Mighty Morphin Power Rangers began as a kid's show about acrobatic teenagers with attitude fighting evil. Going on to become a pop cultural phenomenon that has continued for more than two decades. With so many fans of the original series, the upcoming film reboot has become eagerly awaited. To get in the spirit, here are seven fun facts about the television series and the new film.
Bryan Cranston previously did a voice in Power Rangers
Bryan Cranston has worked in comedy and drama throughout his career, with the villainous Walter White being his most recent and possibly most iconic role to date. Cranston is one of the big name actors to bring some star power to the roles of Power Rangers' well-known character, as he takes on the role of Power Rangers mentor, Zordon. What some fans may know is that this is not the first time Cranston has worked with the Morphin crew. In 1993, during the first season of the show, Cranston provided uncredited voice-overs for two monsters, Twin-Man and Snizard. Villains sent by Rita Repulsa to cause some real damage.
The film will be a mix of the Breakfast Club and Spider-Man
The producers of Power Rangers have stated that the film will not be as much like the original television show and that it is much more akin to a cross between The Breakfast Club and Sam Raimi's 2002 Spiderman. Based on the trailers that audiences have been able to see, it is quite clear that the cheesy but charming quality of the series seems to have been thrown over in favor of modern day teenagers who are suddenly stricken with powers. Whether those teenagers include a brain, an athlete, a basketcase, a princess and a criminal remains to be seen.
A Film of Firsts
The original series filmed around Southern California, mostly in cities surrounding the metropolitan area of Los Angeles. The most recent iteration of Power Rangers, Dino Charge, is filmed in New Zealand. The upcoming film will be the first production to be filmed in Canada. This will also be the first Power Rangers film to be rated PG-13. Since the film appears to cash in on the success of recent superhero films, the movie will be over 2 hours long. Far longer than previous installments.
Max Landis wrote one of the original treatments for the film
Not everyone knows screenwriter Max Landis other than noting he has the same last name as John Landis, the legendary filmmaker who helped bring us Animal House, The Blues Brothers and An American Werewolf in London. With good reason, as Max is his son, and luckily, talent runs in the family. Max has shown his own talent with Chronicle, American Ultra, and the criminally underrated, Mr. Right. Even with past success, Max's original treatment for Power Rangers was ultimately scrapped. The script is supposed to include a much more classic Power Rangers style with comedy and teen angst, rather than the sleek and thoroughly modern interpretation. The script can be found on the internet.
A Bulk and Skull spin off almost happened
While filming 1997's Power Rangers Turbo, a Bulk and Skull spin-off was also filming its own show for fans. Rather than just pestering the Rangers, they would have been running a hotel and displaying their ridiculous slapstick somewhere else. Since the characters were the primary comedic force, even if that comedy was anything but subtle, the producers thought they may give the show a chance. After filming the pilot with no one interested in the project, the idea was scrapped. Unfortunately, Bulk and Skull are getting the cold shoulder once again as they will not appear in the new film.
The theme song was inspired by Inspector Gadget
Whether the new version of the Power Rangers theme will be recognizable to fans of the original series remains to be seen. When composer, Ron Wasserman, was working on a theme song for the show he was given instructions to add the word "Go" to the song somewhere as it worked for the catchy theme song for Inspector Gadget. He complied and the song has become iconic.
Lionsgate films would like to make seven films
Knowing that there is great potential in a new franchise of Ranger films, Lionsgate has its eyes on big success. The company has stated that they would ideally like to make seven films. Whether those films will be made to include the current cast is unlikely. There is no disputing there will most likely be a sequel in the works shortly. It has been revealed that there will be a credit scene in the new film which may shed light on what may is up next for the Rangers.
Comments