Original ‘Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers’ cast reunite for new Netflix special
By Ryan General
The original “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers” cast members are reuniting for the franchise’s 30th anniversary via a Netflix special.
“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always” is being billed as a celebration of the beloved franchise, which became a pop culture phenomenon in the ‘90s.
The scripted special stars Walter Emanuel Jones (the original Black Ranger, Zack), David Yost (the original Blue Ranger, Billy), Catherine Sutherland (the second Pink Ranger, Kat), Steve Cardenas (the second Red Ranger, Rocky), Karan Ashley (the second Yellow Ranger, Aisha) and Johnny Yong Bosch (the second Black Ranger, Adam).
Additionally, actor Charlie Kersh is set to join the special as Minh, daughter of the original Yellow Ranger Trini, played by the late Thuy Trang, according to Entertainment Weekly. Trang died in 2001 at age 27 after being involved in a car accident.
In Entertainment Weekly’s celebration of the original show’s 25th anniversary in 2018, the original cast members expressed grief over Trang’s untimely death.
“We were really good friends,” Jones was quoted as saying. “It hurt my heart to lose her. She was way too young and had so much more to share with the world. I remember how sweet Thuy was to people. She especially had a way with kids. Her energy drew you in, and her smile made your heart feel safe.”
“I’ll always remember her spunky, strong personality,” said original Pink Ranger actor Amy Jo Johnson. “She was such a bright light. It’s hard to believe she’s gone.”
Original Green Ranger Tommy actor Jason David Frank, who died by suicide in 2022 at age 49, said he was randomly paired with Trang during auditions.
“I remember Thuy was always getting hurt on set,” Frank recalled. “She put her all into the scenes, so sometimes things happen. I especially remember her having to be carried around a lot due to getting hurt. She was always so positive and gave her all. I’ll always remember that about her.”
It was not revealed if the show will include a tribute to Trang and Frank.
The special will feature the Rangers in a new adventure as they face “a familiar threat from the past. In the midst of a global crisis, they are called on once again to be the heroes the world needs.”
“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always“ aims to remind fans that “when you become a Ranger, you are always a part of the Ranger family and always welcome.”
Barbara Goodson and Richard Horvitz both return as the voices of Rita Repulsa and Alpha 5, respectively.
“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always” is set to premiere on Netflix worldwide on April 19.
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