Based on Saban’s TV show of the same name, Power Rangers centers on five teenagers Jason (Darce Montgomery), Billy (RJ Cyler), Kimberly (Naomi Scott), Trini (Becky G), and Zach (Ludi Lin) whose lives are forever changed when they discover five power coins and an alien ship beneath their hometown of Angel Grove. Despite their differences and their real-life struggles, they must come together as a united force to defeat the evil Rita Replusa from achieving her goal to destroy the Earth.

We were invited to attend the Power Rangers‘ press day to learn more about what director Dean Israelite did to respect fans of the original, while also creating new fans, and what were some of the inspirations to John Gatins script.

Check out what they had to say below.

As a kid who grew up in the 90s, I practically lived and breathed Saturday morning TV, and nothing said get up early to watch shows than the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. It has been nearly a quarter of a century since the American version of the popular Japanese Super Sentai aired. Since then, over 20 different themed Power Rangers shows have aired and two different theatrical films were released.

Now, a whole new version will hit theaters next week in Power Rangers. Directed by Dean Israelite (Earth To Echo), the film is a callback to the first show that aired in the U.S. But this time there is a whole new group of kids: Jason Scott (Dacre Montgomery) Kimberly Hart (Naomi Scott), Billy Cranston (RJ Cyler), Trini (Becky G), and Zack (Ludi Lin) who will morph into a new team to fight a different kind of Rita Replusia (Elizabeth Banks).

We were fortunate enough to sit down with a group of our fellow journalists to talk to the cast and crew about making the film and appealing to the older fans while also drawing in new audiences. We also learned about the fight training and what it was like for the young cast to star opposite Banks. Check it all out here below.

Power Rangers
Director: Dean Israelite
Screenwriter: John Gatins
Cast: Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Becky G, Ludi Lin, Bill Hader, Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Banks
Distributor: Lionsgate
Rated PG-13 | 124 Minutes
Release Date: March 24, 2017

“Different Colors. Different Kids. Different Colored Kids.” The Power Rangers are the zeitgeist of 90’s Saturday morning television. But the series isn’t exactly the sparkling example of quality acting and writing. None of that really mattered as a kid as long as the title heroes defeated the monster of the week. So in an age where TV shows are getting the big-screen adaptation treatment, it was only a matter of time before studios would take their eyes on our Saturday morning cartoon favorites.

As fans got older so did the franchise. The Power Rangers constantly changed teams, themes, and stories. But one thing remained true: it was always going to be campy. However, with this new reboot, titled simply Power Rangers, we are introduced to a few more bold ideas, like the introduction of a gay character as a ranger, and one ranger who has Autism. These new ideas are a reflection of the world that we live in today, gives way to those who are trying to find out who they are the impression that they have someone they can relate to. That in itself gives hope and inspiration while also being fun and nostalgic. My full review of the film below.

At long last another trailer for the Power Rangers has arrived. It was beginning to look like the first trailer was the only one we were going to get considering that it’s January and the film is going to be released in March.

As with all new trailers, there’s also brand new footage. This time we finally get to see the five title heroes in their morphed up forms, and a glimpse of the five new zords and their unified Megazord form. Plus our very first look at Bryan Cranston as Zordon and Bill Hader as Alpha 5. Check it out below.

Now that the New York Comic-Con is in full swing, a lot of Power Ranger fans will have their eyes on the panel hoping for a glimpse of the new Rangers in action. The titular heroes will actually be based on the first American iteration, where five teenagers are selected to be super-powered protectors of Angel Grove. Of course, things will change, and based on the new trailer that was shown earlier this morning, these Teenagers have to attend Saturday school, which will bring them together to fight an evil force known as Rita Replusa.

Check out the full trailer here below.