Power Rangers Feature First Big Screen Gay Superhero, Initial Review Roundup

Lionsgate Films’ big screen reboot of the “Power Rangers” franchise will become the first superhero film to feature an openly gay protagonist. This revelation of an LGBT character in the “Power Rangers” movie may be perceived as a bold yet progressive step for the overly-crowded superhero genre with TV shows like “Supergirl,” “Legends of Tomorrow,” and “Arrow” containing said themes.

Power Rangers To Have First Gay Superhero

In a report by THR, Director Dean Israelite told the site that Trini (Yellow Ranger played by Becky G) will go through ‘girlfriend problems’ in a scene that’s been described as ‘pivotal’ to the movie’s final act.

“For Trini, really she’s questioning a lot about who she is. She hasn’t fully figured it out yet. I think what’s great about that scene and what that scene propels for the rest of the movie is, ‘That’s OK.’ The movie is saying, ‘That’s OK,’ and all of the kids have to own who they are and find their tribe.” Israelite said.

LGBT representation is a growing and important issue in today’s mainstream media, particularly in the superhero genre. The fact that “Power Rangers”, an origin film that leans towards a younger demographic, includes a gay character (not to mention a superhero) in a way that isn’t forced upon the audience ought to be commended.

Power Rangers Initial Reviews

The news follows a bunch of initial mixed reviews for Lionsgate’s reboot film. Read the spoiler-free excerpts of the reviews below:

“The new version tries to get all ironic and designer-techie and “ambitious” about rebooting the “Power Rangers” concept. Yet it’s all franchise window dressing. It can’t disguise the reality that the characters in “Power Rangers” have all the depth and idiosyncrasy of walking talking robo-teen action figures.” (Variety)

“It’s a testament to these five actors and their collective charisma that they not only breathe real life into underwritten, cookie-cutter characters but also wind up being more interesting as regular teens then they are as color-coded superheroes. Yes, this is silly stuff, although the movie manages to play most of it with a straight face.” (The Wrap)

“For longtime fans, the newest installment preserves some of the most beloved characteristics of the original franchise, updated to reflect technological advances. Whether they’re dealing with bullying, alienation or peer pressure, these teens are more three-dimensional than their Ranger predecessors, but eventually, this repetitive effort to emphasize their relatability becomes so heavy-handed as to appear transparently manipulative.” (THR)

“A teen group therapy session disguised as a superhero movie, Power Rangers is numbingly predictable and cynically made, recycling myriad blockbuster tropes but draining their adolescent pleasures in the process.” (Screen Daily)

It looks like the film’s reviews are generally positive so far, but the question here is, will these mixed positive reviews translate to a positive box office return? A sequel for the film is already being talked about, but we’ll only get to know once the film is finally out and about.

“Power Rangers” hits theaters on March 24. Watch the 2nd official trailer below: