The Power Rangers reboot was a bit divisive, but it still had plenty of amazing moments for fans and past Rangers alike. For the original Red Ranger though, there is one moment that stands above the rest.
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Austin St. John played the character of Jason Scott during the first two seasons of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and while the film included his character, it did take some detours from the original series. Still, he couldn’t have been prouder of the film incarnation after that hilarious moment in detention (via ZerOtheGeek).
“My favorite part of the movie was where my character, or the new Jason, completely pimp slapped the bully in detention for being a jerk,” St. John told fans at Tampa Bay Comic Con. “I was like that is something I actually wanted to do myself, good job!”
Granted, he could never have done that back during the original series, a show that (somehow) was viewed at the time as too violent. “Had he done that in the 90’s I would’ve been fired. “That’s too violent”, but I loved it,” St. John told fans at San Francisco Comic Con (via Steven Alvarez).
It’s hard to belive that a show like Power Rangers was ever looked at as “violent”, as the characters don’t even bleed when hit (they spark instead). Then again, the 90’s was a very different time, and things like the darker in tone unofficial Power Rangers Fan Film were a long way from happening yet. Imagine if 90’s parents could have seen that version. They probably would have just fainted on the spot.
While he enjoyed the film’s portrayal of Jason, there was one thing that was downplayed just a bit too much for his liking, though it really isn’t Red Ranger Dacre Montgomery’s fault, as opposed to a difference in vision.
Hit the next slide to find out what that is!
It’s Morphin Time
There were plenty of nods to the original Mighty Morphin television series, but many aspects of the franchise got a facelift or redesign before making their way to film.
One of those is how the Rangers actually morph. Gone are the Power Morphers that enable the Rangers to access the Morphing Grid, and the iconic Morphing sequence went with them. Still, that wasn’t the biggest missed opportunity for St. John.
“The second we morphed, or were about to morph, was the only time Jason raised his voice,” St. John said. “He would go from (quieter) “hey guys let’s do this” to (raises voice) “It’s Morphin Time!” So that was where the shift happened for Jason.”
The iconic phrase did actually make its way into the film, but perhaps the creators sent a bit too…subtle.
“So in the movie, like, I missed it,” St. John said. “I was at the premiere in LA with all the other actors, and I missed it’s Morphin Time. Like wait a minute, he didn’t do the…what just happened! I couldn’t believe it. But he did, it was just (subtle) “it’s Morphin Time”.
That of coruse doesn’t really fall on Montgomery, as that was likely something the director wanted. Still, St. John isn’t the only one that took issue with the Morphin Sequences (or lack there of) in the reboot.
Hit the next slide to hear what the director has to say!
The Director Explains
Power Rangers director Dean Israelite explained his reasoning behind the way morphing was handled in the film, and specifically why it took so long for them to actually become Rangers.
“This is what got me interested in the movie – this is a Power Rangers movie where the Power Rangers can’t morph, and I thought that was a very clever way in. Because you’re expecting, in the conventional trope of a superhero movie that they become superheroes, and get their armor, and sure they’ll have to train and figure it out, but that they get those tools,” Israelite said (via Power Rangers NOW).
Fans were certainly surprised, and the team knew some wouldn’t be so thrilled about it. Still, to them it was worth it to let fans get to know the characters and actually see them earn their roles as Rangers.
“What I thought was potentially so clever was this idea that getting your armor was a metaphor,” Israelite explained. “And you had to delay them getting their armor until they had earned it for that metaphor to make any sense.”
Many enjoyed the time investment in the characters outside of costume, though those same fans would probably admit to wanting more of the Rangers in their suit. If a sequel does get made, hopefully, the team can find the perfect balance.
