Elizabeth Banks Is Rita Repulsa In Power Rangers

 

A new image has unveiled the first look at an almost unrecognizable Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa, the power-mongering alien set to torture Lionsgate’s band of Power Rangers in 2017. Donning a viper green costume that wouldn’t look out of place in the Mortal Kombat franchise, Lionsgate is clearly gunning for an entirely different take on the infamous, cackling baddie. Banks herself teased that this particular version of of’ Rita is both modern and edgy, with plans in place to outline the villain’s backstory so that it dovetails with the Rangers themselves.

She said “It’s definitely a modern and edgy re-imagining of the original Rita Repulsa, we wanted to give her a backstory that connects her to the new Rangers”. Among those Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers tasked with saving the planet are RJ Cyler, Becky G, Ludi Lin, Naomi Scott and Dacre Montgomery. As five unassuming high school teenagers from Angel Grove, Lionsgate’s live-action reboot bestows an extraordinary power on our roster of heroes, before donning those iconic, color-coded costumes to battle evil head on.

Dean Israelite is behind the lens, working in collaboration with Haim Saban of Saban Films alongside producers Brian Casentini and Allison Shearmur. Dean Israelite will assemble the Power Rangers in time for their live-action debut on March 24, 2017.