The 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers' (or simply 'Power Rangers') movie reboot is in the pre-production stage, and director Dean Israelite and Lionsgate says it's time to find actors to wear the suits. With the shortlist making to news sites, many wonder how the fresh faces can potentially help the 'Power Rangers' movie stand out from other superhero films.
According to Variety, young talents are in the 'Power Rangers' shortlist for testing. Up-and-coming actors Daniel Zovatto, Ross Butler, and Brian "Sene" Marc are said to be testing for the role of Zack, the Black Ranger. This diverges from original 'Power Rangers' casting of a black person (Walter Jones) as Black Ranger, fights with a battle axe, and commands the mastodon zord.
Naomi Scott and newcomer Stephanie Scott are contending for the role of Kimberley, the Pink Ranger. According to Science Fiction, AnnaSophia Robb is also in the mix for the role. The Pink Ranger is the archer of the team, and commands the pterodactyl zord. KJ Apa, Austin Butler and Mitchell Hope are testing for Jason, the Red Ranger. Red is the leader of the pack, who wielded the sword, and commands the tyrannosaurus zord
According to Cinema Blend, Trini, the Yellow Ranger who wielded daggers and commanded the saber-toothed tiger zord and Billy, the Blue Ranger who wielded a battle lance and commanded the triceratops zord, are yet to have a shortlist reported. There is also a high possibility that Tommy, the Green/White Ranger, is present as well. Whether they will also be different from their original casting just as Black Ranger is yet to be seen.
While fresh faces seem to be the choice for the new 'Power Rangers', the studio is said to be looking at big names to play antagonists. This may be the move that can somehow mitigate the risk of casting new faces, but ultimately, the film will have to deliver on its screenplay and directing.
Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz are penning the script, with Haim Saban, Brian Casentini and Allison Shearmur producing. It will be daunting task to make the 'Power Rangers' stand out in an industry full of superheroes, and many have set the bar high for these kinds of things. Hopefully, casting new and younger actors for the 'Power Rangers' reboot will prove to be a breath of fresh and exciting air. The movie is expected to go up against Guy Ritchie's "King Arthur" , which also bows on Jan. 13, 2017.
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