Image via Complex Original
'80s and '90s babies who had good taste in Saturday morning cartoons lost their shit a couple of weeks ago when that fan-madePower Rangers re-imagining starring Dawson and Starbuck hit the net. And rightfully so. As far as fan-fiction goes, it was top-notch, albeit a little convoluted and overly gritty for darkness' sake. Even before the short film leaked, a real, honest-to-goodness, Hollywood-backed re-imagining was already slated for release next summer.
At press time, no details, casting, or plot are known about the upcoming Power Rangers movie, besides implications that the script is indeed drawing from the original Mighty Morphin iteration (not the countless spin-offs, from Zeo to Space, that followed). In the interest of capitalizing on Hollywood's current hard-on for YA franchises, the characters will probably be teens. (There goes that, James Van Der Beek.) What will the movie look like? Does it stand a chance of holding a candle to the Rangers' first, nostalgia-classic silver screen outing (one time for Swag Lord Ivan Ooze)? Of all franchises '90s babies hold near and dear, is a Power Rangers remake really something we're dying to see? Answers to these questions are likely very far off, and when that's the case, there's only one worthy pastime for the interim: wild speculation.
The most important thing about this movie will be the casting, so here are our picks for all six rangers and villains. Most would probably never happen in a million years. We all loved the Rangers squad but let's keep it a buck; their mythology is not ironclad as some comic book shit. Producers aren't out here casting for Tommy and Kimberly, fam. These picks were made less so with specific characters in mind and more based on the character traits each Ranger typically, embodies no matter which spin-off.
Robbie Amell as the Red Ranger
Why he'd be perfect: The Red Ranger is typically the stalwart, no-nonsense leader of the group—like Cyclops. Stephen Amell is basically playing that role already on Arrow, but his younger brother's been struggling to find a similar wave to ride. Getting chose by Zordon could fix that.
Dianna Agron as the Pink Ranger
Why she'd be perfect: I've never even seen a whole episode of Glee, and even I know this girl can do "plucky" in her sleep. She'd be a layup as the perky team member who puts all the dudes under pressure.
Liam Hemsworth as the Green Ranger
Why he'd be perfect: The Green Ranger needs to be a guy who's both convincing action-wise but also exudes Mr. Steal Yo Girl characteristics. Seen a little franchise called The Hunger Games? Liam's got this on lock.
Donald Glover as the Blue Ranger
Why he'd be perfect: The Blue Ranger is typically nerdy, which Donald can exude while also bringing a little modern cool to the role as well.
A$AP Rocky as the Black Ranger
Why he'd be perfect: What's the one trait both the Black Ranger and A$AP Rocky exude? Cool. If you're going to cast five leads, at least one has to be a far left pick that's actually so right.
Gina Rodriguez as the Yellow Ranger
Why she'd be perfect: She's a Hollywood freshman blowing up on TV right now, so the next logical step is a franchise. She's also good enough to do a lot with what little shine the fifth stringer in the group will probably be given (while also bringing much-needed diversity to the mix but side-stepping the inherent offensiveness of an Asian Yellow Ranger).
Lucy Lawless and Bryan Cranston as Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd
Why they'd be perfect: C'mon, how awesomely full circle would this be? Pre-Walter White, your boy Bryan made some change going all the way in on several Mighty Morphin bad guys. Returning to voice Lord Zedd is just too perfect a prospect; I won't even sue for 700% if that does indeed come to fruition.
As for Rita, Lucy Lawless is great at being gorgeously scary and formidable (see: Battlestar Galactica) and isn't doing enough with her time these days. That's an easy enough sell for her agents to make, anyway.
Dave Franco and Jonah Hill as Skull and Bulk
Why they'd be perfect: Any Power Rangers re-imagining wouldn't be complete without these two nitwit bullies, and while yes, Franco and (especially) Jonah embody the "dream" aspect of this, as per their ages, they probably enjoyed some Mighty Morphin in their day. If the nostalgia were strong enough, who knows?
JK Simmons as Zordon
Why he'd be perfect: He's got the perfect, commanding voice and more importantly the perfect head for that tube.