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It has been slow-going, but Lionsgate is finally getting ready to cast Power Rangers. This past summer, a character description list revealed that the team would be comprised of Jason, Zack, Billy, Trini, and Kimberly – these are the names of the five who would become the first power rangers. The descriptions followed the basic character tropes of natural-born leader, the cool-guy, the nerd, the calm and collected person, and the popular pretty one.
Now, a new shortlist reveals who director Dean Isrealite and Lionsgate are looking at to fill those roles. Check out who is auditioning for what role here below.
Variety says that Daniel Zovatto (It Follows, Laggies), Ross Butler (Chasing Life, K.C. Undercover), and Brian “Sene” Marc (Major Crimes, White Girl) are among those testing for Zack (aka the Black Ranger), while KJ Apa (Shortland Street), Austin Butler (The Shannara Chronicles), and Mitchell Hope (The Descendants) are testing for Jason (aka the Red Ranger). Naomi Scott (The Martian) and newcomer Stephanie Scott (Insidious 3, Jem And The Holograms) are up for the role of Kimberly (aka the Pink Ranger), with Jeff Sneider of The Wrap says AnnaSophia Robb (Bridge To Terabitha, The Carrie Diaries) is also auditioning for the role.
No word yet on who is in the running for Billy (aka the Blue Ranger) or Trini (aka the Yellow Ranger).
The film is said to follow the same basic premise of the first TV series where an evil entity is accidentally released forcing Zordon to recruit five teeangers to become the Power Rangers to protect the earth using their Power Coins and their giant mechanical dinosaurs called Dinozords.
Power Rangers is based on the popular Japanese TV series Super Sentai, which constantly changes and reimagines its heroes by evolving the story, powers, suits, weapons, and zords. In its 20-year run in America, the Power Rangers have used weapons and zords relating to wild beasts, ninjas, mystical animals, rescue vehicles, cars, and more. In 1995, Mighty Morphing Power Rangers: The Movie was released. Two years later, Fox would release Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie.
Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz (X-Men: First Class) are penning the script. Haim Saban, Brian Casentini, and Allison Shearmur will produce.
As you can see, of the names on that shortlist, Robb is the one that is most recognizable; the rest are newcomers or just fresh faces. This is an ideal approach to the casting, as casting anyone with a familiar face might overshadow the film itself.
It is also being reported that Lionsgate will be looking for a big name to play the role of Rita Repulsa, no word yet on who they are looking at though.
Power Rangers will open in theaters on January 13, 2017
[Source: Jeff Sneider | Variety]
Stephanie Scott is familiar if you have kids who watch the Disney channel.
Comment by jbird669 — October 6, 2015 @ 9:20 am