Being one of the biggest hits in the 90s, the "Power Rangers" has spawned several movies and multiple television versions decades later. But in 2017, fans will be in for a treat as the first ever big budgeted project out of the "Power Rangers" franchise is slated for release.
Lionsgate has brought in Dean Israelite to bring to life the 21st century take of the phenomenal "Power Rangers" franchise. He is directing the latest film that will be topbilled by relatively newcomers.
Dacre Montgomery (Jason Scott/Red Ranger), Naomi Scott (Kimberly Hart/Pink Ranger), Becky G. (Trini, Yellow Ranger), Ludi Lin (Zack Taylor/Black Ranger), and RJ Cyler (Billy Cranston/Blue Ranger) will be the focus of the potential franchise as they assemble as the "Power Rangers". They will be fighting their nemesis Rita Repulsa, who will be played by actress Elizabeth Banks.
According to Screen Rant, writer Max Landis has pitched his take for the upcoming film before Lionsgate ultimately pushed his version aside for the current vision. Landis then hired artist Matt Franks to design the concept art for his pitch but due to time constraints, he was only able to design the main villain.
As one can see from the above photo of the said design, the character design of Rita Repulsa was very different from that of the current one worn by Elizabeth Banks' character. If the design from Landis' pitch was followed, it can actually change the film's entire tone.
Apparently, the upcoming "Power Rangers" is not borrowing elements from the original "Power Rangers" series. Also, based on current outings of Elizabeth Banks in a far different costume, the film is also not borrowing from the character concept of Max Landis' pitch.
The character design for Rita Repulsa used in the upcoming film was much simpler. Actress Elizabeth Banks was shown looking more human on the images released by the Power Rangers Movie Facebook, instead of the creepy and strange-looking design by Franks. The reason given by the production team is that thet are trying to make the film more grounded and believable. This is surprising considering that Landis' past works were strange and totally out of the box.
"Power Rangers" is expected to hit theaters in 2017.
