Last month, we got a first glimpse of the film ‘Saban’s Power Rangers’ which reinvents the classic TV series by returning to the show’s roots, the groundbreaking ‘Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers’ which became a sensation in 1993. That first photo showed the young cast in civilian attire, which was… okay. I guess. (For a JC Penney catalog picture.)
Here it is again, in case you missed it:
The new movie stars (L-R) R.J. Cyler as Billy the Blue Ranger, Naomi Scott as Kimberly the Pink Ranger, Ludi Lin as Zack the Black Ranger, Becky G. as Trini the Yellow Ranger and Dacre Montgomery as Jason the Red Ranger. I’m sure they smile at some point.
But NOW we finally get the first truly Morphenomenal image from the new movie, featuring Elizabeth Banks as Big Bad Rita Repulsa.
Bank teased a few tidbits about her character:
“It’s definitely a modern and edgy re-imagining of the original Rita Repulsa. We wanted to give her a backstory that connects her to the new Rangers.”
And what is Banks most looking forward to in this role?
“Obviously, first, world domination. I’ve never played a villain before, let alone an alien warrior.”
One thing that fans can NOT look forward to is Banks rocking hair horns and a giant cone bra.
Last fall, it was rumored that Rita wouldn’t be the villain in this movie at all. Instead, reports were that Scorpina would step up as the main baddie.
Those rumors have been debunked, but are they 100% unfounded? Maybe not…
Check out Banks as Rita:
Perhaps the Scorpina rumors surfaced after someone glimpsed some designs that looked like this finished costume? There are certain elements that one could attribute to Scorpina, including the spines on her head and the armored fingertips which resemble the sharp gauntlet she wore on the TV show.
But nope, this is Banks as Rita! Hopefully, the movie will delve into this backstory she hinted at. (What’s up with the long cords around her neck and elsewhere?) The new look is decidedly less campy than the original and a lot sexier! There’s a definite reptilian tone to this look, complete with emerald green contacts. Banks is an old pro at prosthetics and makeup having played the over-the-top Effie Trinket in the ‘Hunger Games’ movies.
And call me crazy, but I also seem to note some resemblance to the character Dulcea from 1995’s ‘Power Rangers: The Movie’ played by Gabrielle Fitzpatrick:
Just me?
Banks attributed her interest in ‘Power Rangers’ to her younger brother, saying:
“It might be his favorite show of all time.”
What do you think? Is Banks what you imagined as Rita Repulsa? Are you disappointed that she doesn’t look more like the original TV version?
‘Saban’s Power Rangers’ directed by Dean Israelite blasts into theaters on March 24, 2017.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
Jason’s favorite Power Ranger is Jason the Red Ranger (duh!). You can follow him on Twitter.
