Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, are just some of the popular genre franchises from the 80’s and 90’s, that have successfully transitioned from kid’s television programming, to blockbuster success on the big screen. One of the biggest franchises still untouched is the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. The live-action TV series debuted in 1993, about a group of teenagers, who are gifted with mysterious powers to protect the Earth from alien invasions. In early 2017, Saban Entertainment will be releasing the feature film adaptation of their property that was the rage of the late 20th century, with kids all over the world.
According to That Hashtag Show’s sources, actor Logan Miller (I’m in the Band) has been meeting with director Dean Israelite (Project Almanac) for a role in the upcoming Power Rangers film. The fact that he is getting heavy consideration for a role should not come as a huge surprise. He is still relatively unknown, which means that Lionsgate will be able to sign him to a multi-picture contract for a low cost. While he isn’t a big name, Miller has an extensive resume as both an actor and voiceover artist. In fact, he has been the voice of Nova for Marvel animation in Ultimate Spider-Man, so it comes as no surprise that he would want to go to space in live-action.
The exact role that Miller is up for is unclear, however That Hashtag Show speculates that the actor would be a good fit as Billy. In the original series, Billy Cranston (named after Breaking Bad actor, Bryan Cranston, who voiced multiple characters on the show) was one of the longest tenured Rangers, while serving as the “Tech Guy” for the team. He went on to become one of the more well-rounded characters on the squad and would be a great breakout role for an actor such as Miller.
Only in recent weeks have trace details on the movie leaked, as the film plows through the pre-production process. Two weeks ago, Heroic Hollywood published a spoiler-filled report outlining the plot points of the first act of the film. A few months ago the short film Power/Rangers, a straight-faced and adult satire of the series which was shot in a brutal and mature fashion, became a viral sensation. Saban quickly distanced his theatrical release from the bootleg production, claiming the film would be family-friendly like the original show.
That Hashtag Show has uncovered the tone that Saban and Israelite is shooting for with the upcoming feature film adaptation. They would like the movie to have the feel of Sam Raimi’s original Spider-Man according to the report. While they are hoping to cast leads that have the same dynamic chemistry as the teens in the movie, The Breakfast Club. The 1980’s classic dramedy written and directed by John Landis, about a group of five teenagers with distinct personalities, who come of age while spending detention together. The film has been regarded as a relatively timeless picture of high school hijinx, combined with an expert blend of comedy and heart. Marvel has recently expressed interest in matching Hughes’ tone for Sony’s Spider-Man franchise as well. So it makes sense that Saban would like to follow suit. (After all, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers have long been seen as a rip-off of the Voltron series.) There is much more to come on the Power Rangers, so make sure to keep checking in.
Power Rangers will open in theaters on January 13th, 2017.
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Source: That Hashtag Show