Go, go, Power Rangers. Those four words incite a lot of nostalgia and wonderful memories for ‘90s kids. We grew up watching a ragtag group of teenagers become part-time heroes fighting against otherworldly forces. Sometimes, they would even combine together to form one big fighting machine. Since then, the show has become a staple in pop culture, frequently on streaming services and getting revived content. Some of the show’s actors even go to conventions to pose with their fans. What we didn’t see coming was a 30th anniversary scripted standalone special on Netflix with some of our fave Power Rangers suiting up again.
According to Entertainment Weekly, this is the cast coming along for the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: Once & Always special: Walter E. Jones (Zack, the Black Ranger), David Yost (Billy, the first Blue Ranger), Catherine Sutherland (Kat, the second Pink Ranger), Karan Ashley (Aisha, the second Yellow Ranger), Steve Cardenas (Rocky, second Red Ranger), and Johnny Yong Bosch (Adam, Black Ranger). Barbara Goodson will once again be the voice of their arch nemesis Rita Repulsa. These photos certainly stir up a couple of feelings.
Wowww. It’s a rather bittersweet announcement considering the recent passing of Jason David Frank, who played the original Green Ranger Tommy. We shall see if the Power Rangers anniversary special does any tribute to him.
We do know that there will be a tie into the original Yellow Ranger, Trini. Thuy Trang played this character but sadly died in a car accident in 2001. Charlie Kersch will play Minh, Trini’s daughter.
Many fans have also noticed the omission of Amy Jo Johnson, who infamously played Kimberly, the original Pink Ranger. Johnson made a statement via Twitter saying that she was made an offer but chose to decline it. She doesn’t go into further detail, but it is clear that something about what was proposed to her—be it story choices or salary issues—didn’t work for her. Sometimes, you just gotta say no.
Johnson recently followed up with another bit of insight into her decision-making.
We are also getting a new era of Power Rangers with Cosmic Fury coming this Fall. There’s still a lot to learn about the plot for this, but here’s what the Hasbro/eOne team says about it: “Power Rangers: Cosmic Fury continues the adventures of Power Rangers: Dino Fury, with the team embarking on a journey through outer space as they unlock new Cosmic powers and defend the universe against the returning infamous villain Lord Zedd.”
The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always special premieres April 19 on Netflix, so hopefully, we will get a trailer soon!
Originally published on January 17, 2023.
