at the bit to see Lionsgate’s roster of heroes suited, booted and ready to protect Angel Grove from extra-terrestrial nasties.
NYCC delivered, too, lifting the lid on the first footage of Dean Israelite’s star-studded reboot in action. But as this is a total refresh of the beloved ’90s phenomenon, longtime fans and curious moviegoers alike will need to be educated on those fresh-faced heroes. That’s where these new character bios come in.
Hailing from the official Power Rangers site (via CBM), the vignettes are designed to present an overview of each Ranger, from their personality traits to how they fit into the set-up at Angel Grove High. As these snippets double down on the principal cast of the 2017 reboot, there’s no mention of Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Banks and Bill Hader, who will be taking point as Zordon, the villainous Rita Repulsa and the robot assistant Alpha 5, respectively.
Jason, the Red Ranger (DACRE MONTGOMERY) was a football legend in his small town of Angel Grove until one fateful mistake. When we first meet Jason, he is in need of redemption and is struggling to find himself. But soon he is given a chance to lead a new team made up of an unlikely group of teenage superheroes and must find it in himself to rise to the challenge.
Kimberly, the Pink Ranger (NAOMI SCOTT) used to be Queen Bee of Angel Grove High, but has been cast out of the popular clique and is now struggling to find her identity. She has a new rebel without-a-cause, edgy attitude, but this front is hiding a secret that makes her feel deeply vulnerable.
Billy, the Blue Ranger (RJ CYLER) has always been challenged in his abilities to communicate and interact socially. Whip-smart and sweet, he is the most pure-hearted of the group. Billy has never really had any friends, so finding teenagers that he is comfortable with is a big deal, and soon he begins connecting with people in a way he’s never been able to do before.
Trini, the Yellow Ranger (BECKY G) is mysterious but extremely bright. Her parents constantly move for work, making her the perpetual new girl to any school. A loner who owns it, Trini is self-sufficient and 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.
Zack, the Black Ranger (LUDI LIN) is filled with bravado and swagger. He is tough and cool on the exterior but has many layers beyond his fearless appearance. Zack advertises everything about himself, except the truth, which makes him feel deeply inferior to all his peers.
It’s (almost) morphin’ time! Look for Dean Israelite to assemble your new team of Power Rangers on March 24, 2017. It could be the first in a long line of films based on the ’90s phenomenon, with Lionsgate brass claiming that Israelite’s franchise revival has what it takes to spawn a bona fide franchise.
