Power Rangers: Rejected Rita Repulsa Designs Revealed
The Power Rangers universe got a big overhaul in Lionsgate's recent reboot, including Rita [...]
The Power Rangers universe got a big overhaul in Lionsgate's recent reboot, including Rita Repulsa. Repulsa was played by Elizabeth Banks, who brought the Rangers villain to life in a delightful way, but her costume wasn't always like the version seen in the film, and some designs were radically different.
Concept artist Aaron Sims worked extensively on the film (via Power Rangers NOW) and shared a few different designs of Repulsa that didn't make it to the screen. The most eye-catching one is a costume he terms as "Nautical-chic". It didn't feature any of the green and instead went with all-black, with a variety of fishnet styled trappings all over the suit. This looks to be the original version of the costume she sports in the film, a look she only wears briefly before getting her final costume.
The second suit was the original concept for the character and features a multi-hued green costume with a long and ascending collar. It's more covered than her final suit and actually succeeds in making her look more threatening. The collar has a very "Maleficent" vibe, and the scales on the legs are a nice touch. The third suit is one much closer to her final costume, featuring only slight differences. The theatrical costume worked well on screen, but that collared costume would've have looked amazing. You can view all three in the gallery, and more of Sim's work can be found on Instagram.
As for returning to the franchise, Banks recently said "I mean, we are just here in this moment right now… *Laughs* Hoping that the fans embrace the movie, hoping people love it, ya know? I think, I mean I love it, and I had so much fun, I think it's really fun, I think it speaks to young people, in a great, fresh way, um I love this cast, so I'm, I'm down for whatever, but I… I don't predict the future, I don't predict the future."
"Saban's Power Rangers follows five ordinary high school kids 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 that they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so they will have to overcome their real-life issues and band together as the Power Rangers before it is too late."
Power Rangers stars Bryan Cranston (Zordon), Elizabeth Banks (Rita Repulsa), Naomi Scott (Kimberly/Pink Ranger), David Denman (Sam Scott), Becky G. (Trini/Yellow Ranger), Sarah Grey (Amanda), RJ Cyler (Billy Cranston/Blue Ranger), Emily Maddison (Rebecca), Ludi Lin (Zack Taylor/Black Ranger), and Dacre Montgomery (Jason Lee Scott/Red Ranger).
Power Rangers is in theaters now.
MORE POWER RANGERS: Check Out This Amazing Megazord Cosplay / Power Rangers Writer Gives Easter Egg Pointers / Jason David Frank Talks Female Green Ranger In Sequel / End Credits Scene Explained
