Lionsgate releases a first look at their upcoming Power Rangers reboot! Read the official synopsis and see the first image of Elizabeth Banks as villain Rita Repulsa.
I remember very vividly when I first came across the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Admittedly, I was a little late to series—I didn’t start watching until the second season in Fall 1994. However, one of my most fond memories is getting off the school bus and rushing home just in time to tune into Jason, Kim, Zack, Trini, and Billy’s adventures. Add in the Bulk/Skull foolishness and Rita Repulsa’s chosen monster-of-the day, and I was ALL IN. We won’t even talk about how things got extra interesting when Tommy/Green Ranger arrived in Angel Grove, then Lord Zedd’s arrival (and marriage to Rita).
Over the years, the TV series has been complimented with feature films, like the 1995 movie where the Rangers (with their new Ninjazords/Ninja FalconMegazord) take on Ivan Ooze and his insidious mind control of Angel Grove’s parents.
OK, enough of me embarrassing myself with my old-school Power Rangers love, but I share all this so you understand my incredible excitement about Lionsgate’s upcoming Power Rangers reboot!
According to the official synopsis:
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 threat. 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. (via Lionsgate)
The film stars a new cast, with Naomi Scott as Kimberly Hart/Pink Ranger, Becky G. as Trini Kwan/Yellow Ranger, RJ Cyler as Billy Cranston/Blue Ranger, Dacre Montgomery as Jason Lee Scott/Red Ranger, and Ludi Lin as Zack Taylor/Black Ranger.
Of course, we can’t talk about Power Rangers without referencing our favorite villain, Rita, who will be played by Elizabeth Banks! A first look image of Banks in this role debuted on People.com earlier today. Check it out below:
In the accompanying interview, Banks shared more about her thoughts on playing this iconic baddie:
“I’ve never played a villain before,” Banks tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue, adding that she’s looking forward to “world domination – and being unpredictable as a character.”
And quite the menacing character, no less: As Rita Repulsa, Banks is decked out in reptilian-like green getup and hair, with menacing gold talons to match…
…As for her character’s new look: “It’s definitely a modern and edgy re-imagining of the original Rita Repulsa. We wanted to give her a backstory that connects her to the new Rangers.”
Power Rangers hits theaters in March 2017. Take a look at the film logo below, and stay up to date by following the official social media accounts!
#PowerRangersMovie
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What do you think of Rita Repulsa’s new look? Share your thoughts in comments!