Here’s Why Power Rangers Cut Jason And Kimberly’s Kiss

Trailers and television spots for the new Power Rangers movie included steamy footage of Jason and Kimberly smooching on his bed; however, when the film was released this past weekend, there was no kiss to be had. What gives?!

“Nobody liked the kiss,” director Dean Israelite admitted to EW, referring to reactions from test audiences. “It’s one of those rare times in a preview when something is so unanimous.”

The kiss was supposed to happen right after the former Queen Bee of Angel Grove High snuck into Jason’s bedroom and revealed why she ended up in detention. So, did audiences hate it because they didn’t want to see Jason and Kimberly get together? Nope. There’s a much better reason than that.

“For that scene to culminate in some kind of romantic moment between her and Jason undermines her character and feels a little old-fashioned and becomes a movie trope of the female lead there to support some kind of male arc,” he explained. “I think it was actually kind of lovely that the audience pushed so hard against that, and the moment we took it out, everybody liked Kimberly way more and felt she was much stronger, and I loved that we got that reaction.” He added, “I loved that we did it, because my intention was never to have a female character try and be there for the male’s arc. It was always that she needed to stand independent of him.”

MORE: There’s A 6-Film Power Rangers Franchise Plan / Here Is What Happens After Power Rangers Ends / Original Power Rangers Reunite

Saban‘s Power Rangers follows five ordinary teens who must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove – and the world – is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so, they will have to overcome their real-life issues and before it’s too late, band together as the Power Rangers.

Saban’s Power Rangers stars Dacre Montgomery as Jason Lee Scott/the Red Ranger, RJ Cyler as Billy Cranston/the Blue Ranger, Becky G as Trini Kwan/the Yellow Ranger, Ludi Lin as Zack Taylor/the Black Ranger, Naomi Scott as Kimberly Hart/the Pink Ranger, Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa, Bill Hader as Alpha 5, and Bryan Cranston as Zordon.

The film is being directed by Project Almanac-helmer Dean Israelite and was written by Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz.

Power Rangers is now playing!