Last year it was announced that Lionsgate would be rebooting the Power Rangers. Production has been slow going for the film, which is expected to get a July 2016 release, having already lost executive producer Roberto Orci . Although Joseph Kahn‘s darker take on Power Rangers isn’t actually a part of the franchise, and was considered more fanfare, the viral video hit set the bar pretty high. Even Saban Entertainment – the production company that helped bring Power Rangers from Japan and adapt it for American audiences – fought to have the video taken down. But the video may have actually helped the film in the long run, as there was a debate as to whether or not there can be a more mature Power Rangers or not. Kahn has explicitly stated that there would not be a longer version of his short, which may have disappointed those who liked the video.

Lionsgate’s Power Rangers probably won’t mirror Kahn’s short in the end, but they are finally narrowing down the list of possible directors. According to a new report, Project Almanac‘s Dean Israelite is now in talks to helm the Power Rangers reboot.

The Wrap says that Israelite is now in negotiations to direct the film. The director who is best known for helming the teenage time traveling found footage film Project Almanac, is also rumored to direct the War Games remake. The report adds that he is an avid fan of the franchise, and will bring a “fresh voice to the property.” Apparently, he has also been courted to direct many other tentpole films, but ultimately found his way to Lionsgate to helm Power Rangers.

Should Israelite sign on, he would be teaming up with Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz (Thor, X-Men: First Class) who are writing the script; and producers Haim Saban, Brian Casentini, and Allison Shearmur.

Power Rangers has seen many different iterations throughout the years, with the powers, weapons, and interconnecting mecha consistently changing to reflect their title: Turbo, In Space, Dino Charged, Ninja Force, etc. But the core premise remains the same: Five teenagers are chosen and given the ability to morph into the eponymous Power Rangers. Equipped with extraordinary weapons and bestial (or mechanical) mechas they defend the earth against out-of-this-world threats.

No word yet on who Lionsgate is looking at to star.

Power Rangers is scheduled to be released on July 22, 2016.

[Source: The Wrap]