Power Rangers Is Getting Slammed By Russia

Russian film distributor WDSSPR just upped the age restriction for the Power Rangers movie, changing it from 16+ to 18+, without much by way of an explanation.

Although the change did come after criticism from Russian legislators for the film’s inclusion of a gay character, the Yellow Ranger Trini.

The Hollywood Reporter’s Vladimir Kozlov reported the change, including a few key quotes from members of the government.

Politician Vitaly Milonov, who helped draft and push the infamous “gay propaganda” law in 2013, criticized the film and called for its outright banning on the Russian network Tsargrad.

“If fascist ideology is banned in our country, then [movies by] the likes of Dean Israelite should be banned first thing,” Milonov said.

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Milonov also called for banning Disney’s Beauty and the Beast ahead of its release after a lot of the focus was put on Josh Gad’s character LeFou being homosexual.

His sentiments were echoed by politician Alexei Zhuravlev who criticized the branch that granted the film a license to be distributed in Russia.

“Some officials [at the Culture Ministry] don’t want to observe laws adopted by the State Duma [lower chamber of Russian Parliament], specifically the law banning gay propaganda among minors,” Zhuravlev said.

THR reports that the film only made about 7 million rubles, or around $121,000, at the Russian box office—putting a damper in its worldwide numbers.


The film is now playing in Russian movie theaters.

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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).