The first Power Ranger in the new 2017 film adaptation of the hit kids series has been announced! The teenager with attitude in the reboot is Naomi Scott, who can currently be seen in ‘The Martian’ and has also appeared in ‘The 33’ (based on the true story of the trapped Chilean miners) and as Maddy Shannon on the FOX series ‘Terra Nova’. Scott will portray Kimberly Hart who becomes the Pink Ranger. The role was originally played by Amy Jo Johnson on the TV series from 1993-96 and also starred in the live action movie which came out in 1995.
Scott’s casting was announced via Instagram:
Scott was recently listed as being in the running against Stefanie Scott and AnnaSophia Robb.
This is how the role of Kimberly is described in the new film:
Kimberly – 17 years old, unconventionally cool all in a way the popular girls wish they were. In fact, she was one of those girls, but isn’t anymore. Not since she’s returned to school after an absence of 6 months. Rumors are flying as to why; rumors she seems not to care about, because she’s come back with this new rebel-without-a-cause, edgy attitude. But the truth is, it’s all masking a deep secret that makes her feel profoundly vulnerable.
Here is a plot detail that also sheds some light on her character:
Jason, the Red Ranger is shown at Hart Automotive, a repair shop, where he apparently works. The shop is owned by the father of Kimberly Hart. Kimberly, who becomes the Pink Ranger, is described as “a perfectionist on every level, academically and physically.” She is also romantically involved with Jason, as her father walks in on the two of them making out!
These descriptions vary somewhat from the slightly vapid Valley Girl persona that Johnson’s Kimberly possessed on the show. The Pink Ranger has the power of the pterodactyl, piloting a mechanized version of that ancient creature, and wields a bow and arrow as weapons.
At the time it became known that Scott being considered to play Kimberly, it was also rumored that Lionsgate was eyeing Austin Butler, Mitchell Hope and K.J. Apa to play Jason the Red Ranger and Daniel Zovatto, Ross Butler and Brian Marc (a.k.a. Sene) for Zack the Black Ranger.
More casting news as it emerges.
‘Power Rangers’ is due to go into production on January 18, 2016 with a release date of January 13, 2017.
What do you think? Will Naomi Scott make a good “Dark Kimberly?”
Source: Deadline
