Power Rangers (2017) is an American superhero film directed by Dean Israelite, serving as a reboot of the popular franchise originally based on the Japanese Super Sentai series. The film features a new cast, including Dacre Montgomery as Jason Scott (Red Ranger), Naomi Scott as Kimberly Hart (Pink Ranger), RJ Cyler as Billy Cranston (Blue Ranger), Becky G as Trini Kwan (Yellow Ranger), and Ludi Lin as Zack Taylor (Black Ranger). It was released on March 24, 2017, and aimed to introduce a new generation to the beloved characters while expanding on their backstories.
The plot centers around a group of high school teenagers who discover ancient Power Coins that grant them superhuman abilities. After a series of events, they learn that they must unite to protect Earth from Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks), an ancient threat who seeks to obtain the Zeo Crystal. The film delves into themes of friendship, teamwork, and self-discovery as the teenagers navigate their newfound powers and responsibilities.
Upon its release, Power Rangers received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the character development and modern take on the franchise, others criticized it for pacing issues and a lack of action compared to previous iterations. The film grossed approximately $142.5 million worldwide against a budget of $100–105 million, which ultimately led to the cancellation of planned sequels due to its underperformance at the box office.
Despite its commercial challenges, Power Rangers has been appreciated by fans for its attempt to honor the legacy of the original series while providing a fresh perspective on the characters. The film's narrative included intriguing twists, such as making Rita Repulsa a former Green Ranger, which added depth to the story and connected it to the franchise's lore.
Overall, Power Rangers (2017) serves as a notable entry in the superhero genre, blending action with themes relevant to modern audiences while aiming to revitalize interest in a classic franchise.