Mighty Morphin Power Ranger news [Archive]

GeneChing

12-01-2006, 04:13 PM

'MIGHTY' MITE 4, BEATS BANDITS: 'MORPHIN' MOVE SAVES THE DAY (http://www.nypost.com/seven/11302006/news/nationalnews/mighty_mite_4__beats_bandits_nationalnews_matt_dee s.htm)
By MATT DEES

November 30, 2006 -- DURHAM, N.C. - A robber was holding a gun to 5-year-old Mary Long's head when a 3-foot-tall Mighty Morphin Power Ranger leaped into the room.

"Get away from my family," 4-year-old Stevie Long shouted, punctuating his screams with swipes of his plastic sword and hearty "yah, yahs!"

The robber and his accomplice, who was waiting outside the apartment Friday night, fled with credit cards, jewelry, cash and other items that Stevie's mother, Jennifer Long, dumped from her purse.

"I scared the bad guys away," Stevie said.

Two men had approached Jennifer Long's boyfriend and his son as they stood outside the apartments she helps manage, according to a police report. The strangers asked for pot, and then a cigarette. As the son went to get one, both men pulled guns, police said.

One stayed with the boyfriend as the other forced the son back into the apartment, police said. Inside were Jennifer Long, a cousin, Stevie, Mary and two other children, police said.

They were forced on the floor. The robber pointed the gun at Mary and a 1-year-old girl named Sierra, said Stevie's uncle, Bernie Evans, 33, who lives above the Longs.

Enter Stevie.

"During the robbery, a . . . boy snuck into his bedroom, dressed himself in a Power Ranger costume and armed himself with a plastic sword," police said. "The child then exited his room and approached the armed suspect, in an attempt to protect his family."

Relatives said the robber abandoned plans to take Stevie's mother to an ATM to withdraw cash when he saw Stevie.

"It tripped him out, and that's when they moved on," said Evans, who did not witness the incident.

Stevie likes to think he cuts an intimidating figure in his red-and-black mask and foam suit that replicates the rippling muscles of the kiddie adventure-show heroes. But Evans said the robber was more startled that Stevie was able to retreat to his bedroom and morph.

jethro

12-02-2006, 02:02 PM

This kid should get an award for baddest ass little kid of the year. Can barely talk and he saves his family from gunpoint, he has a future.

GeneChing

04-03-2008, 09:55 AM

Sort of like Power Rangers meets Jackie Chan's Disciple (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45829)?

Power Rangers in martial arts deal (http://www.toynewsmag.com/news/29719/Power-Rangers-sign-martial-arts-deal)
Ronnie Dungan Today, 11:49am

Disney's Power Rangers brand has linked up with a leading martial arts association.

As part of its 15th birthday celebrations the Power Rangers brand has been partnered with leading martial arts association Black Belt International (BBI) to launch a nationwide competition.

Taking place in March and April, the ‘Channel Your Energy For Good’ competition will see the Power Rangers work with kids from 15 existing BBI classes from across the UK where aspiring mini-Rangers will be judged over a month long period both inside and outside of classes.

BBI instructors will be assessing kids on their conduct, attitude and behaviour in-class while parents will oversee a number of ‘at home’ activities participants must carry out – including everyday tasks such as tidying their bedrooms and helping out with the washing up.

To incentivise BBI instructors and kids to get involved with the programme, the Power Rangers have assembled comprehensive prize packages - including special edition, one-off Power Rangers martial arts belts. Three of the 15 winning kids will have their prize packages presented to them in class by an actual Power Ranger.

Boel Ferguson, Managing Director of kids TV channel, Jetix says, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the BBI, using our characters and TV channel to promote an active lifestyle. Much like Power Rangers, BBI promote the virtues of discipline, self-respect, control and teamwork through their classes and give kids added confidence to help build character. It’s an ideal link up. ”

Paul Griffin, Chairman of Black Belt International says, “Power Rangers has endured phenomenal success and has no doubt already inspired many young children to take up a martial arts discipline. We’re delighted to be collaborating with them for this campaign and encouraging kids to channel their energy for good inside and outside of class.”

As well as giving away special edition belts to the 15 competition winners in the ‘Channel your energy for good’ competition, an additional 15 belts are up for grabs for Power Rangers fans on the brand’s 15th anniversary micro-site. Kids can log onto www.jetix.co.uk/powerrangers15 for a chance to win.

冠木侍

04-03-2008, 06:34 PM

http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20050817070609990001&ncid=NWS00010000000001 saw this on another board. and yes it is the one who kept on going back!

Link is dead...

冠木侍

04-03-2008, 06:37 PM

no...not Tommy,

Tommy is pulling in $60K a month in his Cali school. And just opened a TX school...so he's making money so he doesn't need to kill for it.

It's funny because I was just reading up on the Power Rangers the other day. Just wondering where they all went to...(actually, I was just looking up stats for Patricia Ja Lee :) ).

But then the first season cast I remember very well and read that Jason David Frank did indeed open up his own school...and created his own style as well...TOSE KUNE DO.

The web site for his school is nice.

But I never heard of the other dude that did the "deed."

GeneChing

02-11-2011, 10:29 AM

Nick's 2011 redux (http://www.nick.com/shows/power-rangers-samurai/) This is it's 18th season. At least the asian chick isn't the yellow ranger anymore. :rolleyes:

Power Rangers Samurai - Sneak Peek Episode Clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbQ68_QMvQs) Gotta still love those villain costumes.

Some links to other PR threads that I felt should be knitted into this one:
Green Power Ranger to fight MMA (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55113)
Tokusatsu (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53001)
Mighty Morphin' Power Ranger probably killed a dude in Mexico (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38048)
power ranger with a stun gun (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?37985-power-ranger-with-a-stun-gun)

doug maverick

02-11-2011, 11:56 AM

i still think thats funny, yellow ranger was asian, black ranger was black...hahahha

GeneChing

02-11-2011, 12:50 PM

Zordon is a Racist (http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1926078)

GeneChing

04-20-2012, 11:36 AM

http://www.lememe.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/power-ranger-girlszz.jpg
I missed this season of Power Rangers. :(

Lucas

04-20-2012, 11:45 AM

I'll power range them any time!!

GeneChing

04-20-2012, 01:50 PM

Man, I totally missed this season too.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/542167_2949104331013_1363473328_32071073_211604349 _n.jpg

GeneChing

01-30-2013, 09:51 AM

Read POWER RANGERS MEGAFORCE: It was 20 Years Ago Today (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=1081) by Greg Lynch Jr.

GeneChing

07-18-2013, 09:48 AM

plus a new comic

Comic-Con: The Further Adventures of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/18/comic-con-the-further-adventures-of-the-mighty-morphin-power-rangers)
It's a Mighty Morphin revival as the original five Rangers return.
by Jesse Schedeen JULY 17, 2013
In one form or another, the Power Rangers have been a consistent presence in America for the last 20 years. But for a lot of fans who grew up watching these colorful martial arts heroes in the early '90s, nothing tops the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers lineup, Forget this Zeo/Turbo/Ninja Force business. Luckily, with the franchise reaching its 20th anniversary this year, the Mighty Morphin team is seeing a resurgence in popularity again.

Already this week at SDCC, we've learned that Shout! Factory and Saban Brands are releasing a snazzy Power Rangers Legacy boxset covering all 20 seasons of the show in its many incarnations. But for fans who crave new adventures starring the classic team, comic publisher Paperciutz has you covered. Papercutz is prepping a new series of graphic novels set during the Mighty Morphin era. Each graphic novel will serve as a "lost episode," with the first volume taking place before the debut of Tommy as the Green Ranger and the arrival of Lord Zed. This first volume will be written by Stefan Petrucha and illustrated by PH Marcondes, and is slated to be released in May 2014.

http://oyster.ignimgs.com/wordpress/stg.ign.com/2013/07/MightyMorphinPower-Rangers-Comic-610x942.jpg

MTV Geek interviewed editor Michael Petranek about the announcement, who noted that the comic boo kformat has its advantages in terms of not needing to worry about budget or scope. "The huge level of spectacle that telling these stories in comics allows us to use. I can't wait to see PH Marcondes draw the Rangers in a huge fight scene with a bunch of Putty Patrollers. We don't have to secure the budget for 100 highly trained stage combat performers like you would if you were shooting this stuff on film, and Stefan Petrucha is great at taking advantage of that. The Power Rangers Megaforce comic 'Panic in the Parade' shows that-- the action scenes we put on paper would cost tens of millions of dollars to shoot on film. I want to put the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in bigger battles than anyone's ever seen."

He also acknowledged the enduring popularity of the Mighty Morphin crew, saying, "I've also got to mention that original Ranger team-- they were so perfect. The creators of the show were able to balance personalities so well that the original Mighty Morphin team 20 years later still serves as a standard fans look to when judging the newer seasons. It's unfair to the newer generations, which are all great in their own unique ways, but that's kind of how it is."

http://oyster.ignimgs.com/wordpress/stg.ign.com/2013/07/power-rangers-comic-mtv-geek.jpg

As Petranek mentioned, Papercutz is already producing Power Rangers graphic novels based on the Power Rangers Megaforce incarnation. Petranek revealed that Papercutz's focus will shift towards Mighty Morphin Power Rangers for the time being, but that both series will hopefully coexist going forward.

Excited about the prospect of more adventures starring Jason, Billy, Trini, and the rest of the team? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

GeneChing

01-15-2015, 04:15 PM

Power Rangers Reunion Planned for Inaugural Great Philadelphia Comic Con in 2015 (http://www.conventionscene.com/2015/01/14/power-rangers-reunion-planned-inaugural-great-philadelphia-comic-con-2015/)

January 14, 2015 by Brian Pate

http://665880566.r.lightningbase-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/GPCC-Rangers-590x221.png

Press Release:

IT’S MORPHIN’ TIME AT THE GREAT PHILADELPHIA COMIC CON: POWER RANGER REUNION PLANNED FOR APRIL 3-5TH SHOW!

Austin St. John, first leader of the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers; Walter Jones, the first Black Ranger; David Yost, the First Blue Ranger, David Fielding, aka Zordon – founder of the Rangers, Kerrigan Mahan and Barbara Goodson – villains Gordon and Rita Repulsa respectively, will be making their first group show appearance in Pennsylvania at the inaugural Great Philadelphia Comic Con.

JANUARY 13,2015, DELAWARE VALLEY, PA- The Great Philadelphia Comic Con (GPCC) arrives on April 3-5th, 2015. The GPCC is the largest independent comic & pop culture convention in eastern Pennsylvania and is being hosted by the same organization which has run The Great Allentown Comic Con for the past 5 years to much fan enjoyment.

The show welcomes Austin St. John (Jason Lee Scott on the popular Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers series). He starred in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers for 79 episodes from 1993-94, ending with the episode “Opposites Attract” (though Jason continued to be featured via body doubles, voice doubles, and stock footage before being written off in “The Power Transfer”). However, since that time he has spent his time as an EMT both in Afghanistan and in Washington, DC. After a multi year absence from the convention circuit Austin is f1nally attending conventions and meeting with Power Rangers fans; He has literally gone from TV superhero to real world hero.

Fellow Power Ranger alumni joining him will include:

Walter Jones (Zack Taylor on the popular Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers series) who starred in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers for 82 episodes from 1993-94,ending with the episode “Zedd’s Monster Mash”. Since that time he has had success as a world champion salsa dancer,and represented the United States in the 1992 Olympic Closing Ceremonies.

David Yost (Billy Cranston on the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers series) who completed over 200 episodes of the series and starred in the feature film Power Rangers: the Movie will be joining as well.

Karan Ashley (Aisha Campbell, the second Yellow Ranger in Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers series) replacing the late ThuyTrang (Trini Kwan). Staying on for two years, Ashley left the show in 1996.

David J. Fielding (Zordon,the founding creator in Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers series) A writer and an actor, he originated the role of Zordon on the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers television series, with his pre-f1lmed scenes being used for some years.

Barbara Goodson (Rita Repulsa,the primary villainess in Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers series and films) In addition to her iconic role as the main villain Barbara is best known mostly for her versatility in voicing original and dubbed cartoons, with over 100 anime or cartoon characters to her credit.

Kerrigan Mahan (Goldar, the primary henchman under the command of Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd in Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers series) His most famous and sustaining role to date was the ever popular and fearsome, original evil space alien, Goldar, however he was also one of the pioneers of the resurgence of anime in the mid-80s,voicing numerous key roles in popular films and shows at the time.

Other talents highly regarded in the Pop Culture realm making an appearance include popular comic book artists such as Mark Morales, JK Woodward, Mark McKenna and Ande Parks to name a few. In addition, multiple actors from popular shows such as Buffy The Vampire Slayer,Angel, Arrow,The Walking Dead, Agents of Shield,Star Trek, and more to be announced!

Making a fun debut will be an exclusive trading card set,to be collected during the show. The cards will be available at various tables throughout the showroom, highlighting guests appearing at the show from Artists to Celebrities, and fans will be encouraged to collect the set throughout the weekend. As always we encourage families to bring their children,who have free admission (12 and under) and all participants in the Children’s Cosplay event are guaranteed a prize!

The Great Philadelphia Comic Con! thanks Galactic Productions LLC for the assistance in providing all the Power Ranger related Guests appearing at the show.

Details on the Show- April 3-5th,2015:

Location:
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Ave. Oaks PA

Hours:
Friday 4PM -9PM Saturday 1OAM-7PM Sunday 1OAM- 5PM

Admission Cost:
3-Day Weekend Passes are: $40.00 before February 9,2015. February 9, 2015 passes will be $49.95 online and $55 at the door. VIP and Special Access Passes are available, as well as single day admissions, please visit our website for cost and details.

FREE for children 12 years-old and under accompanied with an adult; 20% discount to all who arrive in costume! There will also be costume contests for all ages, with judges to be announced soon!

For additional information (or for interview requests,sample images, etc), contact Showrunner Christopher Wertz or visit www.philadelphiacomiccon.com.

About The Great Philadelphia Comic Con!- The Largest Independent Pop-Culture Comic Convention in North-East Pennsylvania comes to the Philadelphia Areal Great Conventions LLC is dedicated to producing celebrations of comics and popular culture by providing unique access to talented artists and a family-friendly experience for fans. Founded in 2010 with The Great Allentown Comic Con (GACC) we are pleased to bring our unique brand of show to fans. Our show motto “Get UR Geek On!” represents in part the recognition of the diverse and unique nature of our fans, and events where they can come express themselves -be they fans of Comics, Movies, TY, Anime,Gaming, Cosplay or more.

How many Power Rangers have there been now exactly?

Answer correctly and you will be dubbed 'biggest KFM forum geek eva...' ;)

BigChris

01-24-2015, 01:41 PM

They're closing in on at least 60. In other news while crowdfunding for a movie she's producing, Amy Jo Johnson, (the original Pink Ranger,) did a stunt where she sang in her Pink Ranger outfit in the middle of Downtown Toronto. Here's the video of the awesomeness:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-agxU3I5iZs

GeneChing

02-02-2015, 10:24 AM

There are so many bad incidents for former Power Rangers posted above. It can't be coincidence.

Ex Power Ranger Arrested for Murder (http://www.tmz.com/2015/02/01/power-rangers-ricardo-medina-arrested-murder-sword/)
2/1/2015 12:30 PM PST BY TMZ STAFF
EXCLUSIVE

http://ll-media.tmz.com/2015/02/01/0201-ricardo-medina-jr-getty-2.jpg
One of the stars of "Power Rangers Samurai" has been arrested for stabbing his roommate to death with a sword ... TMZ has learned.

Ricardo Medina Jr. was busted Saturday afternoon by L.A. County Sheriff's deputies in Palmdale, CA ... after a fight broke out between himself and the roommate ... Joshua Sutter.

According to law enforcement ... Medina retreated to his bedroom with his girlfriend -- but Sutter forced his way into the bedroom ... and that's when Medina allegedly stabbed him once in the abdomen with the sword.

Medina called 911 and waited for for cops to arrive. He was arrested and booked for murder. Sutter was transported to a hospital ... where he was pronounced dead.

Medina got his break in Hollywood as the Red Ranger on "Power Rangers Wild Force" back in 2002. He went on to play Dekker on "Power Rangers Samurai."

He's still in jail, and bail has been set at one million dollars.

Ex-Power Ranger used sword to kill roommate in Palmdale, officials say (http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-palmdale-stabbing-sword-20150201-story.html)
Former Power Ranger Accused of Murder, Held in Lieu of $1 Million Bail
A former Power Ranger has allegedly fatally stabbed his roommate with a sword during an argument at their Green Valley home near Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials confirmed.
By Emily Alpert Reyes and Lauren Raab contact the reporters

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Man who played a Power Ranger held on suspicion of murder after his Palmdale roommate is killed with a sword

A Palmdale man who acted in a "Power Rangers" television series was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of his roommate with a sword, authorities said Sunday.

Ricardo Medina, 36, was arrested following the incident, which occurred shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday at a house in the 38000 block of San Francisquito Canyon Road, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Ricardo Medina appears in a video for this Power Rangers show.

The incident began when Medina went to his bedroom with his girlfriend after getting into an argument with his roommate, Joshua Sutter, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Sutter, 36, followed and forced open the door to the bedroom; Medina took up a sword that he kept next to the door and fatally stabbed Sutter once in the abdomen, authorities said.

Medina called 911 and stayed at the home. He was later interviewed by detectives and booked Sunday at the sheriff’s station in Palmdale. His bail was set at $1 million.

Detectives have confirmed that Medina played a red Power Ranger on television, Sheriff's Deputy Amber Smith told the Los Angeles Times. According to IMDb, he portrayed the Red Lion Wild Force Ranger on the “Power Rangers Wild Force” series in 2002 and voiced the character Deker on “Power Rangers Samurai” in 2012-13, among other acting roles.

Medina's agent, Gar Lester, told The Times that it was difficult for him to believe the allegations against Medina are true.

“He’s been my friend and client for 12 years and he’s a great guy,” Lester said Sunday. “He’s great to his dog, he’s great to his people. He’s really a super person.”

4:20 p.m.: This story has been updated to add information about Ricardo Medina's career and to add comments from agent Gar Lester.

This post was originally published at 1:46 p.m.

Had to cross post this on Bad-Day-for-Samurai-Wannabes (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?52919-Bad-Day-for-Samurai-Wannabes&p=1280386#post1280386)

Lokhopkuen

02-02-2015, 11:18 AM

He played the red ranger http://abc7.com/news/former-power-ranger-fatally-stabbed-roommate-with-sword-in-green-valley/499910/

Lokhopkuen

02-02-2015, 11:19 AM

http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20050817070609990001&ncid=NWS00010000000001 saw this on another board. and yes it is the one who kept on going back! ........................

GeneChing

02-04-2015, 05:02 PM

No Charges for Former "Power Rangers" Actor Accused in Fatal Stabbing (http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/No-Charges-for-Former-Power-Rangers-Actor-Accused-Fatal-Stabbing-290666021.html?_osource=SocialFlowFB_NYBrand)
By Jason Kandel

http://media.nbcnewyork.com/images/661*367/Ricardo-Medina-Power-Rangers-Stabbing.jpg
Mark Mainz/Getty Images

TV actor Ricardo Medina Jr., seen here in a 2005 file photo at the premiere of reality show "Dirty Love" in Hollywood, was arrested on suspicion of murder for allegedly killing his roommate with a sword, Saturday, Jan. 31, authorities said.

Updated at 4:31 PM EST on Tuesday, Feb 3, 2015

An actor who played a Power Ranger on TV will not face charges in the fatal stabbing of his roommate with a sword during a fight, prosecutors said.
Ricardo Medina, 36, was accused of getting into an argument with his roommate, Joshua Sutter, also 36, that turned physical at their home in the 38000 block of San Francisquito Canyon Road in Palmdale on Saturday, deputies said.
Sutter was stabbed to death at 3:45 p.m., after Medina and his girlfriend went into his bedroom and closed the door, authorities said. But Sutter forced the bedroom door open, deputies said.
Medina was accused of stabbing Sutter once in the abdomen with a sword, which had been kept next to the bedroom door, officials said.
After Sutter collapsed, Medina called 911, stayed at the scene and was arrested there, deputies said. He was booked on suspicion of murder at the sheriff's Palmdale station.
The "Power Rangers" series, featuring Japanese cartoon-like action, was criticized by some for its on-screen violence when it debuted on U.S. television.

I must recant my cross post on Bad-Day-for-Samurai-Wannabes now. Maybe this needs cross posting on Successful-Street-Applications (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?49825-Successful-Street-Applications)?

GeneChing

02-24-2015, 10:40 AM

...that's what they call this but it's not quite the right term as 'bootleg' implies smuggling on some level, like a bootleg recording or bootlegging booze. I guess they were trying to elevate it from 'fan vid'. Nevertheless, it's worth a gander. I'd watch a whole film in this style, sort of MMPR given the Christopher Nolan treatment. Will Yun Lee is in it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw5vcUPyL90

GeneChing

02-25-2015, 09:29 AM

The best thing to happen to MMPW in years and now it's a legal issue...

Producers of Power Rangers Video Might Be In For Legal Fight (http://deadline.com/2015/02/power-rangers-fan-video-legal-fight-haim-saban-joseph-kahn-1201380926/)
by David Robb
and Anita Busch
February 24, 2015 6:14pm

A legal battle is brewing over the rights of filmmakers to make fan videos based on the copyrighted works of others. Music video director Joseph Kahn, who posted a 14-minute Power Rangers take-off last night that quickly went viral, says he’s being “harassed” by Haim Saban, who owns rights to the franchise and is jointly producing his own Power Rangers film with Lionsgate.

The short film, produced by Adi Shankar (an executive producer on Lone Survivor and A Walk Among The Tombstones) and Jil Hardin and co-written by Kahn, Dutch Southern and star James Van Der Beek, was posted on YouTube and Vimeo. Katee Sackhoff also stars. It as of now, it’s still up on YouTube and has jumped from 716,000 views to 1.4 million views in a matter of an hour. Vimeo took it down today after receiving a complaint from Saban Brands.

“Vimeo is the host for your videos,” the site told Kahn in an email today, “and as a host for user-generated content we are fully compliant with the notice and takedown provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. It looks like your video was removed due to a copyright infringement claim by: Tim Quinlan, SCG Power Rangers LLC.”

Quinlan had no comment, and sources say that Lionsgate is aware of the brouhaha and watching from the sidelines but at this point staying out of the fight. Shankar also has a separate Q&A that uses Power Rangers footage on his personal video blog.

“Saban is trying to shut Power/Rangers down,” Kahn tweeted. “If you’d like to keep watching, tell them to stop harassing me.” In separate tweets, Kahn laid out his legal defense. “Every image in Power/Rangers is original footage. Nothing was pre-existing. There is no copyrighted footage in the short. I am not making any money on it and I refuse to accept any from anyone. It was not even Kickstarted, I paid for it myself. This was made to be given away for free. It is just as if I drew a pic of Power Rangers on a napkin and I gave it to my friend. Is it illegal to give pic I drew of a character on a napkin to someone for free? No.”

Then, in a tweet to Saban, he added: “The world is watching your actions right now.”

Joseph Kahn ✔ @JosephKahn
Follow
Y'all better watch the **** out of POWER/RANGERS. No idea how long it'll be up. Going to bed. Goodnight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw5vcUPyL90 …
3:47 PM - 24 Feb 2015

YouTube @YouTube

A top entertainment industry copyright attorney, who asked not to be identified, told Deadline that “there is a gray area of ‘fan fiction’ where tributes are made by fans and the studios don’t want to **** off their base by going after these people legally. The guy may have a fair use defense, or a de minimis use defense. It’s not a slam dunk by either side. Trademark law applies as well.”

The so called “fair use doctrine” allows a certain amount of free use of copyrighted material. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, “The distinction between what is fair use and what is infringement in a particular case will not always be clear or easily defined. There is no specific number of words, lines, or notes that may safely be taken without permission.” It notes, however, that one of the key tests in determining fair use is “whether such use is of commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes.”

“I just wanted to make Power Rangers good for once,” Kahn told Deadline. “It’s kind of a silly franchise. It was an experiment in tone; it was a challenge. I took the silliest property I could think of and tried to see if I could make it serious enough.”

Kahn said that the lavishly produced project, which has the added distinction of being set partly in North Korea, took him nine months to finish and seven days to shoot.

GeneChing

02-27-2015, 11:41 AM

The original Green Ranger didn't love that Power/Rangers short film (http://www.ew.com/article/2015/02/26/green-ranger-jason-david-frank-concerns-power-rangers)

by Jonathon Dornbush • @jmdornbush

http://www.ew.com/sites/default/files/styles/tout_image_612x380/public/i/2015/02/26/jason-david-frank.jpg?itok=qhGOidyp
(Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images)

Posted February 26 2015 — 10:14 AM EST

Whether fans enjoyed Power/Rangers, the short film that put an adult spin on the classic franchise, one of the original Rangers was not pleased with the project.

Jason David Frank, the original Green Ranger, who also served as the White Ranger during Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, posted a video to his Facebook page to give his thoughts on the Joseph Kahn-, Adi Shankar-produced Power/Rangers film.

Frank explains that he was actually approached to be in the film but declined.

“I’m just a PG-13 guy,” Frank said. “The cuss words, the drugs, all this other stuff, it doesn’t fly with me.”

Power/Rangers took a dark approach to the source material, making the Rangers warriors in a bloody battle where the words “dark” and “gritty” might as well be written on every frame of the short. The film has, since its premiere earlier this week, been taken off of Vimeo, but remains on YouTube in a slightly toned-down fashion. But either version is a sober, serious take on the more colorful source material, and while many older fans were pleased with the direction it took, Frank saw the new tone as an issue.

Frank’s primary sticking point for why he wasn’t a fan of the film had to do with reconciling the mature direction of the piece and the franchise’s originas as a children’s show.

“The problem is that they’re still connected with adults and kids,” he said. “You can’t take a brand like this and reboot it so dark and gritty…you still have the kids that want to watch Power Rangers.”

Frank indictaes that he did enjoy the film on an “inner geek” level, but he thinks there’s a responsibility on the part of the people creating something with the brand to always keep the kids in mind.

He also went on to talk about another reason why he turned down a role in the short: He’s holding out for the real thing.

“Do I like the film? Here’s my thing. I want to be in the real movie,” Frank said.

He wants a “Saban-blessing approved” opportunity to bring Tommy to a film format. Frank even makes a plea to Lionsgate in the video to include Tommy in the upcoming big screen Power Rangers film in production at the studio, which is set to hit theaters in 2016.

Watch Frank’s full response below.

Like Page
JASON DAVID FRANK - Official Fan Page
Entertainer · 681,305 Likes
· February 24 at 6:00pm ·

My outlook on the Rated R fan film. JDF
Share · 21,7945,4655,775

Originally posted February 26 2015 — 10:14 AM EST

You have to follow the link if you want to see his vid because it was too much trouble to embed it.

Someone should make an R-rated CGI-laden reboot of H.R. Pufnstuf.

GeneChing

03-03-2015, 03:55 PM

It's Back!... Fan Power Triumphs as 'Power/Rangers' Bootleg Returns to Youtube! (http://moviepilot.com/posts/2015/03/02/it-s-back-fan-power-triumphs-as-power-rangers-bootleg-returns-to-youtube-2744229?lt_source=external,manual)
by Daniel Pearson ⋅ Posted on March 2nd, 2015 at 5:36am ⋅ Last edit on March 3rd, 2015

http://imageserver.moviepilot.com/power-rangers-original-it-s-back-fan-power-triumphs-as-power-rangers-bootleg-returns-to-youtube.jpeg?width=640&height=415

We were all utterly dismayed last week as the outstanding Power Rangers bootleg, Power/Rangers, was removed from the internet following a rampant copyright dispute. But wipe away those tears, Mighty Morphins: I have some good news. It's back, and it's all thanks to us - the fans!
"I think they realized that people just want to see it.”

The short film, which was produced by Adi Shankar and directed by music video legend Joseph Khan, had us all slack-jawed in appreciation of its wild CGI effects, bloody violence, sultry demeanor, and all-round badass-ness.

Many, myself included, said it was the best interpretation of the franchise to date.

http://imageserver.moviepilot.com/this-r-rated-power-rangers-short-film-is-violent-bloody-and-straight-up-badass-go-go-go-the-producer-of-awesome-fan-made-power-rangers-vi-p-19dbe653-2bf6-4849-b377-be967692ec14.gif?width=480&height=192

But then it all came crumbling down. Rumors began to surface that the guys who own all the rights for the hit Saturday morning TV show (a company called SCG Power Rangers LLC) were angry, not just about the breach of copyright, but about the film's depiction of brutal violence, nudity, and drug use. It was pulled a few days later.

I don't want to go over old ground, here, so I'll simply say that at the time I thought both parties had good reason to be annoyed following the dispute. The only thing that matters now is that this awesome movie is back, and it's almost entirely thanks to the sheer brute force of 'fan power' i.e. us!

http://imageserver.moviepilot.com/ezgif-1869747191-it-s-back-fan-power-triumphs-as-power-rangers-bootleg-returns-to-youtube.gif?width=598&height=288

As soon as SCG Power Rangers LLC realized just how well-liked the short movie was (and probably just how powerful it is as free advertising for their own feature length movie), a deal was brokered allowing the film to be reinstated with just a few small alterations.

Firstly, the movie is now age-restricted on youtube; secondly, a disclaimer has to be shown before the movie begins, no matter on which website it is shown. The scene showing Zack with two topless hookers (circa 3 minutes 40 seconds) has also been removed from the youtube version, though it still appears on Vimeo.

http://imageserver.moviepilot.com/screen-shot-2015-03-02-at-2-24-37-pm-it-s-back-fan-power-triumphs-as-power-rangers-bootleg-returns-to-youtube.jpg?width=640&height=256
CENSORED: this scene no longer features on youtube.

The film's director, Joseph Khan, told Deadline,

“They put these disclaimers on so kids so don’t confuse our super-violent film with their Power Rangers brand. There are no hard feelings. We signed contracts. We can play it anywhere we want on all platforms. I think they realized that people just want to see it.”

Watch Power/Rangers in full below (BEWARE - NSFW)

https://vimeo.com/120401488

I've watched it at least 10 times now and it never gets any less impressive. It's so, so good.

I can't wait for the full movie next year!

If you haven't watched the uncensored version, set aside 14 min 27 sec of your life now, before it gets yanked forever.

Meanwhile, onward for Shankar...

‘James Bond’ Film Drops From ‘Power Rangers’ Bootleg Producer (http://deadline.com/2015/03/james-bond-bootleg-filmmaker-adi-shankar-1201384790/)
by Anita Busch
March 3, 2015 12:00am

https://pmcdeadline2.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/ali-shankar-2.jpg?w=189&h=271

The producer behind the Power Rangers bootleg fan video is now taking on Bond. James Bond. The video is called James Bond: In Service Of Nothing and is an animated take this time around, using Sean Connery’s likeness. Asked if he is worried about similar legal issues as those he encountered with Saban Entertainment and the Power Rangers fan film, Adi Shankar said he can’t think about that. He says that he has a First Amendment right, that the business is changing at a rapid pace and he is tapping into what people want.

It seems with the whopping 18M online views (all in) of the Power Rangers Bootleg — which rocketed to that number in only a matter of days before Saban cried copyright foul — Shankar is right. It’s a new world, and younger fans are driving entertainment in another direction. Studio executives, take note.

“There is a changing of the guard, and we need to stop pretending that the people in the digital filmmaking are not credible because the audience is gravitating away from us and to them,” Shankar told Deadline. “You must be fearless, but the vast majority of decisions in this industry are fear-based. The fact is that more people saw Jerry Purpdrank and Britney Furlan on Vine this weekend than saw Will Smith in Focus. It’s not a knock on Will Smith, it’s a commentary on what’s happening in entertainment.”

The Smith-starring Focus only pulled in only $18.6M at the box office while one six-second Purpdrank video on Vine pulled in 1.8M loops and Furlan’s video in one day pulled in 5M loops. All of those videos are shot on the iPhone. “This new generation doesn’t hold movies as above or below any other form of content out there,” said Shankar. “And stuff that is easily accessible online is in a lot of ways closer to what they actually want to watch in terms of the pacing and storytelling.”

James Bond: In Service Of Nothing is Shankar’s fifth bootleg video and only 10 minutes long. It is directed by pre-visualization artist Tyler Gibb. The story follows Connery as Bond in his younger days, but then we see that it is only one of the older, retired Bond’s flashback. The reality is James Bond In Service of Nothingthat he’s in today’s world wandering around “trying to find purpose and meaning,” says Shankar. “I always wondered what would happen to the Ian Fleming James Bond in today’s world. He was an alcoholic, reckless guy with Mommy issues and has the same instincts as a serial killer, and if you revoke his License to Kill, what would he become? This is not the kind of person that you give a gold watch to. He’s a highly weaponized guy, and then at some point you figure he’s going to snap after the call for duty ends.”

It took several months for Shankar to produce the Bond film, and he worked on it at the same time as Power Rangers. He said it was done mainly with all volunteer work, favors and an animation collective. He said the costs were minimal. “When people are passionate about something, they just want to do it,” he told Deadline. “These are the same models that these digital artists are doing. They are doing things for the collective good.”

GeneChing

07-22-2015, 09:42 AM

...and stripped down to her bikini. :cool:

Yellow Shinken Sentai ranger Suzuka Morita transforms into swimsuit model (http://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/07/22/yellow-shinken-sentai-ranger-suzuka-morita-transforms-into-swimsuit-model/)
Audrey Akcasu
12 hours ago

https://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/525aa2d9-s.jpg?w=580&h=677

Many teenage boys and young men across Japan were probably sitting at the edge of their seats waiting for July 20. That day marked the release of a special DVD featuring photographs of the idol turned TV super-hero Suzuka Morita as she leaves behind her yellow ranger outfit for some skimpy bikinis.

▼ Shinken Yellow!

https://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/b31a9fb81.jpg?w=580

The 22-year-old Morita, affectionately known as Su-chan, started making a name for herself around 2008 when she joined the pop group Idoling!!!, which also had its own TV program. While she was in the group from 2008-2012, her real break came when she joined the cast of Samurai Sentai Shinkenger as the yellow sentai ranger in 2009.

▼ Here’s Su-chan in all of her Samurai Sentai Shinkenger glory.

https://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/21604596.jpg?w=580&h=393

Fighting her way into the hearts of boys and men until 2013, she’s now taken on a new role: bikini model.

https://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/cadfd405.jpg?w=580

Morita’s DVD (and BluRay), titled Yume Kou Tsutsu and put out by Line Communications, is a compilation of pictures and video of Su-chan prancing around in a variety of bikinis and lingerie.

▼ And what a variety of bikinis she has!

https://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/793c365e-s.jpg?w=580&h=675

Morita spent the photo shoot on the beaches of Shizuoka Prefecture’s Izu Peninsula with a bunch of crabs, later saying, “There were so many crabs, we just lazed around with the crabs.”

For many, this is a welcome change; some men reminisce about their boyhood crushes on the yellow ranger, only to find her now all grown up and strutting her stuff. Others, however, are taking offense, hoping their childhood image of the spunky heroine is never tainted by the evils of eroticism.

This might be a good time to mention that bikini modeling is nothing new for our dear Su-chan. Before her Idoling!!! and Sentei Shinkenger careers took off, Morita was featured in some DVDs at the age of 15 that were pretty risqué for a teenager. .

The release of Morita’s new 4,000-yen (US$32) DVD on July 20 is being accompanied by an event at Akihabara’s Sofmap Amusment Center on August 9.

Sources: Kinisoku
Images: Kinisoku (edited by RocketNews24)

GeneChing

01-15-2016, 03:03 PM

Re-busted. Charges were dropped last year (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?38034-Mighty-Morphin-Power-Ranger-news&p=1280455#post1280455).

‘Power Rangers’ Star Ricardo Medina Charged With Murder (http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/ricardo-medina-arrested-power-rangers-murder-1201680254/)

https://pmcvariety.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/ricardo-medina-jr-stabbing.jpg?w=634&h=357&crop=1
COURTESY OF ABC
JANUARY 14, 2016 | 11:20AM PT
Alex Stedman News Editor, Variety.com @a_sted

Former “Power Rangers Samurai” star Ricardo Medina was arrested Thursday morning and charged with the 2015 stabbing murder of his roommate, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office announced.

Medina has been charged with one count of murder for the fatal stabbing of Josh Sutter at his house in Palmdale, Calif., on Jan. 31, 2015. The two allegedly got into an argument over Medina’s girlfriend, and Medina apparently stabbed Sutter multiple times with a sword after the argument turned physical.

Medina was arrested for the stabbing about a year ago, but claimed that it was self-defense and was released. However, he was not charged with the crime during that arrest, unlike the one that occurred on Thursday after more investigation from the DA’s office.

Medina is set to be arraigned Tuesday at the Antelope Valley Branch of the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Prosecutors will ask that bail be set at $1 million.

If convicted, Medina faces 26 years to life in prison.

Medina starred on “Power Rangers Wild Force” as Cole Evans for 39 episodes in 2002. He would return to the franchise in 2011, playing Deker in 24 episodes of “Power Rangers Samurai.” His other acting credits include a 2003 episode of “E.R.” and a 2004 episode of “CSI: Miami."

GeneChing

02-02-2016, 02:41 PM

I just split off two posts from here into its own stand-alone thread - Power-Rangers-reboot-movie (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?69253-Power-Rangers-reboot-movie). I imagine this will get more interesting next year.

GeneChing

02-17-2016, 10:25 AM

Creepiest 'Where Are They Now' Ever: The Power Rangers Curse (http://www.cracked.com/blog/creepiest-where-are-they-now-ever-power-rangers-curse/)
By Luis Prada, John Cheese January 26, 2016 1,947,906 views

Statistically speaking, most of the people reading this article grew up on Power Rangers. With 23 seasons under its ridiculously colorful belt, the show has been on the air longer than some of our readers have even been alive. So many actors have come in and out of the roles that it's become the kids' version of Doctor Who or James Bond: You don't just say, "The Yellow Ranger is my favorite." Your favorite is Becky Punchknuckle's depiction of the Yellow Ranger.

That being said, I thought it would be fun to dive into Google and Wikipedia to find out what our favorite Power Rangers actors have been up to since retiring from the show. And since I've already mentioned the Yellow Ranger, we might as well start with her.

http://www.cracked.com/phpimages/article/7/7/2/499772_v1.jpg
Via Morphinlegacy.com

Thuy Trang was the very first Yellow Ranger, and though she was only on the show from 1993 to 1994, she was in a whopping 81 episodes. She didn't just play that role; she owned it. Since retiring from the show, though, Thuy has ...

Oh, ****. I'm really sorry about this, but it turns out she isn't with us anymore. It looks like back in 2001 she was a passenger in a car that slammed into a roadside cliff, flipped several times, and then went over a guard rail. She died at age 27, and the other passenger was paralyzed and rendered a quadriplegic. Holy Jesus, that's terrible. I'm so sorry for this. I didn't want this to turn into something dark. Let's just give Thuy a moment of respectful silence and move on.

What about Richard Genelle? You remember him, right? He was Ernie, the happy, jolly owner of Angel Grove Youth Center from 1994 until 1997. You know, this guy:

http://www.cracked.com/phpimages/article/7/7/0/499770_v1.jpg
Via Morphinlegacy.com
Also known as the Hawaiian Print Ranger.

Just glancing over his Wikipedia page, it looks like a pretty uplifting story. He left the show in 1997 because he wanted to take care of his personal issues with smoking and obesity. And good for him, because he actually lost 40 pounds! That's pretty amazing, and I think I speak for all of us when I say that we're incredibly proud of you, Richard. We all wish you a long and -- oh for the love of God, he died of a heart attack in 2008. God******. What the hell, man? He was 47 years old. I mean, I understand that he had weight issues, but that's still pretty young.

Wait a minute, Robert L. Manahan died of a heart attack too, at age 43! What the ****ting ****?! That's the guy who played Zordon, the giant floaty space head who created the Power Rangers! He's not supposed to die. He's omnipotent! Christ, I don't want to hear about the unnatural deaths of my childhood icons. That's beyond depressing. It's heartbreaking.

http://www.cracked.com/phpimages/article/8/9/0/498890_v1.jpg
Saban Entertainment
Why the long face?

OK, screw this, I'm looking up some more of these people before I write another word, because I don't think I can handle coming across another name on my list only to have it lead to another dark ending. Power Rangers is such a happy, goofy TV show. It deserves a happy, goofy ending for its cast. Let's check in on Machiko Soga, who played one of the weirdest, most over-the-top villains in Ranger history: Rita Repulsa ...

****. Me. Running.

Pancreatic cancer. Age 68. She had been battling it for two years, and when she died, it was totally alone. Her friend walked in to find her body. Hey, at least she was past retirement age. Too bad I can't say the same for Peta Rutter, who played the Mystic White Ranger. She died of a brain tumor at age 50. Oh, hey, here's a surprise: more cancer. This time, it's for Edward Albert, who played the Red Ranger's father, Mr. Collins. He died of lung cancer at 55.

http://www.cracked.com/phpimages/article/7/6/6/499766.jpg?v=1
Via Power Rangers Wikia
No, not Phil.

Jesus Christ. This isn't just a coincidence -- it's a full-blown curse. You may think I'm being dramatic for the sake of exaggerated comedy here, but I'm not. You can't turn jet black news like this into comedy. I don't even believe in curses, but the more I read, the more this is looking like a genuine, "someone ****ed off a voodoo priest" spell. I mean, you could present the argument of, "It's a handful of deaths. It happens." But wait, I'm not even remotely close to being done.

Bob Papenbrook voiced Rito Revolto, Snizzard, Deviot, and a dozen other characters for several Power Rangers seasons and spinoffs. He died of chronic lung problems at age 50. And remember Professor Phenomenous Ingenious from Power Rangers In Space? Pneumonia took him at age 73. And that's not even counting several cast members who died for ... who knows?

For instance, Erik Frank played David Trueheart on Power Rangers Zeo. The character was the brother of Tommy Oliver, who is considered by many fans to be the greatest Ranger of all time. And those two were also real-life brothers. Erik died at age 29, and all research on his death just turns up "unspecified illness." Richard Rabago, who played Master Lee, died at age 68. And though you could assume that his could be listed as "natural causes," you won't find an actual reason anywhere. And you definitely can't say that Maurice Mendoza (who played Richie in the 1994 season) died from old age. He passed away at age 39, and you won't find a cause for that one, either.

http://www.cracked.com/phpimages/article/7/6/8/499768.jpg?v=1
Via Power Rangers Wikia
I'll just call it "awesome overload."

You're not even safe if you have bit roles. Alissa Ann Smego played the one-off part of "Shawna -- a friend who came to visit" in 1994. She had off-and-on parts in other shows throughout the 1990s and eventually had her own Internet-based cooking show. In 2013, at 38 years old, she was found in her apartment, having committed suicide.

Holy ****-****ting ****. This is insane. What sort of Pandora ****ery have I opened here? And I know what you're thinking. "This curse can't all be premature deaths of cast members. That's crazy, but not that crazy. Death happens." And you're right. Here's an ex-cast member who murdered a couple of people.

I'm not even ****ing kidding. His name is Skylar Deleon, and he played a bit role back when he was just a cute little kid. Seriously, look how adorable he is, trying and failing to kick a soccer ball:

http://www.cracked.com/phpimages/article/9/0/2/498902_v1.gif
Saban Entertainment

That little boy grew up into a full-fledged psychopath. He pretended to be interested in buying a yacht from a couple in Arizona. Then when they took the boat out for a test drive, he beat them, tied them to the anchor, and dropped them overboard. Their bodies were never found, but we're not talking about "alleged" killings here. He admitted to the whole thing, as well as another murder from 2003. The only reason they went to court was to ask for life in prison, which he did not get. He was sentenced to death.

Are you erupting in a geyser of comedy joy yet? Oh, don't get ****ing comfortable, because he's not the only cast member to straight-up kill a mother****er.

Ricardo Medina Jr., who played 40 episodes as Cole Evans (Red Wild Force Ranger) and 24 episodes as the voice of Decker, was recently arrested for murder after he stabbed his roommate to death with a sword. No, seriously, a ****ing sword. Again, we're not saying he "allegedly" killed him. He admits the whole thing happened. He's pleading self-defense, but he absolutely stabbed that guy to death.

So, there you go. I hope your childhood is now as completely butt****ed as mine, because it at least makes me feel a bit better that I'm not going through this trauma alone. If you read this thing with even a fraction of what I experienced in researching and writing it, we're now forever connected.

But if you don't mind, I'd like to be alone right now. I'm going to go sit in my closet with the door shut and cry until I black out from the emotional stress.

Luis is shaking in a corner, softly mumbling, "It's morphin' time" over and over. Meanwhile, you can find him on Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook.

I'll have to remember this in case I get to interview anyone involved with the Power Rangers reboot movie (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?69253-Power-Rangers-reboot-movie)

GeneChing

09-11-2017, 08:39 AM

This is a little dated, but it just came to my attention over last weekend.

Previous Red Ranger posts about this here (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?38034-Mighty-Morphin-Power-Ranger-news&p=1290047#post1290047) & here (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?38034-Mighty-Morphin-Power-Ranger-news&p=1290880#post1290880).

‘Power Rangers’ TV Actor Admits Killing Roommate; Faces 6 Years Behind Bars (http://deadline.com/2017/03/power-rangers-murder-ricardo-medina-killed-roommate-prison-guilty-1202044898/)
by Dominic Patten
March 16, 2017 12:25pm

https://pmcdeadline2.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/ricardo-median-power-rangers.jpg?w=446&h=299&crop=1

Over two years after Ricardo Medina’s roommate was stabbed to death, the ex-Power Rangers actor pleaded guilty today to killing Josh Sutter. With sentencing set for March 30, Medina could face up to six years in state prison.

While no picnic, to say the least, that’s a far cry from the life sentence Medina was looking at when he was arrested on a murder charge in January 2016. That charge could have seen him behind bars for 26 years to life.

The actor, who played Cole Evans aka the Red Wild Force Ranger in the 2002 series Power Rangers Wild Force, entered his plea to a lesser charge of “one felony count of voluntary manslaughter and admitted an allegation of using a sword in the killing,” the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office said Thursday.

Back on January 31, 2015, Medina and Sutter got into an argument concerning the former’s girlfriend. As things unfortunately escalated, Medina grabbed a sword they had around the apartment and started repeatedly stabbing Sutter, who died soon afterward.

Picked up by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department for the killing that day, the Power Rangers alum was released after a court hearing soon afterward because the case was rejected. At the time, the DA’s office said the matter still was being investigated and that it would not rule out going after Medina again down the line – which it did on January 14 last year, with a new murder charge and bail set at $1 million.

“I’m very, very, very sorry for what occurred,” said Medina when he was first let out in February 2015. “I’m very happy to be out of jail, and my heart goes out to the Sutter family.”

https://pmcdeadline2.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/power-rangers-s-logo-1.png

After playing Red Wild Force Ranger on Fox Kids and ABC Kids’ Wild Force, Medina got a second kick at the Power Rangers can in 2012. He returned to the brand, which had been bought back from Disney by Haim Saban, in 2011 for Power Rangers Samurai. That season of the Power Rangers was actually split in two, with Power Rangers Super Samurai making up the second set of 20 episodes in 2012.

Deputy D.A. Tannaz Mokayef with the Major Crimes Division is handling the Medina case for D.A. Jackie Lacey’s office.

Meanwhile, the latest iteration of the long-running franchise, director Dean Israelite’s Power Rangers, hits theaters March 24 via Lionsgate.

Does being a MMPR (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?38034-Mighty-Morphin-Power-Ranger-news) overshadow being a wannabe samurai (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?52919-Bad-Day-for-Samurai-Wannabes)?

GeneChing

03-09-2018, 09:41 AM

Evidence The Power Rangers Curse Is Real And Destroying Lives Right Now (https://www.ranker.com/list/power-rangers-curse-evidence/erin-mccann?var=7&utm_expid=16418821-388.pwrOe5-lSJetLqzNW0S00A.2)
Erin McCann

While the Power Rangers may be known as protectors of the Earth, the casts of the American series have garnered a tragically deadly reputation. In what's come to be known as the Power Rangers death curse, as many as 14 people with ties to the franchise have either died unnaturally or committed murder. If you're wondering where your favorite Power Ranger is today, it's highly possible that the your answer lies in an obituary.

When Mighty Morphin Power Rangers debuted on US television in 1993, it was easy for young fans to miss the majority of the show's subtleties, but the deaths of several lead characters were unignorable. While no actor ever died on the set, many of the series's younger cast members passed away long before their time, and several were arrested for murder. The slew of fatal Power Rangers tragedies suggests to some that the franchise is cursed; a theory that is further evidenced by the often ironic ways in which the actors met their ends.

Thuy Trang Was Killed In A Horrific Car Accident At Age 27

https://imgix.ranker.com/user_node_img/50079/1001578330/original/original-yellow-ranger-thuy-trang-was-killed-in-a-horrific-car-accident-at-age-27-photo-u1?w=650&q=50&fm=jpg&fit=crop&crop=faces
Photo: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Saban
Long before she became Trini Kwan (AKA Yellow Ranger) Thuy Trang lived a life that was far too dangerous for children's TV. As a child, Trang escaped Vietnam by boat with a few of her family members, and survived being held in a detention camp in Hong Kong. During the arduous voyage, Trang was extremely sickly, and other refugees suggested that her mother throw her overboard.

Eventually, the family made it to America, at which point Trang became interested in acting. She landed a lead role in Power Rangers thanks to the martial arts skills she'd been practicing since childhood, and starred in 80 episodes during the first two seasons, as well as a few movies.

Unfortunately, Trang's career was cut short at age 27, when she became the first victim of the supposed Power Rangers curse. In 2001, Trang and her friends were driving around California, when their car suddenly lost control on a mountainous road. The vehicle plummeted off the side of a nearby cliff, killing Trang and leaving the driver quadriplegic. To add insult to curse, an advertisement for the 2017 Power Rangers movie showcased (supposedly accidentally) a new Yellow Ranger with the slogan "Driver's Ed Not Required."

Erik Frank Succumbed To An Unknown Illness

https://imgix.ranker.com/user_node_img/50079/1001578339/original/erik-frank-aka-david-trueheart-succumbed-to-an-unknown-illness-and-possibly-the-power-rangers-and-_39_-curse-photo-u1?w=650&q=50&fm=jpg&fit=crop&crop=faces
Photo: Power Rangers Zeo/Saban
When Power Rangers Zeo was casting for the role of Tommy Oliver's brother, they hired Erik Frank, the real life brother of Tommy actor Jason David Frank. Sadly, Erik's portrayal of David Trueheart ended up being his final performance.

While Tommy's Green/White Ranger went on to become a fan-favorite, David Trueheart's narrative arc was cut short when Erik Frank passed away at the criminally young age of 29. Suspiciously, no one knows exactly what caused Erik's death, which further suggests some sort of curse was at work. Even the most hardcore of Power Rangers fans can only suggest that the actor died of an "unknown" or "unspecified" illness.

Ricardo Medina Jr. Was Convicted Of Stabbing His Roommate To Death With A Sword

https://imgix.ranker.com/user_node_img/50079/1001578357/original/former-power-rangers-wild-force-member-ricardo-medina-jr-was-convicted-of-stabbing-his-roommate-to-death-with-a-sword-photo-u1?w=650&q=50&fm=jpg&fit=crop&crop=faces
Photo: Power Rangers Wild Force/Saban
Ricardo Medina Jr. got his big break playing Red Lion (AKA Cole Evans) on 2002's Power Rangers Wild Force, and returned in 2011 to play Decker on Power Rangers Samurai. A few years later, Medina was accused of murdering his roommate; an incident that could potentially be attributed to the curse.

According to the story, Medina got into a fight with his roommate over the fact that Medina's girlfriend was at their house. The roommate allegedly broke down Medina's bedroom door, at which point he was forced to defend himself with the only thing available: a samurai sword. Considering Medina held a lead role on a samurai show, it sort of makes sense why he had a sword lying around his bedroom, but the story is still pretty wild. The star was later arrested, charged with murder, and sentenced to six years in prison. Don't try that at home, kids!

Peta Rutter Developed A Brain Tumor And Died At Age 50

https://imgix.ranker.com/user_node_img/50079/1001578385/original/peta-rutter-of-power-rangers-mystic-force-developed-a-brain-tumor-and-died-at-age-50-photo-u1?w=650&q=50&fm=jpg&fit=crop&crop=faces
Photo: Power Rangers Mystic Force/Saban
Power Rangers Mystic Force began in 2006, and starred New Zealand's Peta Rutter as the White Mystic Ranger Udonna. While she was older than her fellow cast members — as of 2018, Rutter is the oldest actor ever to portray a Ranger — her sudden passing at age 50 still felt tragically unfair. In 2010, it was announced that Rutter had died of a brain tumor, making her the second Power Rangers star to die, after Yellow Ranger actor Thuy Trang's fatal car accident in 2001.

Richard Genelle Passed Away After Suffering A Heart Attack

https://imgix.ranker.com/user_node_img/50079/1001578332/original/despite-his-efforts-to-promote-fitness-and-smoothies-at-the-angel-grove-youth-center-richard-genelle-passed-away-after-a-heart-attack-photo-u1?w=650&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&crop=faces
Photo: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Saban
When they weren't kicking butt, the original Power Rangers could be found hanging out at the Angel Grove Youth Center, because that's the type of rad place kids in the early '90s were all about. Richard Genelle played Ernie, the center's owner, who was often found gently helping his customers with their problems or offering kindly advice.

Although his character's job responsibilities involved fitness and fruity drinks, Genelle was not a healthy guy. After four years on the show, he left to work on himself, at which point his character was said to have moved to South America to volunteer as an emergency relief worker.

In real life, Genelle quit smoking and made an efforts to fight his obesity, which resulted in him losing 40 pounds. Unfortunately, Ernie's helpful, cheery nature wasn't enough to overcome the Power Ranger curse, and in 2008 Genelle passed away at age 47 from a heart attack.

Machiko Soga Lost Her Battle With Pancreatic Cancer

https://imgix.ranker.com/user_node_img/50079/1001578336/original/machiko-soga-who-played-rita-repulsa-battled-the-rangers-as-well-as-pancreatic-cancer-and-lost-photo-u1?w=650&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&crop=faces
Photo: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Saban
The Power Rangers curse isn't limited to its heroes; unfortunately, the actress who played Rita Repulsa was affected by it as well. Machiko Soga took a lot of voice-over and radio work in Japan before joining the Super Sentai series (which served as the inspiration for Power Rangers, the American adaptation of the Japanese hit). Soga played five different parts throughout the series, and became Rita when the American creators re-used footage of her from the Japanese series. Soga revealed in 2005 that she had been battling pancreatic cancer for two years, and a friend found her dead in her home a year later. At the time of her passing, she was 68 years old.

A Heart Attack Ended The Life Of The Actor Who Voiced Zordon

https://imgix.ranker.com/user_node_img/50079/1001578335/original/although-zordon-was-basically-a-head-in-a-tube-a-heart-attack-took-the-life-of-the-actor-who-provided-his-voice-photo-u1?w=650&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&crop=facesow
Photo: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Saban
Even Zordon, the all-powerful floating head that created the Power Rangers, wasn't immune to the franchise's curse. From the start of the show until 1998, Robert L. Manahan provided the voice for Zordon. In addition to his voice work, Manahan had a pretty solid career as a sound artist throughout the 1990s, and also worked on other popular shows such as Martin, Sweet Valley High, and Beakman's World. Two years after leaving Power Rangers, a heart aneurysm took Manahan's life at the tender age of 43.

Martial Arts Legend Richard Rabago Died Unexpectedly At Age 68
https://imgix.ranker.com/user_node_img/50079/1001578354/original/martial-arts-legend-richard-rabago-played-master-lee-in-only-one-power-rangers-episode-but-died-unexpectedly-at-age-68-photo-u1?w=650&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&crop=faces
Photo: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Saban
Richard Rabago is legendary in the world of martial arts. Although he only appeared in a single episode of Power Rangers, he still fell victim to the franchise's infamous curse. Born in Hawaii, Rabago spent his youth studying a wide array of martial arts, and went on to open his own dojo in California.

In addition to his passion for physical training, Rabago was also deeply interested in acting. Initially, he landed roles in VR Troopers and Big Trouble in Little China, which led to him being cast as Master Lee in an episode of Power Rangers. Apparently, one episode is all the curse requires, as Rabago passed away at age 68 in 2012. As is the case with several other victims of the curse, no cause of death has been made public.

continued next post

GeneChing

03-09-2018, 09:42 AM

Maurice Mendoza Died From Unknown Causes

https://imgix.ranker.com/user_node_img/50079/1001578389/original/maurice-mendoza-played-a-love-interest-who-disappeared-from-the-show-and-in-real-life-died-from-unknown-causes-photo-u1?w=650&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&crop=faces
Photo: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Saban
Several of the deaths surrounding the Power Rangers franchise have been from unknown causes, which further suggests the existence of a curse. One such actor was Maurice Mendoza, who played Richie during the second season of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

Initially, Richie's character was supposed to become Trini Kwan's love interest, but the idea was scrapped when Mendoza abruptly left the show in 1994. Apparently, the actor was interested in changing careers, as his run on Power Rangers marked the last time he ever appeared on TV. When Mendoza mysteriously passed away in 2013, he was 39 years old.

Alissa Ann Smego Committed Suicide At 38

https://imgix.ranker.com/user_node_img/50079/1001578390/original/alissa-ann-smego-who-played-shawna-in-a-season-two-episode-committed-suicide-when-she-was-only-38-photo-u1?w=650&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&crop=faces
Photo: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Saban
Alissa Ann Smego lived a varied life after her one-time appearance on Power Rangers in 1994. In the season two episode "Forever Friends," Smego plays Shawna, a friend of the Rangers who drops in prior to a gymnastics competition. After landing several more small parts on other '90s television shows like Boy Meets World, Smego became a reporter, hosted her own cooking show, and taught yoga. Unfortunately, after struggling with mental illness for years, she committed suicide in 2013 at age 38.

Edward Laurence Albert Passed Away At Age 55 After Developing Lung Cancer

https://imgix.ranker.com/user_node_img/50079/1001578387/original/mr-collins-actor-edward-laurence-albert-passed-away-at-age-55-after-developing-lung-cancer-photo-u1?w=650&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&crop=faces
Photo: Power Rangers: Time Force/Saban
Edward Laurence Albert is better known for his work outside of Power Rangers, but he nonetheless held the central role of Mr. Collins on Power Rangers: Time Force. Still, it's a little surprising to see him play Red Ranger's grouchy father, considering his family's pedigree of success (his godfather is Laurence Olivier, and his father is Eddie Albert).

Regardless of how goofy the part was, Albert acted the heck out of it, only to be done in by the alleged Power Rangers curse. In 2006, Albert was busy caring for his own father — who was suffering from Alzheimer's — when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He passed away at age 55, not too long after doctors made the discovery.

Skylar Deleon Was Sentenced To Death For Murder

https://imgix.ranker.com/user_node_img/50079/1001578350/original/an-actor-who-appeared-in-an-episode-at-age-14-was-later-sentenced-to-death-for-murdering-three-people-photo-u1?w=650&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&crop=faces
Photo: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Saban
Skylar Deleon began life as the child of a convicted drug dealer, and things didn't get much better from there. As a child actor, Deleon starred in a few commercials before landing a one-time role on Power Rangers when she was 14 (her role was so menial that she didn't even receive a credit at the end of the episode).

Although her acting career continued into adulthood, she never experienced success, as she had extreme difficulty memorizing lines. A lack of funds drove Deleon to a life of crime, which led to her arrest in 2004. Authorities took notice of Deleon after she was spotted driving the car of a couple who had recently gone missing. It soon became apparent that Deleon had murdered the couple, at which point she was swiftly taken into custody. In 2008, Deleon was convicted of murder and sentenced to the death penalty.

Jack Banning Died Of Pneumonia

https://imgix.ranker.com/user_node_img/50079/1001578392/original/jack-banning-caught-pneumonia-years-after-playing-professor-phenomenus-and-died-photo-u1?w=650&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&crop=faces
Photo: Power Rangers: In Space/Saban
Although Jack Banning received a part in a Broadway play when he was younger, he decided to delay his acting career until his 50s so that he could help raise his children. After many minor film and stage roles, Banning joined the Power Rangers franchise as Professor Phenomenus, and appeared in Power Rangers: In Space and Power Rangers: Lost Galaxy.

In addition to helping the Rangers, Banning mentored young actors and taught acting classes on the side. Shortly after a 2005 stage performance of Of Mice and Men — which many consider his best work — Banning came down with pneumonia, and passed away from related complications at age 73.

Voice Actor Bob Papenbrook Died From A Lung Condition

https://imgix.ranker.com/user_node_img/50079/1001578388/original/voice-actor-bob-papenbrook-who-spoke-for-rito-revolto-among-others-died-from-a-lung-condition-photo-u1?w=650&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&crop=faces
Photo: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Saban
Bob Papenbrook was a respected voice actor for many years, and lent his gruff-toned voice to all kinds of characters. Although he assisted in the production of many animated series, Papenbrook was also well known for his voice work in live-action productions. He provided voices for several Power Rangers characters, including Rito Revolto in two different series, Deviot in Power Rangers: Lost Galaxy, and various monsters throughout the franchise's universe. In a tragedy that can possibly be traced back to the Power Rangers curse, a 50-year-old Papenbrook was pronounced dead from a chronic lung condition in 2006.

I'm not sure the one-time roles really count, but daaaaaaaang. :eek:

GeneChing

05-13-2019, 08:29 AM

Pua Magasiva, 'Power Rangers' actor, dies aged 38 (https://www.clickorlando.com/entertainment/pua-magasiva-power-rangers-actor-dies-aged-38)
Cause of death was not revealed by authorities
By Rob Picheta, CNN
Posted: 11:46 PM, May 11, 2019
Updated: 11:46 PM, May 11, 2019

https://bobcat.grahamdigital.com/image/upload/view?width=1280&height=720&method=crop&url=https://sharedmedia.grahamdigital.com/photo/2019/05/11/882586286_1557631844343_21842500_ver1.0.jpg
Phil Walter/Getty Images
Pua Magasiva is seen with his wife Lizz Sadler in this 2017 photo.

(CNN) - New Zealand actor Pua Magasiva, best known for his role in "Power Rangers" and as a long-running star of the country's soap opera "Shortland Street," has died aged 38, his production company confirmed.

Magasiva played the Shane Clarke, the Red Wind Ranger, in "Power Rangers Ninja Storm" -- the 11th television installment of the popular superhero franchise.

Police were called to an address in Wellington on Saturday morning (local time) and found his body, according to media reports in the country. Cause of death has not been revealed.

The Samoan-born actor had also starred as nurse Vinnie Kruse in hundreds of episodes of "Shortland Street," one of New Zealand's most popular soaps.

He began the role in 2003, at the height of his fame, and has starred in the show since his return in 2012.

"We are all absolutely devastated at the tragic news regarding Pua Magasiva," the soap's production company wrote on social media Saturday.

"Pua was a much loved member of the South Pacific Pictures' family for many years and our hearts and thoughts go out to Pua's family at this time," they added.

Magasiva had made some of his earliest appearances on the same show years before, with minor parts in the early 1990s. He also had parts in TV programs "Outrageous Fortune" and "Diplomatic Immunity" during his lengthy career.

His "Power Rangers" co-star Jason Chan added on Facebook: "Incredibly sad to hear that one of our ranger family is gone. It will never be the same again. PUA you will be so dearly missed. You were the center of energy on set and off. Always laughing, giggling and involved in practical jokes."

Magasiva married teacher Lizz Sadler last year.

38 - so young. Wonder what the circumstances were...:confused:

GeneChing

07-22-2019, 10:51 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3GzG77QWQk

GeneChing

08-23-2019, 07:58 AM

Man, you come right out of a comic book. READ The Kung Fu of Comic Cons 2019 – Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019 (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=1505)by Gene Ching and Patrick Lugo

http://www.kungfumagazine.com/admin/site_images/KungfuMagazine/upload/5908_201936SVCC08.jpg

THREADS
Comic Cons (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?70242-Comic-Cons)
Mighty Morphin Power Ranger news (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?38034)
The Next Wave of Kung Fu Comics... (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?41720)

GeneChing

08-29-2019, 08:05 AM

https://n7jmr7muhj-flywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/National-Power-Rangers-Day-August-28-2.jpg

NATIONAL POWER RANGERS DAY (https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-power-rangers-day-august-28/)

On August 28, It’s Morphin’ Time! National Power Rangers Day officially recognizes the original “teenagers with attitude” and celebrates all things Power Rangers!

In 1993, five ordinary teenagers exploded on the pop-culture scene with the launch of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Together they broke down barriers. They defeated evil by demonstrating teamwork, inclusivity, and diversity to people of all ages. Today, this grand tradition continues as new Ranger teams and new generations of fans discover these essential values over and over again.

On National Power Rangers Day everyone gets to be a Power Ranger! What are your Ranger skills and abilities? Do you have super strength or enhanced memory? Maybe your talent hasn’t been discovered yet. That’s ok! Nor does it matter where you live or who you are. With discipline, mindfulness, and heart, anyone can become a Power Ranger. Ultimately, the goal is calling your friends, color coordinating and celebrating National Power Rangers Day!

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPowerRangersDay

Whether you are a red, yellow, pink, black, blue, green or (favorite color here) Power Ranger, on August 28th, it’s Morphin’ Time! Celebrate your passion for the Power Rangers. Wear your gear on social media and share your memories.

Be sure to use #NationalPowerRangersDay to get in on the fun.

NATIONAL POWER RANGERS DAY HISTORY

https://n7jmr7muhj-flywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/PR_LOGO-1024x239.png

Hasbro established National Power Rangers Day on August 28, 2018, to help celebrate the Power Rangers 25th anniversary!

Celebrating the Anniversary

Throughout its history, Power Rangers pioneered diversity, inclusivity, and teamwork exemplifying these values through every episode. When the show premiered in 1993, it featured a cast diverse beyond compare. Since then, the show has continued to lead the way proving that all are equal and anyone can be super. In fact, the recent 2017 feature film included one of the first Rangers/superheroes on the Autism spectrum!

Although it began as a children’s show, Power Rangers’ influence is multi-generational with nostalgia at an all-time high. Whether it’s kids discovering the SupeNinjaua Steel for the first time or adults who have been fans for decades, the brand’s positive messages and main characters resonate with people around the world because everyone can see themselves in these inspiring teenage heroes.

The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Power Rangers Day to be observed annually on August 28.

About Power Rangers

One of the most recognizable franchises in the world with one of the most popular taglines in history, “It’s Morphin Time!” Haim Saban created Power Rangers. The TV series “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (MMPR) launched on August 28, 1993. Power Rangers quickly became the #1 kids action brand and a global phenomenon. With its current 25th season, “Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel,” the show is now the second longest-running non-soap opera scripted program on American TV after “The Simpsons.” There are over 830+ episodes in its library. Currently, Power Rangers is seen in more than 150 markets around the world, translated into numerous languages, and a favorite on many indispensable children’s programming blocks around the world. Go Go Power Rangers on 8.28!

Shoot, I'm sorry I missed this yesterday. And after we just covered the Power Rangers in our The Kung Fu of Comic Cons 2019 – Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019 (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=1505) report. :o

http://www.kungfumagazine.com/admin/site_images/KungfuMagazine/upload/7337_201936SVCC02.jpg

Alas, maybe next year we'll celebrate...;)

GeneChing

01-14-2020, 09:53 AM

JAN 09 2020
Shozo Uehara, writer of Ultraman and Japanese Spider-Man, passes away (http://www.j1studios.com/?p=26225)
By BrianM in Television

http://www.j1studios.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/shozo_uehara.jpg

Super Sentai fans, there is sad news coming from Japan. Legendary tokusatsu writer Shozo Uehara has passed away due to complications with liver cancer. He was 82.

Uehara is best remembered as the main writer for Ultraman and one of the original writers on Ultra Q, the series that preceded Ultraman. He was later contracted by Toei Productions and created his first Super Sentai series, Himitsu Sentai Goranger (known as Five Rangers in the West).

Shozo Uehara was born in Okinawa, Naha, an island in the far south of Japan on February 6, 1932. His family survived World War II after fleeing a Japanese occupied Taiwan in 1944. They returned home only to find it had been destroyed in air raids and drifted in the seas for two weeks before reaching the Kagoshima Prefecture. Uehara’s family would eventually return to Naha, Japan in 1946.

Uehara joined Tsuburaya Productions after graduating from Chuo University after his work was discovered by the company heads who read his writings about the war in Okinawan dramas. He would make his debut as lead writer for Ultra Q in the series’ 21st episode. From that point, he worked as lead writer for the fourth Ultraman series, The Return of Ultraman. Uehara joined Toei Productions in 1973 and created the Super Sentai series “Himitsu Sentai Goranger“, which likely served as inspiration for Saban’s Power Rangers franchise. He also led the writing team for the tokusatsu Spider-Man series (which is rumored to be featured in the second Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse film). He has also worked in several anime series including Dororon Enma-kun, Fist of the North Star, and Space Pirate Captain Harlock.

Shozo Uehara passed away January 2 and his death was made public after private services were held by his family. Uehara’s inspiration lives on in Saban’s Power Rangers franchise and Netflix’s Ultraman series.

Himitsu Sentai Goranger opening

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbuEg2v9Arg continued next post

GeneChing

01-14-2020, 09:54 AM

Tokusatsu Spider-Man opening theme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1PePr8hAsc

continued next post

GeneChing

01-14-2020, 09:54 AM

Ultraman 1966 opening

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I75PmJQVxc8

Sources: Yahoo! Japan

THREADS
Tokusatsu (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53001-Tokusatsu)
Ultraman (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?71094-Ultraman)
Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?71576-Spider-man-Into-the-Spider-verse)
Mighty Morphin Power Ranger news (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?38034-Mighty-Morphin-Power-Ranger-news)

GeneChing

10-28-2020, 08:22 AM

It'll be a long time until PW can challenge the MCU.

THE POWER RANGERS JUST BECAME MARVEL'S NEXT BIG RIVAL (https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/power-rangers-marvel-jonathan-entwistle)
The nearly 30-year-old franchise has finally become something it never was before: Original.

John Lamparski/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
ERIC FRANCISCO
3 HOURS AGO
UNLESS YOU'RE ALREADY A FAN, you likely haven't thought about the Power Rangers in years. The 2017 reboot movie — with Elizabeth Banks as evil sorceress Rita Repulsa — came and went, leaving pop culture to move on to the next Marvel movie. The TV show is still airing, but unless you're still watching Nickelodeon on Saturday mornings, Power Rangers is simply not on your radar.

But last week, the franchise's future changed in a really remarkable way.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Jonathan Entwistle, creator and director of The End of the F***ing World and the Netflix series I Am Not Okay With This, has been promoted from directing the next Power Rangers movie to becoming the franchise's answer to Marvel Studios mastermind Kevin Feige. Entwistle has creative reign over the Power Rangers universe, one that will include A NEW TV SERIES AND MOVIE. Because it's 2020, everything will inhabit a shared universe. Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner also confirmed in a recent earnings call there will be separate Power Rangers content for adults and kids.

“This is an unbelievable opportunity to deliver new Power Rangers to both new and existing generations of awaiting and adoring fans," Entwistle said. "We’ll bring the spirit of analog into the future, harnessing the action and storytelling that made this brand a success."

What's most interesting of all is how the Power Rangers are proceeding creatively. Beyond aging up a superhero show approaching 30 years old, Power Rangers is now seemingly (though not confirmed) divorced from Super Sentai, the Japanese show it recycles material from. THIS IS A BIG DEAL.

However much the Power Rangers move on from their Japanese roots, the new arrangement implies Hasbro, current owners of the Power Rangers, are investing into the franchise in a way previous owners like Saban and Disney did not. This could eventually put Power Rangers in a position to compete with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

https://imgix.bustle.com/uploads/getty/2020/10/27/d429a9ea-ff1e-4092-a9a4-9a651ac41587-getty-656679992.jpg?w=710&h=520.9045226130653&auto=format%2Ccompress&cs=srgb&q=70&fit=max&crop=faces&dpr=2
Haim Saban (center), with the cast of the 1993 series 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers' at the premiere of 2017's 'Power Rangers.'Todd Williamson/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

HOW THIS HAPPENED
Back in 2018, Hasbro purchased the Power Rangers toy rights from Bandai, and has applied the same strategy to the franchise that it uses for Star Wars and Marvel. There are separate product lines for adult collectors and younger kids. When it happened, Saban Brands, owned by billionaire Haim Saban, was to continue producing Power Rangers media, including the TV show, video games, the very good comic books from BOOM! Studios, and whatever else they were cooking up.

That all changed just months later. In May 2018, Hasbro became became the owners of the entire franchise, and took on the responsibility of producing more Power Rangers TV episodes. Hasbro's production company Allspark is behind the current iteration of the TV show, titled Power Rangers Beast Morphers, and the company will presumably make the next Power Rangers movie, whenever that happens.

Hasbro and its entertainment subsidiary eOne see Power Rangers as a big intellectual property to weaponize, with 25-plus years of content to draw from and a built-in audience. When Hasbro acquired the Power Rangers for $522 million, it was a sweet deal. (It was even sweeter for Saban, who bought it from Disney in 2010 for less than $100 million.)

https://imgix.bustle.com/uploads/getty/2020/10/27/abd9baf2-db58-40d2-bb8b-33feca821d21-getty-1027906644.jpg?w=710&h=646.8629065459037&auto=format%2Ccompress&cs=srgb&q=70&fit=max&crop=faces&dpr=2
At Power Morphicon 2018, the cast of 'Power Rangers Beast Morphers' were introduced in front of fans and welcomed by their predecessors, the cast of 'Power Rangers Ninja Steel.' 'Beast Morphers' is the first series to be produced by Hasbro.Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

WHY THIS MATTERS
For the first time ever, an entity with deep pockets is TAKING POWER RANGERS SERIOUSLY. And it isn't for a one-off reboot movie, either. This is the kind of active, long-term investment that neither Saban nor Disney ever bothered with.

In the Hollywood Reporter story, you'll find no mention of Super Sentai, the Japanese TV show from which Power Rangers recycles major elements — costumes, monsters, giant robots, entire fight scenes, and sometimes storylines. This is how, and why, Power Rangers is a "cheap" show. Producing Power Rangers is antithetical to making television in that an entire part of the show is already done and the the rest is reverse-engineering a new story out of existing material.

The lack of mention of Super Sentai in THR supports earlier scooping by The Illuminerd, which reported back in July 2020 that Hasbro was looking to sever ties with Japanese studio Toei. This means Hasbro may create A COMPLETELY ORIGINAL Power Rangers EXCLUSIVELY FOR WESTERN AUDIENCES.

Next year, Power Rangers Dino Fury will run as the series has before, using elements from a Super Sentai series, 2019's Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger. But after that, audiences may be in for something they've truly never seen before. And it might be because of Entwistle himself.

https://imgix.bustle.com/uploads/getty/2020/10/27/58a12d4c-9e45-41c3-8e68-81aff94da897-getty-1208734585.jpg?w=710&h=473.3333333333333&auto=format%2Ccompress&cs=srgb&q=70&fit=max&crop=faces&dpr=2
Jonathan Entwistle, director of the Netflix series 'I Am Not Okay With This,' is currently the lead creative on the Power Rangers franchise.Charley Gallay/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

WHO IS JONATHAN ENTWISTLE?
Entwistle has an established and proven YA voice. He produced and directedThe End of the F***ing World, a dark comedy about a teen sociopath on a road trip, as well as the recent Netflix series I Am Not Okay With This, where Sophia Lillis plays a restless teen with telekinetic superpowers.

In both, Entwistle takes an ironic approach to bored teenagers experiencing a seismic shift in their lives. That both is and isn't quite Power Rangers. On the surface, a relatable version of Power Rangers would be that they're living a humdrum existence until a giant monster stomps their town. But Power Rangers has tended to work best with genuine sincerity.

Nothing in Power Rangers clicks when the teenagers crack wise about the kaiju that just leveled their high school, but when there's authentic stakes as the teen heroes jump into mechanical dinosaurs. That's actually what many critics, like David Sims at The Atlantic, liked about the reboot movie. "Every line of dialogue ranges between clumsily heartfelt and nakedly absurd," Sims wrote. Vox too published a positive review in a headline that read Power Rangers "is magical when it stops trying to be cool."

In 2018, Joshua Rivera wrote the definitive take on Power Rangers as a whole for GQ:

At its best, Power Rangers could be sweeping, mythic and large, full of stories of sacrifice and loss—but also while never leaving behind the kids that watched it. Maybe you couldn't morph or pilot a giant robot dinosaur—that was okay. As long as you were good to people around you, you stood up to bullies, you helped people who needed it, stuck up for those who couldn't stick up for themselves, you could be a Power Ranger too. At its worst, it still sold toys.
Entwistle has kept quiet about his plans for Power Rangers. Thus far, he's only shared on Twitter report on the ongoing process, adding that he intends to tell "one big Rangers story across Movies and TV." He has also changed his header image to the Green Ranger. But the specifics on how Entwistle will tell his story are as mysterious as the Rangers' next adventure.

GeneChing

12-09-2021, 10:45 AM

Original Pink Ranger Writing a Power Rangers Comic (https://www.denofgeek.com/comics/original-pink-ranger-writing-a-power-rangers-comic/)
Amy Jo Johnson is currently writing a comic that will reunite the original Power Rangers!

By Shamus Kelley
|
December 6, 2021
|
https://www.denofgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Power-Rangers-Comic-Kimberly-Amy-Jo-Johnson.jpg?resize=768%2C432
Photo: Hasbro | Boom Studios
Since the Boom Power Rangers line of comics began it’s largely focused on the original Mighty Morphin team of characters. Now it appears that focus is about to go to the next level. Speaking at Emerald City Comic Con this past weekend, original Pink Ranger Amy Jo Johnson (who just directed an episode of Superman & Lois) let slip that she’s working on a comic for the line!
Johnson stated that “I wrote a comic book with my boyfriend and Boom is quite excited about it. We’re sort of in the process of getting it made.” Johnson describes the comic as taking place in the present day of the Power Rangers world, with the original Rangers now in their mid 40s. “A ‘where are they now?’ kind of thing – like a Power Rangers family reunion.”
This isn’t the first time Johnson has worked with Boom, having previously written the foreword for their Power Rangers Pink mini-series, which focused on her character of Kimberly. Johnson says that she’s never written a comic book but her boyfriend is obsessed with them so he’s the one “putting pen to paper” while she and him came up with the story together.
Though Johnson didn’t elaborate how far along in the process the comic is or if any art had been completed, she said she hopes its release coincides with the show’s 30th anniversary in 2023. She also thinks it would be a great idea, “if every one of the original Rangers did their own comic book. Like did their own version of ‘where are they now?’ from that person’s perspective.”
This isn’t the first time Boom has worked with a former Mighty Morphin cast member. Original Green Ranger Jason David Frank was a “Special Consultant” on the original graphic novel Power Rangers: Soul of the Dragon. Johnson however seems to be more involved in the creation of this comic and is taking the story in a different direction than either Soul of the Dragon or the main continuity of the comics.
Most of the Power Rangers comics ostensibly take place in the same continuity of the TV series though transplanted to modern day. If Johnson’s comic follows the Rangers in their mid 40s in present day it would most likely mean the story would be set in its own continuity and not follow the storyline of the comics. This would free her up to tell a more personal story instead of having to worry about whether her plot would conflict with the long running arc’s of the main comic.
We can’t wait to see what Johnson does with the comic, not only because of the unique perspective she’d bring to it as an original cast member, but also because she’s recently written and directed several short films. Stay tuned for more information as it’s released!
Thanks to @johnathancustis on Instagram for alerting us to the story.

Written by
Shamus Kelley | @riderjetfire
For more from Shamus including original TV scripts and podcasts visit www.ShamusKelley.com. He’s been a TV writer since 2009 when he created and executive produced the…
READ MORE FROM SHAMUS KELLEY

threads
Mighty-Morphin-Power-Ranger-news/ (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?38034-Mighty-Morphin-Power-Ranger-news/)
Comics (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?31388-Comics)

GeneChing

05-21-2022, 09:17 AM

Red Power Ranger actor Austin St. John arrested for COVID wire fraud (https://ew.com/tv/red-power-ranger-austin-st-john-arrested-for-covid-wire-fraud-conspiracy/)
Eighteen individuals, including St. John, were arrested or summoned on charges of defrauding the government to receive COVID-19 business relief loans.
Nick Romano
By Nick Romano
Updated May 20, 2022 at 05:44 PM EDT

Austin St. John, the actor who played the original Red Ranger in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series of the 1990s, found himself in hot water with the feds this week.

U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston and the Department of Justice announced the arrests of 18 individuals, including St. John, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a press release on Wednesday.

St. John, 47, was picked up by authorities at his home Thursday morning, TMZ reports. A representative for the actor did not immediately respond to EW's request for comment.

One of the defendants, Michael Hill, is alleged to have recruited the other individuals to either use an existing business or to create a business in order to submit applications to obtain funding from the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program, the loan program that was designed to keep businesses afloat during the COVID-19 crisis.

A statement was posted on the actor's Instagram account on Friday afternoon, reading: "Austin St. John is a father, husband, role model and friend to many. The indictment detailed today is populated by a multitude of individuals - the majority of which Austin has no knowledge of, and has never met or interacted with. It is our understanding that Austin put his faith, reputation, and finances in the hands of third parties whose goals were self-centered and ultimately manipulated and betrayed his trust. We expect Austin's legal team to successfully defend against these charges and lead to his ultimate exoneration. We ask that you respect the privacy of Austin's family in light of this serious situation, and thank you for your support."

https://imagesvc.meredithcorp.io/v3/mm/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.onecms.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F6%2F2022%2F05%2F20%2FG ettyImages-468642990.jpg
Austin St. John, who played the original Red Power Ranger, has been arrested for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. | CREDIT: BOBBY BANK/WIREIMAGE
Andrew Moran, another defendant, is alleged to have helped his co-conspirators with fabricating supporting documentation and submitting the application through the government's online portals. After successfully obtaining the funds via false information, instead of using the loans as intended, the defendants allegedly spent the money on personal purchases.

The 18 conspirators are alleged to have received 16 loans and at least $3.5 million in total. If convicted, they each face 20 years in federal prison.

St. John, born Jason Lawrence Geiger, starred as Jason Lee Scott, the Red Ranger, on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, which premiered in 1993. He returned to the growing franchise over the years as his character transitioned to becoming the Gold Ranger.

The actor also appeared in Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie, the 1997 film that launched the Power Rangers Turbo television series. He also had cameos on some of the other Rangers shows over the years.

St. John regularly turns up for fan conventions and events for signings and photos.

This isn't the first time an actor from the Rangers-verse has faced legal troubles. Ricardo Medina Jr., who played the Red Ranger on Power Rangers Wild Force, was sentenced in 2017 for fatally stabbing his roommate with a sword. Before that, Skylar Deleon, who had a non-speaking role as a child actor on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, was convicted in 2008 of three counts of first-degree murder.
Fraudsters who capitalize on the pandemic are especially despicable.

GeneChing

11-20-2022, 11:06 AM

'POWER RANGERS' JASON DAVID FRANK DEAD BY SUICIDE AT 49 (https://www.tmz.com/2022/11/20/power-rangers-jason-david-frank-dead-dies-tommy-oliver-green-white/)

EXCLUSIVE
87.2K
11/20/2022 8:57 AM PT

https://imagez.tmz.com/image/9f/4by3/2022/11/20/9fb0f6b437ce443eaccf100171675a11_md.jpg
Everett Collection

Jason David Frank -- one of the original "Power Rangers" -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

Jason died in Texas, according to his rep Justine Hunt.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us his death was the result of suicide.

JDF is best known as Tommy Oliver from the original run of the "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" franchise, dating back to the kids series' debut in 1993 ... when he was introduced as one of six crime/monster-fighting superheroes, masked head to toe with kung-fu skills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxNiFMjobbo&feature=emb_imp_woyt

Fans will remember ... he started out as the Green Ranger in Season 1, introduced at first as an enemy of the Power Rangers -- only to do a 180 and become good. After his powers start to deteriorate, however, he's turned into the White Ranger ... and tapped as the new leader of the group. Frank starred as one of the leads for 3 seasons, totaling 123 episodes.

Frank went on to reprise his role as Tommy in several adaptions of 'Power Rangers' -- including 'Wild Force,' 'Turbo,' 'Zeo,' 'Dino Thunder,' 'Megaforce,' 'Ninja Steel,' 'HyperForce,' and more. He's been a Red Ranger, a Black Ranger and a Green Ranger anew. JDF is a fan favorite Power Ranger ... which is why he's returned to the franchise time and again.

His onscreen fighting abilities translated into the real world ... Frank was a professionally trained MMA brawler, who was well-versed in everything from Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and others. He fought professionally for a time from 2008 to 2010.

He's survived by his four children.

Jason's rep Justine tells TMZ ... "Please respect the privacy of his family and friends during this horrible time as we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being. He loved his family, friends and fans very much. He will truly be missed."

Frank was 49.

RIP

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

RIP Jason David Frank (Green & White Power Ranger) (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?72415-RIP-Jason-David-Frank-(Green-amp-White-Power-Ranger))
Mighty-Morphin-Power-Ranger-news (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?38034-Mighty-Morphin-Power-Ranger-news)