Power Rangers Movie Writer Explains Why Trini Is LGBTQ

07/11/2017 03:23 pm EDT

Power Rangers features a delightfully diverse cast, which includes a new LGTBQ take on the Yellow Ranger Trini.

This was a major change from the original Mighty Morphin version of the character, and Power Rangers writer John Gatkins explained the thought process behind the decision (via Power Rangers NOW) on the audio commentary.

"I wanted to feel like these teenagers were reflective of 2017. That was my continued argument – that come on, it's 2017. Do I think that in time to come we'll have a whole team of gay or questioning superheroes? Sure, why not. It's the world we live in and we need it to reflect it. And I think we handled it with as much grace as we could. And [actress] Becky G. did such an amazing job and it was important to her too."

Gatkins understands a decision like that might lead to some backlash, but Saban and Lionsgate were willing to risk it. "It was a lot to ask of the Saban company and Lionsgate to go and scratch the surface of this issue," said Gatkins.

The characters, including Trini, truly came into their own in the campfire scene, a scene that director Dean Israelite says crystalized all the decisions they had made.

"I remember when we were finally in the editing room with everyone from Saban and Lionsgate, and we looked at the [campfire] scene, we all looked at each other and said 'Yep, we're going to do this'. And one of our producers started crying because it was such a profound moment for all of us. I'll never forget that because it made us all feel that yeah we're in the movie business, and we're making a movie, and it's entertainment, but there's something important too about this."

You can find the official description for Power Rangers below, which currently has a 73.17 in ComicBook.com's composite rankings. You can submit your score here.

As part of the 24-year-old global phenomenon and based on the five Rangers from the original TV series, "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,", the reimagined movie features a modern generation of Rangers including Dacre Montgomery (TV's "Stranger Things") as Jason the Red Ranger, Naomi Scott (The 33) as Kimberly the Pink Ranger, RJ Cyler (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl) as Billy the Blue Ranger, Ludi Lin (Monster Hunt) as Zack the Black Ranger, and Becky G. (Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising) as Trini the Yellow Ranger, as they attempt to stop the evil and unpredictable Rita Repulsa (played by Elizabeth Banks, The Hunger Games Franchise) from destroying their city…and ultimately the world. Bryan Cranston ("Breaking Bad") as Zordon, and Bill Hader (Finding Dory) as Alpha 5 train the Rangers to morph and master their powers as a united team.

The Saban's Power Rangers DVD will include exclusive audio commentary with director Dean Israelite and writer John Gatins, and deleted/alternate/extended scenes and outtakes. Saban's Power Rangers will be available on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD for the suggested retail price of $42.99, $39.99, and $29.95, respectively.

Power Rangers is in stores now.

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